South African summer months can get extremely hot. Sitting on the patio and getting some fresh air is a great way to cool down, but the sun can present an issue as its harsh rays can make it quite uncomfortable to sit outside and get a breath of fresh air. One way to be able to sit outside and enjoy the warm and energetic atmosphere of summer while still staying cool is to add shade sails on your patio.
Shade sails are products that provide shade through the use of style and architecture. You can purchase shade sails that match the design of your home, and there are various shade sails that can be installed in different parts of your home’s exterior.
Here are 6 types of shade sails you should consider for your patio this summer:
1. Umbrella shaped shade sails
Just as the name suggests, these shade sails resemble an umbrella. They’re ideal to have on your patio, terrace or porch. They can also be used in the garden, particularly where there is a limited amount of shade. This helps a lot if your garden doesn’t have that many trees.
Umbrella shade sails are great to have because they’re usually more portable than other types of shade sails.
2. Canvas material shade sail
Canvas is a tough material that is thick enough to protect you from the sun’s UV rays. Canvas is also beneficial in the night time as it can prevent mosquitoes and other bugs from surrounding you as you’re seated on your patio.
Now, you can host your guests at night and not worry about little critters climbing on you.
3. Portable shade sails
Portable shade sails are generally smaller than other types, allowing them to be easily carried around. While they provide less shade than permanent shade sails, they are a great choice for picnics on the patio and hosting guests in your garden.
4. Remote-controlled shade sails/retractable shade sails
Remote-controlled shade sails can be easily opened and closed using a remote. You can choose when you’d like to cover your patio and you can also choose just how much shade your patio has by controlling how much the shade sail expands.
You'll be surprised how necessary having flexible shade can be. If you ever get too cold in the shade, you can always retract your shade sail and when it gets hot again, you can open it up at the touch of a button.
5. White cloth shade sails
White cloth shade sails reflect the sun’s radiation off of you, ensuring that you are exposed to fewer UV rays. The colour white is an excellent colour choice for your shade sail because it doesn’t absorb as much heat as its counterpart, black.
After all, who doesn't want to stay cool in the summer?
6. Waterproof shade sails
Some shade sails not only protect you from the sun, but they also act as a barrier against wet conditions too. As much as summer rain can be glorious, especially when it rains while the sun is out, most us prefer to remain dry. With waterproof shade sails, you can still host your guests even if there’s summer rain and not worry about them being uncomfortable.
Shade sails can serve both a functional and decorative purpose. They can upgrade how your patio looks, while simultaneously keeping you cool and safe from the sun’s radiation in summer. Consider any one of the six above shade sail types for your patio in the summer months.
