Shade the way
SunCraft gives the lowdown on upgrading your outdoor living with comfort, safety and style in mind.
As spring blossoms in New Zealand, it’s the perfect time to revamp your outdoor living space. With warmer weather and longer days, your backyard or patio can become an extension of your home - a place to relax, entertain and enjoy the beauty of nature.
However, New Zealand’s high UV index makes sun protection a top priority. Incorporating shade is a must to safeguard your family and guests.
When planning your shade solution, it’s essential to ensure the shaded area is ample enough to cover your space to its full potential. Consider that when you are seated, the angle of the sun changes, and the shaded area is effectively lower. To account for this, it’s best to design your shade to be larger than the immediate area you want to cover. Additionally, as the sun lowers in the afternoon and evening, having an adjustable shade system becomes invaluable. This flexibility allows you to adapt to the changing sun angles, providing consistent protection and comfort throughout the day.
When selecting a shade solution, it’s crucial to consider the wind speeds typical to your area. Fixed shade sails can become problematic in high winds, as they may create an unpleasant, noisy environment and can pose safety risks. Strong gusts can put excessive strain on the fabric and mounting points, potentially causing the sail to rip free and become hazardous.
To mitigate these risks, SunCraft’s retractable shade sails are an excellent choice. They can be easily retracted during periods of high wind. Additionally, retractable shades offer the benefit of not permanently blocking your view, allowing you to fully enjoy the surrounding scenery whenever you like. This adaptability means that your outdoor space remains enjoyable, secure and visually open, no matter the weather.
For added peace of mind, you can opt for an integrated wind sensor that automatically retracts the sail during strong gusts.
And here’s some clever tech: our advanced shade simulation software allows you to visualise how much shade will be produced at different times of the day and year, helping you make informed decisions on how to get the best out of your outdoor space.
