Protecting Healthy Skin With Outdoor Shading
March 14, 2010 by samson murphy
Filed under Health & Fitness
Incidence of melanomas and carcinomas of the skin continue to increase all over the world. Part of the reason is due to the increased proportion of elderly who are more susceptible to cancer in general. In addition, there seems to be anecdotal evidence that changing patterns of nutrition and diet contribute to increased incidence. What is not contested is that excessive exposure to the sun can drive the kinds of genetic damage thought to underlie cancer.
The chemical way of blocking cancer is to slather the surface of the skin with a sunblock agent that absorbs or reflects UV radiation. Ironically, application of these products may cause other kinds of skin-related problems especially in people with heightened sensitivity. A popular alternative is to ensure good shading either through clothing or through outdoor shading.
For the home, adding some sort of exterior shade generates three kinds of benefits. The addition of shades increases the resale value of real estate in a material way. Also, shades improve quality of life by increasing space for entertainment. Finally, exterior shades are beneficial from the health point of view for shielding against UV rays.
The diversity of possible outdoor shades means that there’s a choice for any price, labor or material requirement. Some shades are temporary, easy and cheap. Others are permanent, bulky and expensive. The trade-off naturally for cheap shades is durability and functionality. Expensive shades will tend to last longer, add more value to the home, and protect the home occupants or guests under a greater variety of conditions.
Examples of portable shades include the portable pool cabana which can be placed near a pool and provides privacy with its walls. Another popular pool accessory is the classic pool umbrella that can be erected near a table. Portable awnings and portable canopies are two further examples. One caveat is to keep in mind is that canopies do come in very large sizes and can be quite expensive.
Examples of fixed shades include awnings that can be fitted over windows to provide shade to both protect people outside but also to shield against light coming into the house. Pergolas and arbors are installed in gardens that provide incomplete shading, i.e. some light still filters through the top. Generally pergolas and arbors don’t have fabric but fabric may be added in creative ways. A gazebo is another popular free-standing structure for shade.
The lower bound on prices for outdoor shades is less than a hundred dollars, but the upper bound is really sky high. For example a gazebo system or even a motorized retractable awning with weather sensors can cost thousands or tens of thousands. In spite of the high prices, many would concur with the assessment that protecting loved ones from cancer-causing solar radiation is invaluable and can’t be priced.
Niche detail resources on outdoor shading for home are available. Readers wanting to understand more can head over to learn about awnings for homes.
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