The Australian summer, to many, means endless hot sunny days spent outside enjoying cool pools and sizzling BBQ’s. However, with the disturbing statistics from the Cancer Council reporting that two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70, it’s worth being sun-smart and taking time to consider how best to protect you and your family. One way is to provide protective shade over your outdoor space, so that you can still enjoy the glorious summer yet feel confident that you are shielded from harmful UV radiation. These hints and tips will help you create a stylish shaded exterior that everyone can enjoy safely.
Create An Outdoor Room
All-weather outdoor rooms are becoming increasingly popular in Australian homes as we continue to recognise the risk of sun exposure, but, still want to enjoy the lovely weather. These outdoor rooms feature a built ceiling with open sides and are therefore seen as an extension of the home as they double the entertaining space. Deluxe BBQ kitchens also feature in these spaces to create the ultimate outdoor cooking area, while
automated louvered systems can further help to regulate sun and shade. Adding an outdoor room to your home is going to be a costly addition, however, you will not only reap the benefits by using your exterior 365 days of the year, it will add value to your home when you come to sell.
Add A Pergola
If you like the idea of an outdoor room, but, can’t afford the huge outlay then constructing a lower cost pergola or gazebo, will be just as effective. What’s more these structures don’t have to be joined to the house and can be positioned anywhere. A vertical pergola sited at the end of the garden will even up the balance between the garden and the house while you can encourage plants to grow around the structure, so, it becomes part of the garden.
Try An Awning
Retractable awnings can be fitted above your patio or balcony and can be rolled out when the sun begins to creep onto the building. Often available in different colours and patterns these lightweight fabrics encourage a happy holiday vibe reminiscent of cheerful cafes.
Opt For A Sail
Another breezy, lightweight option is a stretched shade sail that you can position anywhere across your outdoor area. Many are waterproof and come in different sizes and shapes offering a great solution for shading kids play areas and sand pits.
Choose Natural Sunshade
If you don’t have an established tree that can offer natural sun protection, try planting vegetation that will have dense foliage to provide suitable shade. Think wisteria or climbing vines that will create a reasonably sized canopy, then you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the cool air temperature, which vegetation can lower by up to 25 per cent.
Get in touch today to ensure your property is expertly managed and enjoy the peace of mind.