When the sun shines, you need sun protection! But which parasol is the right one for the garden, balcony and terrace? Our guide explains.
When the first rays of sunshine of the year tickle your nose, it's finally time to enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors again. However, if the temperatures rise sharply in summer, then one is also happy if one can sit in the shade and enjoy the wonderful weather from there. But who always wants to sit under a shady tree when the terrace and balcony also invite you to linger?
In order to make the temperatures on hot summer days more bearable, solutions have to be found everywhere so that the skin is not too stressed by the sun. The great thing is that it doesn't matter whether it's in the garden, terrace, balcony, pool area or private beach - there really is the perfect sunshade for all areas of the property. But before you buy a parasol, you should think carefully about what properties the parasol should have. We would like to introduce you to a few parasol models that can really provide shade anywhere.
Types of Parasols and Their Areas of Use
❍ Central mast umbrella:
Central pole umbrellas, also known as stick umbrellas, are the classic umbrellas. As the name suggests, they have the base in the middle. They are particularly suitable for garden tables that have an umbrella hole in the middle. So the umbrella stand doesn't bother anyone and the garden table is optimally shaded. On the other hand, if the umbrella is free, the stand can quickly become a tripping hazard. So a clear minus point. On the other hand, a plus point is that, depending on the model, central mast umbrellas also have a function for tilting the canopy. This allows you to align the umbrella according to the sun.
❍ Cantilever parasol:
Parasols have a side stand. The advantage of this is that you can move freely under the shaded area without the middle mast getting in the way. This is very practical, especially on a balcony or a small terrace, as the umbrella can be used very flexibly and at the same time there is plenty of space for a wholeSeating group offers. In contrast to the center mast umbrella, the cantilever umbrella can be positioned in a corner. Just so that it provides shade without the umbrella stand becoming a tripping hazard.
❍ Balcony umbrella / half umbrella:
If you want to make yourself comfortable on the balcony, you also need adequate sun protection here. If you are not allowed to install an awning due to the rental agreement, then a balcony umbrella is the ideal alternative. Because balcony umbrellas are usually smaller than normal umbrellas and have a special shape, which means they fit perfectly into smaller corners and narrower balcony spaces. For example, models with a semicircle (also known as a half umbrella) and rectangular umbrellas are popular. But there are also oval models.
❍ Screen:
A so-called folding screen is also very suitable for the balcony. With this model, the mast is fixed to the wall. The umbrella itself can then usually be tilted forwards and backwards by moving the handle. So there is no umbrella stand in the way.
❍ Awning:
If you like it modern, you can rely on a so-called sun sail. It has the shape of a sail triangle and can be stretched on the house wall, on trees or on free-standing stainless steel poles. Not only small balconies can be protected from the sun, but also entire roof terraces and even large areas in the garden. Sun sails, for example, are also the perfect sun protection for the garden pond.
The great thing: sun sails can be stretched both horizontally and at an angle and can therefore also be used as a privacy screen.
When buying, pay attention to the sun protection factor
As you probably know, harmful UV radiation also goes through clothing and fabrics. Accordingly, you can get sunburned in the shade even if you are clothed. That's why you work with sunshades with a so-called sun protection factor. This is referred to as a UPF value (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which is achieved through special fiber and fabric constructions. You can use these guidelines as a guide:
- UPF 15 to 24=medium protection
- UPF 25 to 50=high protection
- from UPF 50+=excellent protection
So the higher the UPF value, the better! Much like sunscreen. It is therefore worth investing in high-quality garden umbrellas, as they not only provide shade, but also offer excellent protection against harmful UV radiation. Cheap models often cannot do thisguarantee. Therefore, make sure that the sunshade of your choice has the UV STANDARD 801 test label. Because textiles with this test label offer the best possible and most reliable UV protection.
The darker the fabric, the higher the UV protection. However, sunscreen, sunglasses and appropriate clothing should be worn under an umbrella to prevent sunburn.
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Important: Always ask landlord for permission first
If you live in an apartment or house for rent, you should definitely get the landlord's permission before installing an awning or a folding screen. Because they don't like it when holes are drilled in the house walls. According to the German lawyer hotline, if you do this without permission, it can cause a lot of trouble. So always remember: Asking doesn't cost anything. And if your landlord really forbids you to install it, then there are other parasol models available to you. A half umbrella would be an alternative, for example. But you can also switch to a clamp awning for the balcony. This has the advantage that it can be installed without drilling and can easily be taken to the new home after moving out.