How Awnings Can Protect Outdoor Furniture From Sun Fading

July 13, 2023

We all adore the charm of relaxing outdoors, enjoying a pleasant summer's day or catching up with friends over a barbeque. Your outdoor furniture is an essential aspect of these delightful moments, adding comfort and style to your space. However, continuous exposure to the sun's harsh rays can lead to sun fading, posing a significant threat to the lifespan and aesthetic appeal of your furniture. Fortunately, there's an effective solution to this problem—awnings.

Red And White Stripe Awning Over A Household Window

What Is Sun Fading?

Sun fading, also known as solar degradation, is a process where materials lose their colour and strength due to prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, this exposure results in the fabric or material of your outdoor furniture fading, discolouring or even cracking.

Impacts Of Sun Fading On Outdoor Furniture

The impacts of sun fading on outdoor furniture extend beyond mere cosmetic damage. The continuous assault of UV rays can lead to:

Weakening of material structure: Sunlight can break down the fibres in your furniture, causing them to become brittle and fragile over time.
Reduced lifespan: With structural damage comes a shorter lifespan for your furniture, meaning you may have to replace items more frequently.
Diminished aesthetic appeal: Sun-faded furniture often appears old and worn, which can detract from the overall appearance of your outdoor space.

How Do Awnings Protect Against Fading?

Awnings, often made from sturdy and UV-resistant materials, act as a shield against the damaging effects of sunlight. Here's how they offer protection:

Absorbing or reflecting UV light: Awnings act as a barrier, absorbing or reflecting most of the UV rays before they reach your furniture.
Providing shade: By creating a shaded area, awnings effectively reduce the direct sunlight your furniture receives. This indirect light is much less damaging to your items.
Cooling down: Awnings can significantly lower the temperature of the space beneath them, helping prevent heat-related damage to your furniture.

Other Benefits Of Awnings

In addition to protecting your outdoor furniture from sun fading, awnings come with numerous other benefits:

Enhanced outdoor living: By providing shade, awnings make outdoor spaces more comfortable and usable even on hot, sunny days or during light showers.
Added aesthetic value: With a variety of designs, colours and styles available, awnings can add to the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Energy efficiency: By reducing the heat gain in areas close to windows and doors, awnings can contribute to lower cooling costs during the summer months.

Choosing The Right Awning For Your Home

Material

Awning materials range from canvas and polyester to acrylic. Each has its unique characteristics:

Canvas: Known for its durability and classic look, canvas is a popular choice. However, it may require more maintenance than other materials.
Polyester: It's lightweight, water-resistant and available in various colours and designs. However, its UV resistance may be lower than other materials.
Acrylic: This material is known for its superior UV resistance and durability, making it an excellent choice for sun protection.

Size

The size of your awning plays a crucial role in how effectively it can protect your outdoor furniture. The awning should be large enough to cover the furniture layout entirely and offer a buffer zone to account for the changing position of the sun throughout the day.

Installation

Proper installation is vital to ensure that your awning functions effectively and stands up to varying weather conditions. We recommend hiring professionals for installation to ensure a secure and durable setup.

Protect Your Outdoor Furniture With Summerland Screens & Awnings

Don't wait until you notice the detrimental effects of sun fading on your precious outdoor furniture. It's time to act proactively. Protect your investment and ensure your outdoor relaxation isn't marred by the harsh Australian sun. Contact Summerland Screens & Awnings today for a range of high-quality, UV-resistant awnings that can provide the ultimate protection and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. Remember, your outdoor living space is an extension of your home and it deserves the same care and attention.