Is a fixed awning practical, or do a sun sail or cantilever umbrellas make more sense? Of course, an awning works well for blocking the midday sun around the summer solstice, but if you’re sitting on the terrace in the afternoon, evening, or after work, the sun is already shining at a very different angle. Assuming a 4m (13 feet) awning—which I believe is usually the maximum—and a mounting height above the patio door of about 2.60 meters (8.5 feet), you get the following approximate values:
June 21, 12:30 pm => Shadow length 1.41 meters (4.6 feet), so 2.59 meters (8.5 feet) of the terrace shaded
June 21, 4:30 pm => 1.15 meters (3.8 feet) of the terrace remains in the sun
June 21, 5:30 pm => From this point on, the awning is completely ineffective
August 21, 12:30 pm => 1.83 meters (6 feet) of the terrace remains in the sun
August 21, 4:33 pm => From this point on, the awning is completely ineffective
September 1, 1:00 pm => Even at the solar noon, less than 1.60 meters (5.2 feet) of shading remains
Based on these considerations, a sun sail significantly larger than 4 meters (13 feet) might be more practical, which could have a deep corner on the west side. Alternatively, cantilever umbrellas might be a better option since they can be adjusted flexibly.
What are your thoughts?
June 21, 12:30 pm => Shadow length 1.41 meters (4.6 feet), so 2.59 meters (8.5 feet) of the terrace shaded
June 21, 4:30 pm => 1.15 meters (3.8 feet) of the terrace remains in the sun
June 21, 5:30 pm => From this point on, the awning is completely ineffective
August 21, 12:30 pm => 1.83 meters (6 feet) of the terrace remains in the sun
August 21, 4:33 pm => From this point on, the awning is completely ineffective
September 1, 1:00 pm => Even at the solar noon, less than 1.60 meters (5.2 feet) of shading remains
Based on these considerations, a sun sail significantly larger than 4 meters (13 feet) might be more practical, which could have a deep corner on the west side. Alternatively, cantilever umbrellas might be a better option since they can be adjusted flexibly.
What are your thoughts?
Grym schrieb:
The calculation is quite simple, and there are online tools for it. Simply put, if, for example, the awning ends at 2 meters (6.5 feet) high and the sun shines at a 45-degree angle, the "sun shadow" is also 2 meters (6.5 feet). For more precise calculations including time of day, there are online tools available.Yeah. When does that happen? Fall/Spring?
If I sit on the south-facing terrace in fall/spring, it’s to catch the last/first sun rays. You don’t want anything overhead then.
By the way, you mentioned a 4-meter (13 feet) deep awning – sure, but at this time of year you probably only get 2 meters (6.5 feet) of full shade, warm legs beyond 3 meters (10 feet), and still sun on your face.
A 2-meter (6.5 feet) "sun shadow" doesn’t mean you’re fully shaded for the entire 2 meters (6.5 feet) if you sit in that zone.
Grym schrieb:
The valance can add a few more centimeters (inches) downward, but only if it’s oriented toward the sun. If the awning and valance face south but the evening sun comes from the southwest, west-southwest, or west, then the valance won’t help.The position of the awning is fixed, but the sun’s position is not. That’s just how it is and you can’t change it.
So it’s like any other sun protection — not perfect. You would need very large sun protection systems to reliably shade your lounge chair all the time. Or the sun protection would have to be mobile, or you would need to move the lounge chair.
Manufacturers also offer vertically wall-mounted side panels that can be pulled out. But these are more for privacy; the sun will still creep over the top.
Sunglasses help with the rest.
As mentioned, the times are shown above. This also applies in the peak of summer. The sun being at a 45-degree angle is rather rare. Usually, it is lower.
Sunglasses offer little protection against sunburn.
I am currently wondering whether a market umbrella or a significantly larger sunshade with a low western side makes more sense.
Sunglasses offer little protection against sunburn.
I am currently wondering whether a market umbrella or a significantly larger sunshade with a low western side makes more sense.
Where do you live or plan to build where you really crave shade?
This probably only applies for a few hours a year, and you’re likely working or busy inside the house during that time anyway. These calculations are really negligible: just plant a tree in a nice spot, under whose canopy you can then sit.
This probably only applies for a few hours a year, and you’re likely working or busy inside the house during that time anyway. These calculations are really negligible: just plant a tree in a nice spot, under whose canopy you can then sit.
Haven't you already answered that question yourself [emoji6]
As I understand it, you want to protect yourself from sun exposure caused by the changing position of the sun. Your calculation shows that a fixed sunshade will naturally reach its limits in this regard.
It sounds to me like you need a more flexible solution to protect against variable sun angles. Whether a fixed sun sail can achieve this is questionable. To me, it seems your requirements cannot be met at all times with that option.
The only real choice seems to be a cantilever umbrella, which offers the necessary flexibility—provided its base is not permanently fixed in concrete.
My personal choice would definitely not be an awning; I find them outdated and visually unappealing. I also dislike valances. At that point, I might as well move indoors. A light, asymmetrical sun sail or a cantilever umbrella would be my solution, with a slight preference for the airy sail, though I do not share your level of flexibility requirements.
As I understand it, you want to protect yourself from sun exposure caused by the changing position of the sun. Your calculation shows that a fixed sunshade will naturally reach its limits in this regard.
It sounds to me like you need a more flexible solution to protect against variable sun angles. Whether a fixed sun sail can achieve this is questionable. To me, it seems your requirements cannot be met at all times with that option.
The only real choice seems to be a cantilever umbrella, which offers the necessary flexibility—provided its base is not permanently fixed in concrete.
My personal choice would definitely not be an awning; I find them outdated and visually unappealing. I also dislike valances. At that point, I might as well move indoors. A light, asymmetrical sun sail or a cantilever umbrella would be my solution, with a slight preference for the airy sail, though I do not share your level of flexibility requirements.
A freestanding cantilever umbrella is the most flexible but also the flimsiest option.
If every ray of sunshine feels like too much, simply avoid planning your terrace facing south. This even saves money since you can choose a less expensive plot. I’m serious—the south-facing terrace is the wrong choice for what you want.
Awnings are affordable; after that, fixed solutions cost several times more. Take a look at the latest models from Markilux and others—it’s nothing like your grandmother’s awning anymore.
If every ray of sunshine feels like too much, simply avoid planning your terrace facing south. This even saves money since you can choose a less expensive plot. I’m serious—the south-facing terrace is the wrong choice for what you want.
Awnings are affordable; after that, fixed solutions cost several times more. Take a look at the latest models from Markilux and others—it’s nothing like your grandmother’s awning anymore.
I have to admit, some of the Markilux awnings are quite attractive. However, personally, I tend to prefer sun sails. That said, I don’t understand why high-quality cantilever umbrellas are considered cheap. They just cost a fortune if you want something good. Depending on the situation, though, they might fit a house better or worse—don’t you think?
I think the advice about planning the terrace is a good point. Maybe the original poster should focus more on addressing the root causes rather than trying to treat the symptoms. With a south-facing terrace, you can definitely expect a lot of sun... [emoji6]
I think the advice about planning the terrace is a good point. Maybe the original poster should focus more on addressing the root causes rather than trying to treat the symptoms. With a south-facing terrace, you can definitely expect a lot of sun... [emoji6]
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