The season is always right to think about shade structures for your roof top patio. Even if you don’t plan to use that patio for a while, the sooner you’re ready for warm weather the more time you’ll have to fully enjoy sitting outdoors on your private roof top oasis.
So what are the best shade structures for your patio? Well, it depends.
Why do you want shade?
If that seems like a silly question, consider the fact that shade structures can do far more than simply deflect the sun’s heat. Sure, they can make you far more comfortable when it’s truly hot outside. They can protect you from sunburn and help prevent long-term skin damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
By the way, that’s especially important if you have children. Some states and communities are now requiring schools to provide shade for kids at play when it’s over 85 degrees outside.
So if you do have children, wouldn’t it be nice to give them a shady spot to play outdoors at home, too? They’ll be right out there on the patio, where you can keep an eye on them. But they’ll be protected and cooler, too. You could even position a wading pool under their shade structure, and the kids will probably say thanks by letting you wiggle your toes in the water.
Shade structures not only cover your family when you’re playing, dining or just lounging around on your roof top patio. They can protect your outdoor furniture, bar-be-que and other patio accessories, too. They can even play a happy role in controlling your indoor climate, by helping reduce solar heat gain and glare. That means you can use your air conditioning less to lower energy usage. And your indoor furnishings will also be better protected against damage from the sun.
Shade structures can bring you real savings as well as help you truly appreciate the value of having a roof top patio when the weather is nice. That’s pretty cool.
Shade structures can be permanent or temporary.
You could choose shade that’s temporary or seasonal, using a stand-alone structure to create your own roof top “beachy” cabana or old-fashioned gazebo effect. And of course you can use umbrellas, a perennial favorite for patios. With these structures, though, you’ll have to put them up and stow them away every time you use them, and they won’t be useful if it’s breezy, which it can be – especially up high.
You’ll get more use from a structure that’s permanently attached, usually to the side of your building. A fixed shade structure can be constructed of stronger materials, and since it becomes part of the building it’s far sturdier than a free-standing unit. If you won’t want it open all the time, choose a retractable awning that rolls neatly away when you’re not using it. Make it effortless with motorized remote control.
It’s all about lifestyle.
Architectural fabrics are available in an amazing array of colors and types. They’re specifically manufactured for shade structures, so they’re resistant to fading and mildew and they’re fire-retardant.
You can custom-design whatever you want. Nice to know, since it’s your patio — part of your home, whether it’s on the roof of your house or it’s an extension of your penthouse condo or apartment. It’s only natural that you want the shade structures you choose to be uniquely yours.
Fortunately you can create roof top shade that beautifully and functionally fits the space you have, your family’s lifestyle and your budget. Add a simple cleaning now and then, and you’ll be taking full advantage of your roof top patio for years to come.
Now about that wading pool . . .
Photo Credit: Khamis Hammoudeh via Flickr
