Good backyard sun protection comes down to three things: sunscreen, the right clothing and reliable shade. Time in the sun without protection can cause sunburn and raises your risk of skin cancer, so it is worth having all three in place before you settle in on the deck or patio this summer.
Use Sunscreen Every Time
Sunscreen shields your skin from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Look for a product that protects against both types, has an SPF of 30 or higher and is water-resistant. Choose water-resistant sunscreen even if you do not plan to swim, because it keeps working when you sweat.
Put it on before you go outside and reapply every two to three hours until you come back in. Cover all exposed skin, including your face, ears and feet. If you have young children, apply it for them.
Wear Protective Clothing
Loose-fitting clothes protect your skin without making you hot. Tightly woven fabrics do a better job of stopping UV rays before they reach your skin, and darker colors absorb sunlight instead of letting it pass through.
Add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. In general, pick clothing and accessories that cover as much skin as is comfortable.
Add Shade for Backyard Sun Protection
A deck or patio in direct sun can leave your family and guests exposed for hours. It can also get so hot that nobody wants to be out there.
A simple fix is one of our retractable awnings for decks and patios. When the sun is bright, you extend the awning to shade the space and make it noticeably cooler. When the sky is overcast, or you are outside in the evening, you retract it and enjoy the open sky.
Aladdin offers both hand-crank and motorized models, custom made to fit the dimensions of your deck or patio, with a wide choice of fabric colors and patterns. If you are weighing the cost, our post on whether retractable awnings are a good investment is a helpful read.
Other ways to shade your home
If you would like cover that stays in place all season, aluminum and fabric patio covers give you a permanent shaded area. Door canopies and window awnings shade entrances and block direct sun through the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SPF should I use for a day in the backyard?
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant.
Do I still need sunscreen if I am sitting in the shade?
It is a good idea. Shade cuts direct sun a great deal, but you will move in and out of it during the day, and sunlight also reflects off nearby surfaces.
Can I retract an awning when I want sun?
Yes. That is the main advantage of a retractable awning. You decide how much sun or shade the deck or patio gets at any time.
Make Your Deck or Patio Comfortable This Summer
Want more shade where your family spends its time? Contact Aladdin or call (203) 776-9996 to get an estimate for a retractable awning.