With warmer weather right around the corner, the time is right to be giving some thought as to whether or not investing in exterior shading for your home is right for you.
While there are a variety of reasons why more and more people are adding shades to their dwelling, a big concern has always been how to do so without creating an eye sore and damaging your home’s curb appeal.
After all, if you are ever hoping to some day put your house on the market with the intentions of purchasing an upgrade, the first thing buyers are going to notice is a clunky looking screen that has been erected. Some have tried to self-install their own shading units with disastrous results.
Even if you are not intending to sell, installing a sub-standard screen on your dwelling can actually affect the value of your home as curb appeal is one factor that home-appraisers consider.
How do home-owners who want to add shading to a portion of their residence do so without negatively effecting the value of their property?
The answer comes in the form of Universal Screen’s MotionScreen.
The Universal MotionScreen is the finest motorized retractable shading solution on the market. It offers solar protection, privacy, and full ventilation. With just a push of a button, the Universal MotionScreen is there when the home-owner wants it and gone when they don’t.
With a sleek design and a variety of colors to choose from, Universal MotionScreen can provide the comfort and UV protection that you are seeking without sacrificing your home’s value.
Motorized Shade Protection From UV Rays
One of the most valuable options that the Texas-based retractable shading company offer are the solar screens that block out harmful solar radiation and provide safe shading.
No matter what time of the year it is, Ultra Violate (UV) rays can be dangerous when a person is exposed to them for long periods of time.
What most people may not realize is that not all UV rays are equal. There are, in actuality, three different types of UV rays out there. [1]
The first type is called UVA rays, and these are often found in tanning salons. Tanning beds tend to give off large amounts of UVA rays. The risks of long-term exposure from UVA rays include long term damage to the skin (wrinkles) and an increased chance of developing skin cancer. These rays penetrate deeply into the layers of the skin, scientists believe this is where skin cancer can begin. If you’ve ever had that friend or parent who is always warning people about the dangers of tanning beds, UVA rays are what they are talking about.
Next up is the UVC rays, and these are going to be the most dangerous of the three UV rays that are out there. However, thanks to the Earth’s atmosphere, UVC rays are unable to penetrate and reach the Earth’s surface. UVC has its practical uses, however, as UVC rays are remarkably effective in destroying parasites and bacteria in water. The UVC rays actually alter the DNA of the little critters, rendering them unable to reproduce. They quickly die off. Many of the high-end water filtration systems are now including UVC rays as a feature to further purify water. Beyond that, you will rarely come across UVC rays during the course of your daily life, unless you are possibly a welder. Welding torches are believed to give off UVC rays.
Finally, last but not least, we arrive at the UVB rays. When you are out at the beach or are just lounging on a lawn chair in your backyard, it’s the UVB rays that are responsible for giving you the frustratingly uncomfortable sun-burn. UVB rays actually burn off the out layer of the skin, which is why your sunburns feel almost hot to the touch for hours after the damage is done. Sun burns can range from a mild irritation to severe second-degree burns. Those suffering from second-degree sunburns might find that they are experiencing pain with their skin showing signs of redness, swelling, and blistering. Although not as common, third degree burns can occur as well from overexposure to UVB rays.
If you have a sunburn, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it’s important to act as soon as you notice that you have been burned. First and foremost: Get out of the sun! Next, treat the area quickly. Apply cool (not cold) water to the wound, and pat dry. Leave a little bit of water behind so that, when you apply a moisturizer, you trap some of the water behind on the skin. Drink lots of water, and consider taking an aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce the swelling and ease the pain. If your skin has blistered (second-degree burn), allow the blisters to heal on their own without popping them. Finally, make sure that your skin is protected from the sun when you next go outside into the sun to prevent further damage. [2]
UVB rays have the ability to alter the DNA of your skin, are more potent than UVA rays, and can cause skin cancer. Studies have suggested that repeated long-term exposure to the sun’s UVB rays are the largest contributor to skin cancer. Those who were exposed to sunlight for longer periods of time at an earlier age stand a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
While the risks of solar radiation are fairly well known, there are a couple of myths surrounding UVB rays that can lead to more people being exposed to the harmful UV rays.
First, is the idea that UVB rays are not a problem on cloudy or overcast days. This is false. While the clouds may offer some protection from solar rays, the truth is that clouds will not block all of the solar radiation. You can still be sunburned even when you cannot see the sun. Even more than that, some clouds can actually increase the intensity of the UVB rays that pass through, exposing you to even more UV radiation than if the clouds were not there at all. Experts agree that if you are working out in the yard, even if it is an overcast day, you should slap on a little bit of sunscreen or where appropriate clothing to protect your skin.
