A guide to buying an outdoor shade

One way to extend the space of a home or just enjoy cooling off outside the home is to put up an outdoor shade in the form of an umbrella, an awning, a canopy, or window shades. Find out which type suits your needs and what to consider when buying one.

Outdoor shade

Summer is a great time for people to go outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. While children run around and play, adults may just want to lounge and read or maybe, enjoy an outdoor picnic in the backyard. However, the midday sun can be stifling and having an outdoor shade is essential to avoid sunburn or a heat stroke. Temporary or permanent shade Outdoor shade can be provided by a magnificent oak tree in the backyard, but not all people have one, or care to have a tree that sheds or grows too fast. Another alternative would be to set up a temporary or permanent shade that can protect the family from the garden sun or even the rain.

Types of outdoor shades

Umbrellas One can use simple, large umbrellas called shade or solar umbrellas which are erected near tables. Side-arm umbrellas, also known as off-set umbrellas extend from nearby chairs. Umbrellas are the simplest kinds of shade where one does not need to make structural changes to the house in order to fasten the shading. Awnings Garden awnings are retractable aluminum or plastic frameworks supporting a fabric that can be installed over windows or doors. Sun awnings provide a small extension of the house from an opening like a door or window to provide shade to those near the opening. Outdoor awnings must be kept clean to prevent the possibility of mold or fungal growth. Awning material can be woven fabrics or polyesters, and both require regular cleaning. Canopies Canopies are large tent-like frames that are set up on the ground and covered by fabric in contrast to awnings which are supported by a frame attached to another structure like a window or door frame of the house. Patio canopies are partly attached to a house, yet have two poles (wood or steel) that support the rest of the structure. For a wider shade, use outdoor canopies that will give you 100% UV protection and are also water-resistant. Look for models with steel frames that are rust-resistant. Make sure that the top of the canopy is vented so that the hottest air will go out leaving cooler air behind. You also need these vents to prevent the wind from blowing it over your yard. Securely fasten down the sides of the canopy with weights to make sure that it stays in place. Reference Outdoorshades.org and Galttech.com