Need A New Patio Cover? Four Reasons To Consider Shade Sails

Most patio covers extend out from the roof line. Shade sail  patio covers, also known as sail shades, are usually installed above the roof line, either on brackets attached to that roof or on free-standing poles. They are often preferred in the hotter sections of the country because they provide better air circulation and are more versatile than traditional patio covers. Below you'll find four reasons to consider these colorful, eye catching shade providers.

Cools Down That Patio Temperature

A shade sail patio cover is open on all sides, allowing air to flow over, under and around the structure. Since hot air rises, this design allows that air to escape into the atmosphere. Cooler air replaces the spent air, keeping the patio users more comfortable. As that air warms the cycle repeats. This continual exchange of hot air with cool makes shade sails a preferred patio option in places such as the American Southwest where high temperatures sometimes last for days, or even weeks.

Prevents Exposure to the Elements

Even though shade sails are open on all sides, the parts closest to the home tend to overlap the roof, depending on your design. This overlap protects patio users from rain in addition to excessive sun exposure. The covers may also be slanted to allow rainwater and debris to shed more easily.  Shade sails are usually installed to direct that water and debris away from the patio area, eliminating water-pooling issues. An exception would be shade sails made of a lattice-work material. These are used mostly in areas that see little rainfall. The lattice-work helps to increase the air circulation, making heat dispersal more efficient.

Creates a Feeling of Openness

Since shade sails are installed above the roof line, they tend to make your patio seem larger. That extra height does create an optical illusion of sorts, just as high ceilings do when you enter a room. Shade sails may also be extended beyond the existing patio limits, providing more outdoor living space and creating that feeling of openness.

Adds Eye-Appeal to Your Personal Space

Shade sails can be as simple as a four posted rectangle above a simple backyard patio space. More elaborate designs include the use of gables and free-form shapes that complement larger properties. Frames are usually made of steel or aluminum and can be color matched to your home's décor. Shade sails are often made of polycarbonate, a durable, lightweight material that "breathes."  The sails are then coated with a protective layer that helps diffuse UV rays. Well done shade sails are both efficient and easy on the eyes.   

For more information on shade sails, contact a professional service, such as Aluminum  Builders Home Center.

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