Differences Between Temporary And Permanent Shades

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.

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September 17 2011 | Landscaping | No Comments »

Propane Fire Pits: A Safe Choice For Your Home

It is a common misconception that propane fire pits are less safe than gas or wood burning fire pits. Propane is a relatively new choice in the world of fire pits and propane products and appliances have had many technological advances over the years. Some homeowners fear that having propane cylinders near their homes is dangerous and that the cylinders could be prone to rupture or explode.

The fact is that propane cylinders are built to withstand an extreme amount of abuse and wear and that there is very little chance that they would ever explode or rupture in any way. There have been very few incidents where homeowners have been injured in accidents involving propane tank mishaps, and wood burning fire pits are generally known to cause more injuries and damage than gas or propane fire pits.

Propane equipment must pass rigorous safety standards and tests before being put out on the market. And today’s propane tanks use overfilling prevention devices (OPDs) that have greatly improved the safety of the tanks. The device shuts down the filling process of tanks when they are about 80 percent full. This ensures that they are never overfilled and leaves room in the tank for the fuel volume to expand and contract in different weather situations.

All fire pits must be used with caution and there are a few common sense safety guidelines that should be used when it comes to the handling and storage of propane fire pits and cylinders.

You should never smoke when you are handling your propane cylinder, and you should never use lighters or matches to check for leaks on your cylinders. You should also never try to repair any broken mechanisms on your cylinder without the proper training. It is best if a professional handles this. Never pour lighter fluid into your propane fire pit for any reason. You should be able to turn on your pit with the simple flick of a switch.

When storing your cylinders, remember to always place them outdoors in a well ventilated area that does not receive high traffic. You should never ever store your cylinder indoors. Also, do not place you cylinder in a damp area that could cause it to rust or on an unstable surface like rocks or soil. It should be placed on a level and sturdy surface like concrete.

If you follow simple safety guidelines a propane fire pit will be absolutely safe to make a part of your home. Plus, they offer many benefits. They are safe and environmentally friendly. They burn a clean fuel, are easy to turn on and off, do not produce ash or debris, and do not produce noxious smoke.

Want to find out more about propane fire pits, then visit Jolene A Cruise’s site on how to choose the best fire pits for your needs.

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July 03 2010 | Landscaping | No Comments »

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