A patio shade canopy is a valuable addition in the height of summer by helping to keep you cool and reducing the glare from the sun. The following will take a closer look at five popular varieties of patio shade canopies.
Umbrellas
The most basic of all patio shades are umbrellas. These can be as large as a ten foot patio umbrella or as small and delicate as a parasol. They can be free standing on a tripod base, set in a socket in the patio floor, or held up by a patio table.
Retractable Patio Canopies
Canopies that can be wound onto a roller are very popular. These canopies give a wider range of shade than an umbrella and do not need to be fully extended. The roller is controlled by a worm screw that operates upon a toothed gear wheel connected to the roller core. A handle is used to turn the worm screw and the canopy extends or retracts. Because the roller is wall mounted and the canopy requires no support, retractable canopies do not take up any valuable patio space.
Draw String Canopies
Draw string canopies (often referred to as toldos) are built onto frames over the patio. The frame does not take up any patio space and is usually made of angle iron or metal tubing. The canopy is suspended from steel wires stretched the length of the frame and is fitted with a draw string. The draw string is threaded through pulleys and can pull the awning along the wires to open it or close it. For a wide patio, there can be two awnings each with their own draw string so that they can operate independently.
Venetian or Persian Curtains
Venetian or Persian curtains are made up of strips of stiff material or plastic. They work in a very similar manner to venetian blinds. The strips can be raised out of the way so that they block the minimum amount of light. An advantage of Persian curtains is that they do not have to be joined at the bottom so people can have free access through the curtain, even if it covers a door.
Mobile Screens
Concertina screens made up of three or five panels are excellent for giving shade in particular areas. The concertina design means that they can be opened as wide or as little as required. The screens can be quite elaborate or made of simple rattan woven panels. An advantage of the screens is that they’re very light. Unfortunately, this lightness is also a disadvantage because it does not take much of an impact or breeze to make them fall over.
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