Incidence of melanomas and carcinomas of the skin continue to increase all over the world. Part of the reason is due to the increased proportion of elderly who are more susceptible to cancer in general. In addition, there seems to be anecdotal evidence that changing patterns of nutrition and diet contribute to increased incidence. What is not contested is that excessive exposure to the sun can drive the kinds of genetic damage thought to underlie cancer.
The chemical way of blocking cancer is to slather the surface of the skin with a sunblock agent that absorbs or reflects UV radiation. Ironically, application of these products may cause other kinds of skin-related problems especially in people with heightened sensitivity. A popular alternative is to ensure good shading either through clothing or through outdoor shading.
For the home, adding some sort of exterior shade generates three kinds of benefits. The addition of shades increases the resale value of real estate in a material way. Also, shades improve quality of life by increasing space for entertainment. Finally, exterior shades are beneficial from the health point of view for shielding against UV rays.
There are quite a few kinds of products to consider, some being very easy to install and others requiring hours or several people. The cost will vary in proportion to the complexity. The simplest kinds of exterior shades are the lightweight temporary shades. They can be set up or put away quickly. The most complicated kinds require an army of craftsman to put up, involving usually some major structural work on the house.
Lightweight temporary shades come in various types, one of them being the freestanding awning. Unlike regular awnings which are affixed over a window or door, freestanding awnings sit on a base with wheels so they can be pushed around to where they are needed most. They are useful for protecting the skin of children who might play in different areas around the house on any given day.
Heavy duty fixed outdoor shades come in many varieties also. The most widely known ones are fixed or retractable awnings which are fitted over openings to the house and can extend over patios or porches. Lesser known shades are pergolas that partially shade gardens or yards. Pergolas are made of beams or lattices but usually don’t have any fabric, thus allowing some passage of light and wind as befits a garden. Arbors are similar to pergolas but on a much smaller scale.
The lower bound on prices for outdoor shades is less than a hundred dollars, but the upper bound is really sky high. For example a gazebo system or even a motorized retractable awning with weather sensors can cost thousands or tens of thousands. In spite of the high prices, many would concur with the assessment that protecting loved ones from cancer-causing solar radiation is invaluable and can’t be priced.
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