Spring is in the air! And summer isn’t far away!! Those lazy hazy days that all Canadians wish for all winter long are nearly here. With spring and summer come family get-togethers. Backyard barbeques, pool parties and eating dinner on the patio are just a few of the things we like to do in the spring and summer sun. All of these activities are made that much better when you have a home that is equipped with shade-making accessories such as awnings and patio or deck umbrellas.

But how do you decide which of these is best for your home? Umbrellas and awnings are suited to different situations. It depends on your needs and the design of your home and yard. Let’s take a look at the differences.

What Works Better For Patios?

Some homeowners may have a modest sized yard. Part of the yard could be landscaped to include a patio that is away from the home. Sometimes this patio area might have an open gazebo or just simply be decorated with some accent potted plants and include outdoor furniture with a seating area. In this situation, a patio umbrella would be a great solution to providing much needed shade. Not only does the umbrella provide shade, but it also helps to protect you and your family from the damaging rays of the sun. There is a wide selection of styles, colours and sizes to choose from.

How About Around the Pool?

Around the pool is another place where the patio umbrella would be best suited. If you use a smaller umbrella you can move it around and place it just where you need it. Larger umbrellas can be placed over tables with seating to provide shade to a group of people at the same time. If the umbrella isn’t required, it is easily cranked closed and secured, protecting it from wind.

What about My Deck?

If you have a large deck, some areas might have greater sun exposure than others. This is when the use of a deck umbrella is most effective. The deck umbrella can provide shade to areas that are not protected by an awning. It can also be adjusted and angled so that no matter what position the sun is at, you can provide shade to that area of the deck. Often a deck umbrella is used around a seating area such as a table with chairs. This offers the perfect setting for a summer evening family meal.

Where are the optimal spots for setting up an awning?

Awnings work best when used for decks and patios that are directly adjacent to your home. The awning is installed on the side of your home, covering your deck and provides optimum shade from the hot summer sun as well as protection from sudden rain showers. Awnings are available in a wide selection of styles, colours and sizes, just like patio and deck umbrellas. While awnings can be more expensive, they are a more permanent solution to providing shade to you and your family. An awning not only provides protection from the sun, it also provides curb appeal to your home. We recommend purchasing a retractable awning for your home. This gives you the convenience of being able to retract the awning when you don’t need it including during the winter. One advantage of awnings over patio umbrellas is that awnings not only provide protection from the sun outdoors but they also shade your home from the damaging rays of the sun.

As you can see, both umbrellas and awnings are a great addition to your home. Both provide protection from the sun and both enhance your enjoyment of your home and yard. Each has their own purpose and when used together can provide you and your family with optimum protection from the hot summer sun.

If you’re interested in giving your home shade this summer, Contact Jans Awnings to see what we can do for you.