Facts to Consider About UV Radiation Before Deciding To Build A Shade Structure

The main purpose of a shade sail structure is really to protect you from the harmful effects of UV radiation

. Therefore before you start the planning for the positioning and erection of a shade structure, it would be beneficial to understand what affects UV radiation levels?

A number of factors affect UV radiations levels throughout the year and during the day.

1. The height of the sun above the earth.

The position of the sun affects radiation levels. UV radiation is at its most intense when the distance from the sun to the earth is at its shortest, i.e. midday. Conversely when the sun sets on the horizon is when the UV radiation is at its weakest.

The further the sun is from the earth, the greater the amount of UV radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere.

Therefore we can conclude that in summer when the sun is the shortest distance from your geographical location and directly above your head, i.e. solar noon between 12 noon and 1pm, UV radiation is at its most intense level. Likewise in winter when the sun is furthest from your geographical radiation the intensity of the UV radiation is at its weakest.

2. Scattered UV radiation.

When UV radiation passes through the atmosphere it collides with atmospheric particles and the UV radiation is scattered. This means that even if you are in the shade you may be exposed to UV radiation.

Some times the amount of scattered UV radiation that reaches your skin may be more than the amount of direct UV radiation reaching your skin.

3. Cloud cover.

Not all clouds block UV radiation. Thick clouds may block some UV radiation, but it can get through thin and scattered clouds.

4. Geographical location.

The closer you are to the equator the higher the levels of UV radiation.

5. Altitude.

UV radiation is stronger at higher altitudes because there is less atmosphere for the UV radiation to pass through before it reaches the ground, so less UV radiation is absorbed or scattered.

Mountaineers climbing at altitude constantly apply UV barrier cream to protect themselves from UV radiation as well as using types of clothing apparel for additional protection.

6. Ozone layer.

Ozone is a gas that occurs in the earth's upper atmosphere and absorbs some UV radiation. Ozone levels vary over the year and even across the day. New Zealand is known to be affected by this phenomenon and has some of the highest levels of UV radiation.

There are many factors you should consider when considering erecting your shade sail structure. The amount of protection you require from UV radiation is just one of them. Some other factors you need to consider are if the structure should be permanent or temporary, how much UV filtering from the cover sail do you require, does the structure fit in with the surroundings, determining what are the best construction materials to use, does the structure comply with council or government regulations, etc.

Facts to Consider About UV Radiation Before Deciding To Build A Shade Structure

By: Greg Barnes

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