The second myth is that an umbrella shade is all the protection you need when lounging outside or at the beach. The truth of the matter is that UVB rays have the capability to be reflected off of many surfaces including water, sand, pavement, or grass. Even snow can reflect UVB rays. It’s why you might see pictures of artic explorers or mountain climbers featuring goggles that have had their lenses darkened. It’s not just to keep the snow from blowing in their faces, but it protects them from UVB radiation as well. Without taking precautions, these cold-region explorers would risk snow-blindness as the UVB radiation actually burns and damages their cornea.
Some other fun facts about UVB rays is that location matters. The higher the altitude, the stronger the UV rays. The people of Texas do not have much to worry about as far as altitude, assuming that they are not inside Texas’ hill country. However, UV radiation increases the closer that you get to the Earth’s equator. While Texas is more than 2,000 miles from the equator, it is still the second southernmost state of the United States, potentially giving it more UV radiation exposure than the rest of the country.
Another danger regarding UVB rays is that they can increase a person’s risk of developing cataracts and having their skin’s immune system suppressed. Those with darker skin are generally less likely to get skin cancer, but they can still suffer from cataracts and having their skin’s immune system suppressed.
The American Cancer Society recommends that you consult the UV Index developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The UV Index measures the amount of UV that is reaching the ground on any particular day. It takes into consideration the region’s altitude, the time of day, the cloud cover, and the time of year.
All of this is to say that the sun, while it can be pleasant to bask in its rays, also produces harmful radiation that could result in mild to severe burns, cataracts, or even skin cancer.
Universal MotionScreens – Powered Retractable Screens
With a Universal Screens retractable solar shading unit on your dwelling, your family can relax on the porch, comfortable and safe, knowing that the sun’s harmful radiation is being prevented from passing through your retractable screen’s fabric.
Retractable Screens are perfect for barbeques with family and friends that provide a comfortable space for sipping iced tea and lemonade over pleasant conversation. Have the experts at Universal Motion install a patio screen and you are good to go.
But the benefits of the Universal MotionScreen do not stop there, as far as UVB rays are concerned.
Did you know that solar radiation can actually cause damage to your dwelling? Sunlight can cause “sun damage” to your personal belonging that takes the form of fading.
You may be aware that sunlight has a fading effect on your outdoor patio furniture, but did you know that sunlight can also affect what is inside the house? Everything from window treatments, to indoor furniture, to wallpaper to wood floors to pictures and paintings can be affected from solar radiation and sunlight.
As we explained above, UVB radiation can be reflected after touching many surfaces, meaning that even though the roof over your head is protecting your belongings from the sun’s radiation from above, there are still plenty of other opportunities for UVB rays to get into your home. Every window provides an entryway for UVB rays.
Luckily, Universal Screen’s solar shades are versatile, and can fit any window, entryway, or opening that your home might have.
There are even Universal MotionScreen options for awnings. Universal Screen’s retractable awning provides the comfort and sun shade that you and your family deserve.
Some homeowners have even gone the route of installing a retractable shading solution on their garage. At the push of a button, the garage door can raise while the Universal MotionScreen lowers. Those seeking to use their garages as a workspace have found that this provides them with the right amount of ventilation that they desire, along with solar radiation protection and a sense of privacy.
Outdoor Shades Provide Privacy
Speaking of privacy, Universal MotionScreens are a much-needed addition for those with outdoor pools or hot tubs. These types of additions provide a refreshing escape as well as an opportunity for exercise. Yet some are hesitant about installing a hot tub or pool on the basis that they are unsure about whether or not they will be able to maintain a sense of privacy. These retractable shading solutions are designed so that you can see out, but others cannot see in. You can relax in your hot tub, secure with the feeling of privacy that Universal MotionScreens can provide. Retractable screens are also perfect for those who are seeking to build their own little sanctuaries on their property. Whether it’s a simple reading nook or an elaborate backyard barbecue setup, Universal MotionScreens provides is there to provide the privacy that your go-to sanctuary needs. These retractable screen systems are ideal for those who simply want to sit on their patios and watch the world go buy.
Whatever your need, Universal Screens has the solution. Their sleek retractable shading solution designs can provide comfort and protection to any structure, from patios to windows to awnings and from residential properties to commercial properties. With the warm/hot summer months just around the corner, the only question is, “Why don’t you already have one installed on your property?”
Universal Screens makes the finest motorized retractable shading solution available, the Universal Motionscreen. Their products are manufactured in the USA, they’re based in Plano, TX, and provide service nationwide.
[1] American Cancer Society
[2] American Academy of Dermatology
One thought on “Motorized Retractable Shades – An Investment For Your Home”
Hi,
I have a standard 10×10 covered patio would like a price starting point to have a sturdy motorized patio screen