Summer is here! And it’s time to enjoy the awesome outdoors right in the comfort of your very own patio. Your deck or pergola will no doubt be the scene of fun-filled afternoons and many a barbie. But basking underneath the summer sun brings it share of health risks.
The Dangers of Excessive UV Exposure
According to Melanoma Institute Australia, we have the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. It’s not fully understood how a mole transforms into a cancerous growth. But there is strong evidence that overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of this condition. Australians love their outdoors and this puts us at high risk from overexposure to the sun and its harmful UV rays.
However, this also means that melanoma is preventable simply by protecting yourself from excessive exposure to sunlight.
Backyard Sun Protection with Polycarbonate Roofing
Spending time in your patio, deck or pergola is what the summer is all about. But your outdoor home extension is also the one place where you are in danger of being bombarded by the sun’s harmful UV rays. Installing polycarbonate roofing can give you peace of mind and still allow you to enjoy the summer sun.
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic polymer that lets sunlight through but blocks out UV rays. It’s also virtually unbreakable. These attributes are what make polycarbonate an ideal roofing material for your deck or patio. Building a polycarbonate roof atop your deck or patio provides shade that protects you from UV ray bombardment but still lets you enjoy the summer sun.
More Sun Protection Tips
Up to 95% of melanoma cases were caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun, according to Melanoma Institute Australia. Here are some more ways you can protect yourself from sun overexposure as the summer wears on.

• Always stay under shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. As we mentioned above, building a polycarbonate roof takes care of this requirement.
• If you need to be outdoors in the sun, wear a hat. A broad-rimmed hat is preferable.
• Wear sunglasses. The ones with UV protection are ideal, of course.
• Wear clothing that covers your back, shoulders, arms and legs.
• If you must bare skin and be under the sun, protect yourself with a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of no less than 30.

Polycarbonate Roofing Information
For more information on polycarbonate roofing, check out our previous blog posts:
“How to Install Polycarbonate Roof Sheets”
“How to Work Out How Much Twin Wall Polycarbonate Roofing You Need”
Softwoods carry a wide range of polycarbonate roofing options from Suntuf and Laserlite, as well as Colorbond steel roofs.
Purchase all your roofing requirements from the Softwoods online roofing store.