What density and color of shade cloth should I choose for a patio cover?
Question:I'm looking to get a shade cloth to go over my patio structure to reduce heat on the patio and in the house. The patio structure has slats of wood, but nothing on top of that, so a good amount of sun does get through, some of it hitting the glass sliding doors and helping warm the house.
I've found that shadecloth comes in densities from 10% to 90% sun blockage. I'm inclined to get 80% or 90%, but I wonder: Is that the right choice? Also, does the color matter, or is that only an aesthetic concern?
The house is in Long Beach, Calif. and the patio is on the east side of the house., so it gets a good deal of afternoon and evening sun.
Any advice or suggestions are appreciated!
Answers:
If you are trying to reduce the heat, definitely go with a light colored cloth. It will reflect the sun, rather than absorb the sun. As far as the sunblockage is concerned, that will depend on how much sun you are trying to blockout. 80% will still let a little filter light through. I think 90% is nearly a blackout. If you are trying to keep all of the sun out, then go with the higher number.
Sunbrella Fabrics is a great manufacturer of 100% acrylic fabrics, they will not deteriorate with the sun, and resist mold and mildew. They also will hold their color better overtime. Most yard good shops carry this type of fabric.
I've had the best results from a darker color shade cloth. That seems counter-intuitive, but because shade-cloth is so porous, the darker colors give better shade, and the holes allow heat to escape.
It would be hard to determine what percentage of sun blockage to suggest without knowing what your goals are. If you want it to be cooler, block more sun.
I don't understand how your patio on the east side of the house would get significant afternoon and evening sun. Could you have meant instead that it's on the west side?
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