As a business or area owner, providing adequate shade is important for enhancing the comfort and safety of your visitors. However, not all shades are equally protective. Different types of shade can block varying amounts of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, directly impacting the quality of experience you offer at your facility.
High-quality shade protects from both direct and indirect UV. Direct UV comes straight from the sun, while indirect or diffuse UV light is radiation scattered by clouds, elements in the atmosphere or reflected by other surfaces.
By selecting the right shade protection, you can create inviting outdoor spaces where guests can enjoy themselves while minimizing their exposure to harmful sun rays.
Can You Get a Sunburn in the Shade?
Yes, you can get sunburned in the shade. While shade helps, the level of protection it provides depends on various factors:
- Reflective surfaces: Light reflects off surfaces like water, sand or snow. This means UV rays can scatter and reach shaded areas from different angles, especially during peak sun hours.
- Type of fabric: Some materials used for shade structures offer varying degrees of UV protection, light reflectivity and translucency.
- UV index variability: UV radiation intensity levels fluctuate depending on the time of day, environmental conditions, altitude and proximity to the equator.
Providing an Escape From the Sun
There are different ways to get protection from UV radiation:
- Sunscreen
- Natural shade
- Protective clothing
- Umbrellas
- Built shade
To ensure your facility offers optimal protection from UV radiation, consider implementing a combination of these methods:
Sunscreen
Encourage visitors to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside. Remind them to reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. They should ideally cover all exposed skin areas, even when covered by shade.
Natural Shade
Trees, foliage and geographical features like mountains create natural shade by blocking sunlight and reducing the intensity of UV radiation reaching your business or area. Trees with large spreads of dense foliage close to the ground provide the best protection from the sun compared to those with sparse foliage higher up. Dense trees and tall buildings can block more UV rays.
These factors decrease the level of protection that natural shade can provide:
- Indirect UV: Scattered UV from reflective surfaces decreases protection received from natural shade.
- Time of the day: Trees give less protection earlier and later in the day when the proportion of diffuse UV is higher.
- Position: Sitting under a tree on a sunny day with little indirect UV provides better protection than sitting under the same tree on a cloudy day when there is more indirect sunlight.
When planning outdoor spaces, consider planting trees with dense foliage that provide optimal coverage for guests.
Protective Clothing
Protective clothing refers to garments and accessories specifically designed to shield the wearer from various hazards. In the context of sun protection, these clothing items aim to block or absorb UV radiation and typically include hats, sunglasses and scarves.
Promote the use of protective clothing among your visitors. Encourage them to wear loose-fitting apparel with an ultraviolet protection factor of 30 or higher. Darker and brighter colors tend to absorb UV rays better than lighter shades. Hats with broad, wide brims that are angled downwards provide the greatest UV protection.
Umbrellas
People often sit underneath umbrellas, hoping the shade will be enough protection. While umbrellas can provide a shield against UV exposure, their effectiveness varies depending on the following factors:
- Size: Larger umbrellas provide more protection.
- Material: The type of cover material can affect its UV protection capabilities. Some umbrellas feature UV-blocking fabrics.
- Angle and positioning: Your teams should position umbrellas to block the sun’s rays effectively. Tilted or adjustable umbrellas can provide better coverage.
- Reflective surfaces: Indirect UV radiation can still reach shaded areas of umbrellas through reflective surfaces like water, sand or concrete.
Overall, larger umbrellas with UV-blocking fabrics positioned correctly will enhance guest comfort.
Built Shade
Architectural elements and structures are strategically placed in outdoor spaces to create shaded areas for various purposes. Different types of shade structures can enhance the aesthetics and functionality of outdoor spaces while providing sun protection.
Adding built shade to outdoor facilities offers numerous benefits that can enhance your outdoor space’s functionality and appeal, including:
- Lower temperatures in outdoor areas.
- Reduced glare from direct sunlight.
- Improved visibility for activities like reading or dining.
- Year-round enjoyment of your facility, regardless of the season.
Factors that determine the level of protection shade structures provide include:
- Material with UV protection
- Orientation
- Relation to other structures
- Shade structure size
Shade structures with side-on walls or other side protection and those surrounded by other structures provide the best shelter and most comfort. These solutions offer advantages over other types of covers in outdoor spaces:
- Customization: Shade structures can be customized in size, shape, color and design to suit specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
- Durability: Built with sturdy materials like metal frames and UV-resistant fabrics, shade structures can withstand various weather conditions.
- Enhanced comfort: By creating shaded areas that reduce heat and glare, shade structures contribute to a more comfortable outdoor experience.
Enhance Your Outdoor Spaces With USA SHADE
Are you ready to significantly boost visitor comfort and safety by providing effective shade solutions? Investing in effective shade structures from USA SHADE can help you create a more inviting environment for your guests, encouraging longer stays and increased satisfaction.
Take the next step in prioritizing quality shade protection for your facility. Design your custom structures with our user-friendly interface builder, or contact us for advice on your design needs.
