Sun protection - Shade

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Sun protection home

Shade offers good protection Shade alone can reduce overall exposure to the sun's harmful UV radiation by about 75%. It will not totally block out all UV radiation, as indirect UV radiation can scatter in the atmosphere and reflect from surfaces such as water, sand and concrete. Maximum UV protection is achieved using shade in conjunction with sun-protective clothing, hats and sunscreen. A well designed and correctly positioned shade device casts shade where and when it is most needed, at the right time of day and at the right time of year. Incorrect positioning of shade structures and trees can result in unexpected shadows that provide little shelter from the sun.

For best protection, choose shade that has extensive overhead or side cover and place it away from highly reflective surfaces if possible.

Planning effective shade
Good planning ensures effective shade. Whatever the scale of the project, planning should include:
understanding sun and shade
identifying where and when shade is needed
understanding your shade options
considering built shade
considering natural shade
implementing your shade project

Natural shade
Trees, shrubs and climbing plants can provide very effective shade. As a general rule, trees with a dense canopy (few gaps) and closer to the ground provide better protection from UV radiation. Natural shade is particularly well suited to large recreational areas such as parks and reserves.

It is important to choose plants that are suited to the landscape as well as local site conditions. Deciduous trees allow light and warmth in winter.

Carefully chosen vegetation can make an area more attractive and reduce the air temperature by up to 30% in summer. Keep in mind that adequate shade is usually only achieved when a plant reaches maturity, which may take up to 10 years.

Portable shade
A shade structure is considered portable if it can be easily transported, put up and taken down and used in different locations. Umbrellas and sun domes are examples of portable shade. These items are very useful when you might not otherwise have access to shade, for example, when camping or at the beach.

Built shade
Shade structures can stand alone or can be built on to existing buildings or structures. While built shade structures may not always be as attractive as natural shade, the advantages are:
the shade they cast is more predictable
they can also provide cover from the rain
some types can be erected quickly

Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)
The UPF is a scale that rates the protection provided by cloth materials. A material's UPF rating is based on the percentage of UV radiation transmitted through the material. As a rule of thumb, aim for shade cloth that absorbs at least 90% of UV radiation, which is a UPF of 10.

For more information contact the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20