When you don’t have trees to shade your home and yard, the California sun can turn your yard into a desert. Even palm trees don’t do much to shelter you or your house from the heat, and it takes years for new trees to grow large enough to make any noticeable difference. There’s a faster way to take back your yard though. Shade structures can serve as surrogates for trees by blocking the direct sunlight and enhancing the look of your yard at the same time.
Shade structure is a broad term which includes canopies and other manmade structures. These may be freestanding structures or extend from a house like an awning. They are typically supported by bars, wires, or pillars and covered with a roof that provides shelter from the sun. There are two main types of coverings used for shade structures. Some employ a modern fabric canopy while others prefer the more conventional steel or wood roof design. Both are readily available.
Ideally, trees and other vegetation help to naturally regulate the temperature of your home. Having a shady yard or overhanging branches helps to shield your house from direct sunlight and keeps it cooler even in the summer. Trees and tall shrubs can also provide shade and act as natural dividers for a yard, but landscaping isn’t always the best option. In addition to the time and labor involved in planting and growing natural shade, frequent droughts can make difficult to cultivate a lush yard. That’s no reason to settle for a sun drenched patio or over heated outdoor space though.
Shading Your Home and Yard
Almost any yard can benefit from an outdoor sitting space that’s been covered with a shade structure. Shade structures give the designated space a homey feeling while providing protection from harsh weather of all sorts. They block harmful UV rays and can also be used to shield your house from hot sunlight.
These shade structures not only make your yard and deck more comfortable, they can help you extend your home. A covered patio or freestanding shade structure create open air spaces. Combined with a nice set of patio furniture, these can transform a yard into a gathering space, so you can welcome guests into your yard like you would the living room. These are great areas for casual conversations or quiet days to yourself, but they’re even better for larger gatherings or outdoor parties.
Shade Structures Save Your Skin
You shouldn’t have to worry about UV rays in your own backyard, and shade structures are becoming increasingly popular ways to shield playgrounds and other outdoor spaces from potentially dangerous doses of ultraviolet light. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) endorses shade structures for their role in preventing skin cancer. Covering your own yard lets you spend as much time enjoying the outdoors as you like without the need for sunscreen or concern.
In addition to blocking UV rays, preventing sunburns, and making the outdoors more comfortable, shade structures can help you maintain a more consistent temperature indoors. By blocking direct sunlight from entering through your windows, shade structures can help keep your home cool on sunny days.
When using a shade structure to shade your home, it’s important to choose one that won’t block the view. Fortunately, shade structures designed with a curve or a steep upward angle at the far end can block overhead sunlight throughout the summer while maximizing the viewing angle.
Covering up in Style
Another important consideration is choosing a style that matches your established décor. The right style of structure can also carry design elements throughout your home and out into the garden, or bring the outdoors in. Arches, triangles, and sharp angles create eye catching centerpieces in your yard. Porch and balcony covers can transform the shape of your home and give it a larger, more dynamic look. With such a wide variety of shade structures on the market, it’s easy to find one with a design that will compliment the exterior of your home and accentuate your yard or garden.