Also known as instant shades, portable shades are structures which are designed to be easily carried around and can provide a user with instant shade on the fly. They are generally lighter than their fixed counterparts such as outdoor window shades, as a result can be a bit more flimsy and easy to break. However, this is compensated by the fact that portable shades can be stored in small spaces and assembled with a minimum of effort.
The reasons why people use portable shades are quite varied. A lot of use is devoted to recreational purposes starting from home. A party held in the backyard sometimes spills over into the lawn or other unshaded areas. Near the house there may be an awning or pergola, but far from the house the guests become exposed to the sun. To protect the guests portable shades can be quickly brought out and set up. There are also people who use portable shades primarily for business.
We describe a few of the portable shades for each of the occasions described above.
A regular awning is a shade that hangs on a truss over the window or door on the exterior of a building. It provides shade near these entry points which reduces the heat from entering the house, much as bamboo roll up blinds on the exterior of a window helps keep the house cool. Portable awnings are similar in the respect that they are a shade stretched over a frame that sits on four wheels. They can be transported from spot to spot. When placed into position the angle of the shade can be adjusted for to the liking of the users beneath.
For those who are near a pool, one option is to stick with the table umbrellas. However, another possibility is the cabana. A portable cabana is essentially a mini housing structure with fabric top and walls on a little building frame, large enough to accommodate one or two people. The primary role is either for a few people to be able to sit in an area protected from wind and sun, or for people to change into and out of regular clothes.
Slightly different from awnings are outdoor canopy shades which are freestanding structures that resemble large, standing-room tents. These can be placed onto a porch where it would be called a deck canopy. Although this is a freestanding shade, it is considered fixed because of the enormous time and effort required to set one up. In contrast, portable canopies are very lightweight, but lack the fabric walls that surround fixed canopies. The canopy roof is usually the only fabric in the portable versions.
For people who are interested in tailgate parties or similar events where a vehicle is a center of entertainment, a portable umbrella mounted onto a hitch may be the perfect solution. A metal frame and hitch can be attached to a truck or van onto which the umbrella can be mounted. The umbrella can be closed when the vehicle is in motion, and when stopped for entertainment, the umbrella can be opened.
Related topics on outdoor sun shades are readable by all visitors.
Tags:
backyard,
deck,
diy,
furniture,
garden,
home,
home and garden,
home decor,
home improvement,
house,
Landscaping,
patio,
porch,
remodeling
September 17 2011 | Landscaping | No Comments »
There is a strong correlation between skin cancer with excessive sun exposure and sunburn. To reduce such risks for pool-related activities, it’s important to prepare your pool area ahead of time. During the summer, adequate shading must be installed to ensure that pool users are protected from the fierce rays of the sun. Here we will discuss three kinds of shades.
Likewise, exposure to cold can weaken one’s immune system or worsen an existing infection. The corresponding way to reduce such risks connected to pool activities is to do winter preparation. During the winter, the pool should be heated artificially for it to be usable. Pool shades come in roughly two types, whereas pool heaters come in roughly three.
In the category of heaters, the most widely used type is gas-based heating. It’s by far the most energy efficient, which should satisfy the green-conscious buyer. It’s also fast acting so it only needs to be turned on when the pool is anticipated to be used. This makes for very low energy costs. The biggest drawback is that gas-based heaters are a bit expensive with only an expected lifespan of 5 years.
The next most popular kind of heater is the so-called heat pump or heat exchanger. Its operating mechanics can be described as a refrigerator running in reverse. A refrigerant gas is compressed in tubes that circulate the pool which causes it to heat up. The heat warms up the pool by conduction. The refrigerant is then pumped to distant tubes where it’s allowed to expansion. The expansion causes the gas to cool down.
The last most widely used kind of heater is solar-based. They are also pricey due to the high costs of solar cells, but once installed they are cheap to maintain. Essentially they are an “off-grid” system that doesn’t rely on the utility company. The components that need to be installed include wires and heat piping, as well as a large number of solar panels necessary for adequate energy intake to fuel the system.
The most common kind of outdoor pool shade is the table umbrella. The design is basic, made up of a center supporting pole that holds the umbrella fabric. Variations on this theme are the side-arm umbrella, which adds an adjustable arm that can orient the overhead shade in different directions. A heavily weighted base holds the umbrella in place against strong winds.
The next most common kind of pool shade is a portable structure like the cabana tent. It can be thought of as a miniature canopy that holds only a few people. The fabric is either synthetic or natural, although many people prefer synthetics because it’s easier to maintain. In comparison to umbrellas, cabanas may be a bit harder to set up and much bulkier to keep in storage when not in use.
Using heating and shading accessories near the pool helps protect people from sun damage and keeps them warm during the winter. They are an effective way to add value to the pool, increasing its usability as well as increasing the sale price of your home.
Additional topics and articles on outdoor shades can be found at the site. Study more about awning materials by directly reading our site.
Tags:
deck,
diy,
furniture,
garden,
health,
home,
home accessories,
home and garden,
home decor,
home improvement,
house,
Landscaping,
patio,
remodeling
March 09 2010 | Uncategorized | No Comments »