Garden Parasols
Offer a large shaded area for alfresco dining or for relaxing away from the direct sun.
Design
These large umbrella-type products come in an extensive range of sizes, shapes, materials and finishes. The fabrics used on these products tend to be acrylic as this are suitable for external use and are treated to make them resistant to UV, water, stains and fading.
Traditional wooden parasols can typically cover an area of about 2 metres in diameter. Parasols using an aluminium or stainless steel construction can cover almost double this area.
Given the overall size of these parasols, the installation is an important consideration. Weighted bases can be used but it is also possible to have the parasol permanently fixed into the ground.
Operation
Parasols can be operated with pulley cords, a gearbox or with an electric motor.
Comfort and energy saving
External shading is more effective at reducing summer heat gains than internal shading in most circumstances. For more information contact your local BBSA member.