Shade Fabrics: UV Protection for You and Your Outdoor Space

By now most of us understand that the sun’s rays or, more specifically, the UV in those rays can be potentially harmful to us and our health. With this in mind, many of us turn to protective options including sunscreen and protective shade fabrics used in ShadeVoila's canopies.

UV radiation comes in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC, with the majority of the radiation affecting humans composed of UVA with some UVB. The high point for these forms of UV radiation occurs between 10 am and 4 pm when most people are outside enjoying good weather. Even on a cloudy day, 80% of the sun’s rays and their UV make it through the clouds and onto our skin. UV damage can lead to possible health problems down the road and can also do visible damage to the skin over time.

Moreover, recent studies have shown that leveraging sunblock alone isn't always effective; in fact, those who seek out shade are much less likely to get sunburns than those who just use sunblock. With one in five Americans developing skin cancer and the most extensive damage happening before the age of 18, it has become increasingly clear that leveraging a multi-tiered approach that involves shade solutions such as shade canopies along with skin protectants is the best approach for you and your family.

What many of us might not realize is that the sun’s UV rays can also do damage to our belongings, including outdoor furniture. Without the benefit of UV-resistant shade fabrics, outdoor furniture fades and deteriorates much more quickly than you might expect. Even high-quality furniture that uses UV-resistant materials itself can deteriorate in powerful and constant sunlight— it’s just a matter of time. Colors will fade, and the integrity of the fabric itself will come apart. While this could take a few years in UV-resistant materials, unprotected furniture can see changes in as little as 6 months, with fabric fading and wood turning grey.

With the quality, commercial shade fabrics available via ShadeVoila, which have been treated with state-of-the-art additives to resist the effects of UV exposure, you can help extend the life of your outdoor furniture and keep your own time outdoors healthier and safer. ShadeVoila’s solutions are so comprehensive that, we can extend a five-year no-fade warranty on our Harbor Time products

The next time you’re in your backyard enjoying a bit of the sun, think about the real, long-term effects of UV damage and consider looking into how Shade Voila can help. With a canopy solution, you can enjoy your outdoor living area in the long term.