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7/30/2010 - We give the break-down for some common types of patio shades and why they are good for certain patios, although the list is by no means comprehensive.

Introduction to Outdoor Shades

Outdoor shades (also known as sun shades) are an overlooked but important part of home exterior layout, as it generates extra space near the home which can be used for recreational and other activities.

For example, well-placed umbrellas in the backyard near a pool acts as outdoor patio shades from skin-harming solar radiation. For porch shades in the front of the house, an awning or a set of solar shades allows the homeowner to enjoy that space for relaxation. If there is sufficiently large space around the house, a permanent family-sized canopy provides shelter from both sun and rain for outdoor activities like picnics. The are approximately 5 basic types of outdoor shades.

Solar or sun umbrellas are simple, large umbrellas which are erected near tables or extend from a side-arm to shade people sitting nearby. The side-arm ones are known as offset umbrellas. Umbrellas are often the simplest kind of shade, as it is not necessary to make structural changes to the house in order to affix the shading. There are many types of fabrics and sizes for umbrellas, and one key thing to watch out for is to root the umbrella tightly to its base lest the strong winds blow over the umbrella.

Awnings are retractable aluminimum or plastic frameworks which hold a stretched fabric that can be installed over windows or doors. The key role of awnings is to provide a small extension of the house from the opening to provide shade to those near the opening. Awnings must be kept clean due to the possibility of mold or fungal growth. Specialized awning cleaners in the forms of sprayers are one of the tools used to clean awnings. Awning material can be woven fabrics or polyesters, but both will require regular cleaning.

Canopies are large tent-like structures, usually held up with a frame that sits on the ground. In contrast, an awning is supported entirely by a frame that's attached to another structure, most often the house. However, the distinction becomes blurred in the case of freestanding awnings, which need not be attached, and in the case of patio canopies, which may in fact be partly attached to a house yet have two poles (wood or steel usually) that support the rest of the structure.

Solar window shades or solar roller shades can be another type of exterior shading in a limited sense. Usually shades are placed on the inside of the house, but it turns out that placing them on the outside as outdoor shades, they prevent the light from ever entering and thus repulse all heat radiation. Installing solar window shades has the effect of reducing interior temperatures by 5 to 10 degrees fahrenheit. Canopies are very large, tent-like structures. Unlike most of the other types of outdoor shades, canopies are free-standing. Often used for very large events, canopies can accomodate anywhere from small families to hundreds of people.

Skylight shades are used to cover skylights. As with solar window shades, skylight shades limit the amount of light from entering through the ceiling. While it is nice to have natural light illumination inside the house, it is also important to limit it at times.