This country has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. That means shade from the summer sun is essential in any outdoor area – especially when ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are at their peak between 11am and 4pm.
Designer colours and styles have made shade sails a desirable addition to the “outdoor entertainment area” – aka the barbie. They’re also popular in day care centres and schools.
Types and grades of shade cloth
There are two types of shade cloth – knitted and woven. Most shade cloths for domestic and commercial use are knitted fabric, available in several grades from light to extra heavy.
Domestic-grade shade cloths are usually sold at hardware stores. Some of these products may make reassuring claims about “maximum sun protection”. But the UVR protection they offer can vary widely – anywhere between 50 and 99 percent.
Confusingly, some labels state the cloth provides “up to” a certain level of protection – for example, “up to 95 percent protection”. But what you really need to know is the minimum protection offered.
The Cancer Society recommends using fabrics with a UVR rating of 94 percent or greater. Anything less won’t provide adequate cover. The Society also recommends finding out whether any claimed rating has been independently tested.
Other options
If you just want shade for an occasional weekend lunch on the deck, a large canvas sun-umbrella may be all you need. If you’re after something more permanent, planting trees to create natural shade is another option.
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