You protect yourself from sunburn by covering up if you’re going to be exposed to harmful rays. Why not do the same for your outdoor furniture? Without proper patio covers in place, the upholstery covering these pieces will start to fade and the wood may become damaged. These issues are explored more below.

What Is Sunlight Made Of?

While this might seem like a poetic question to ask, science has long known that a ray of sunlight consists of visible light, which is what we see as warm beams lighting up our yard, infrared light, which is what we feel as heat, and ultraviolet light, which produces vitamin D and also radiation that can lead to skin cancer. Their identity is determined by the wavelength of each—infrared is the longest and ultraviolet is the shortest.

How Do They Affect Upholstery?

Sunlight performs many useful tasks—from encouraging plant growth to improving our mood; however, what feels like gentle warmth on our face can be abrasive to items like fabrics, especially over long periods. Ultraviolet rays, especially, break down the chemical bonds that make up the color, causing them to become less vivid with time. It also destroys the lignin in wood, which helps to keep it strong. This, combined with the moisture and heat of the outdoors, can cause wood to expand and contract regularly and eventually warp. 

 

So how can you protect your furniture? The experts at River Valley Awning, serving the Tri-State area of Arizona, specialize in creating beautiful patio covers to shade your outdoor living space from the glare of the sun. In addition, they will also allow you to enjoy a cup of tea on your patio when it’s raining out. They have been mastering their craft for the last 30 years and, in addition to patio covers, also offer customized sun shades, window awnings, and more to fit your home’s needs. To learn more about their services and view photos of their work, check out their website. You can also call (928) 763-1800 to request a free estimate on patio covers today.