South Florida is a haven for sun-seekers enjoying amazing beaches, outdoor restaurants, and more fantastic golf courses than anyone could enjoy in a lifetime. As a result local residents tend to spend a significant amount of time out in the sun. However, when returning home, it becomes essential for these sun-loving homeowners to seek cover from the relentless heat and potentially harmful rays of the sun.
For these homeowners, incorporating a dedicated patio shade in the backyard is a necessity. While basic solutions like patio umbrellas or sun shades can provide simple sun protection, only a dynamic custom pergola can deliver the luxurious and functional experience befitting the Gold Coast.
Maintaining a mindful balance of sun exposure is an absolute necessity for our well-being. Our skin absorbs the sun’s rays to promote Vitamin D generation and help regulate our internal clocks. Unfortunately, there are some harmful effects of UV rays on humans as well.
Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and in more extreme cases, cramps and rashes can occur. Moreover, the health effects of UV radiation from the sun can cause long-term issues.
The harmful effects of the sun’s rays can range from sunburns to more serious concerns. According to the EPA, skin damage is a common result of overexposure to the sun. This includes actinic keratoses, which are skin growths that occur on exposed areas, as well as premature aging, resulting in wrinkled and leathery skin. The EPA also warns that, “90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.”
Furthermore, excessive sun exposure can cause eye damage, such as cataracts, and has been linked to immune suppression. Most concerning of all, however, is the potential for sun-induced cancers. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and certain factors increase one’s susceptibility, including a family history of skin cancer, living or vacationing in tropical or subtropical climates, or regular outdoor work. Fortunately, skin cancer is usually treatable if properly monitored, and the American Cancer Society provides valuable information on how to monitor and prevent it. Their top recommendation for avoiding potential skin cancer is to “simply stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.”
Following the American Cancer Society’s advice by creating ample shade in your outdoor living space doesn’t mean you need to settle for a humble umbrella or retractable awning. Modern pergolas have become feats of innovative engineering. The custom pergolas we design offer the style and luxury that seamlessly complement the architectural wonders seen throughout South Florida.
For homeowners seeking permanent shade on their patio, we can design a solid fixed roof pergola that can be attached to the home or stand as a freestanding structure in the yard, garden or on the pool deck. For the ultimate control over the sun/shade balance on your patio, motorized louvered patio covers allow you to adjust the louvered roof as the sun moves throughout the day. With the louvers closed, the roof completely blocks the sun and prevents rain showers from interrupting your day. Adjusting the louver angle allows some light into the patio while still providing ample shade for you to enjoy. During the mornings and evenings when the sun is less intense, the louvers can be adjusted to a full 90-degree angle, allowing you to bask in the full sun exposure.
Our motorized adjustable louvered roof pergolas offer more than just shade. They also lower the temperature on the patio, helping to ward off heat exposure. By angling the louvers, airflow is increased throughout the living space, making these louvered designs excellent patio cooling solutions. For inland areas unaffected by coastal breezes, we can incorporate additional technological assistance. We can integrate a fan beam into the design of the pergola roof to accommodate a fan for patio covers. These outdoor patio fans not only provide added airflow to cool the space but also enhance the overall aesthetic of the outdoor living area.
Safeguarding yourself and your family from the harmful effects of UV rays on humans does not mean compromising your outdoor living experience. The right patio shade solutions can offer the necessary protection while enhancing the overall appearance of your backyard. If you are considering adding a luxurious custom pergola to your patio, deck or garden, please contact us today, and our design team will help you envision a new backyard oasis.
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