Shade trees are the ideal way to keep the sun off of a home and windows during the summer, but for many homeowners, trees are not present on their property or have not matured enough to provide adequate shade. Here are alternative shade solutions that can keep your deck or patio cooler and screen out harmful ultraviolet rays.
Patio umbrella. To make your outdoor space more comfortable during the summer months, add an economical patio umbrella. Some can be tilted to provide shade as the sun moves, while offset designs have no center pole but are designed to drape or hang. Umbrellas come in a variety of colors and styles. Be sure to select an umbrella that is sturdy enough to stand up to the weather in your area.
Retractable awning. Turn your deck or patio into versatile living space with a retractable awning. A retractable awning gives you more shade than an umbrella, with the option to fold up or close the awning as needed. Awnings can be manually operated or motorized. Gutter Helmet®, the most recognized gutter guard company, offers SunShade retractable patio awnings with hundreds of fabric options.
Gazebo. A gazebo is a permanent roofed structure with open walls. Gazebos are most commonly made of wood and are usually round, octagonal or rectangular in shape. In addition to providing shade, a gazebo provides a considerable amount of protection from rain. Screens can be installed around the walls to keep out annoying insects.
Pergola. A pergola is freestanding structure with cross rafters and no walls that creates a light, airy and inviting outdoor space. You determine how much shade the pergola provides by varying the size, spacing and orientation of the rafters. For more shade, attach a canopy underneath the rafters. Pergolas are also an interesting way to incorporate other landscaping features such as climbing flowers, vines and ivy.
All of these shading options share an important advantage over trees: they will not drop leaves and debris into your gutters, so you won’t have to deal with the hassles of regular gutter cleaning!
