HOT TECH FOR A CHALLENGING CLIMATE

Water, Salt, High Humidity, Sunshine, and Outdoor Living Trend Steer Integral Home Technology’s Approach to Tech Integration

- Lisa Montgomery

Geographical location, climate, and topology have a huge influence on the technologies offered and the design and installation techniques employed by systems integrators to deliver the experiences and lifestyles that their target market demands. Well-established and in tune with the Tampa Bay area, where coastal waterfront estates dominate, Integral Home Technology caters to an elite clientele for which outdoor living isn’t just a pastime, it’s a way of life.

Integral’s comprehensive portfolio of carefully curated products and thoughtful installation practices reflect its customers’ need for smart, comfortable, effortless exterior spaces that withstand moisture, heat, intense sunshine, and the occasional serious storm that blows across the peninsula. Integral’s husband and wife team Paul and Melanie Niemerg shared with us some of the key components and strategies that have helped them build a thriving outdoor tech business throughout South Florida.

Storm-Ready Shades

One of the fastest moving products in Integral’s line card are motorized hurricane shades from Progressive Screens. Providing protection from hurricane-strength winds and harsh UV rays, these highly specialized motorized shades are a must-have for the lanais, patios, gazebos, and other outdoor areas that pepper the South Florida coast. Despite being an absolute workhorse, built to withstand Category 5 hurricane winds and UV damage, “you can still see through them to enjoy the scenery,” Paul said. “This unique blend of practical protection and visual appeal makes this particular brand of outdoor shade hard for anyone to pass up.”