subject: Patio Shades For Summer Enjoyment [print this page] There are all types of patio shades, from simple 'sails' or squares of material to elaborate retractable awnings. The use of shades can turn a square of concrete hot enough to fry eggs into a cool place to sit, a spot for a toddler swimming pool or play area, or an outdoor dining area.
A patio shade can be a simple umbrella, drop down curtains of plastic fabric or natural fiber like canvas and bamboo, a canopy with a leg at each corner, or an awning extending from the main house. Sails are either squares or rectangles of material that are hooked to the roof or a high beam and held out on two legs at the far end. They are traditional in the Mediterranean area as a way to block the sun and still be usable when it is moderately windy.
Canopy tops made of bright plastic can turn a concrete slab into a shaded area for children to splash in wading pools, for a hammock, or for a picnic table and chairs. Vented umbrellas and canopies will be more stable in wind, as some can escape through the vented top. Drop down curtains will deflect the sun and even be dropped and tied down to keep out rain and wind.
Inexpensive examples of all these sorts of sun blockers come in durable plastics, while higher end models may be made of soft bamboo fabric, traditional in Japan for roll up shades, or heavier canvas or vinyl. Some woven or knitted fabrics, whether made of synthetic fibers or of natural ones, will allow heat to rise through them while blocking almost all of the sun's heat and UV rays.
Not only do patio covers shield people from the harmful rays of the sun and from its heat, they also allow you to linger outdoors if a light and refreshing rain starts to fall. The food does not have to be whisked inside, and people don't have to run for cover. Under trees and shrubbery, the overhead shields serve to keep furniture and people safe from falling leaves and other debris, and from the occasional bird flying over.
Some covers are rolled up when not needed, either by hand, on a mechanical roller worked by a crank, or by a motorized device. In the same way, some simply drop when the restrains are untied and others are unrolled either by hand or by the motor. Awnings can be spread out or retracted by remote control and even activated by a sensor or a timer. Umbrellas also can be raised and lowered by hand or by a crank, and usually must be folded down when the wind rises.
Patio shades are a colorful and inexpensive way to make an outdoor area a perfect retreat at any time of the spring, summer, and fall.
by: Warren M. Robledo
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