Shade devices

Sun umbrellas.  Sun umbrellas where the canopy is made from dense, closely woven materials provide good protection.  If the under surface is a dark colour or black the amount of reflected UVR is reduced.

Awnings.  An awning is a shade structure that has a canopy made from dense material.  The dense the weave the better the protection eg canvas.  Dark colour on the underside increases protection.

Shadecloth.  Shadecloth offers variable protection depending on its weave.  Shadecloths typically rate between UPF 2 – 10, and should never be relied on for protection from UVR.

Polycarbonates. Polycarbonate sheeting is commonly used in outdoor settings where weather protection is desired but still with the feel of the outdoors.  It is manufactured in clear or tinted forms.  Even transparent polycarbonate sheeting usually has a UPF rating of more than 50.

With all shade devices it is not just the UPF rating of the shade material that needs to be considered, but the total UVR that might be incident on the skin from all sources.  Whether under shade or not, other forms of UVR protection such as clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen may be necessary.