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but give us shade, beautiful shade


Skybright Patio System is a new company in Manitoba, yet the product has been avail- able in Ontario for about 15 years. It’s a patio system that allows the light to shine through in a filtered way that blocks heat but doesn’t make the space feel dreary. “The patio is a permanent structure equipped for our climate so there is no worry about snow or wind damage,” says business owner Alex Revensbergen. “The product is made of double skinned acrylic and has UV protection built in. The sun can’t destroy it and our product is way more durable than fi- berglass.”


Ravensbergen said fiberglass tends to get


dirty, brittle and breaks down with time. The acrylic sheets are developed in Germa- ny where people have enjoyed the benefits of natural light covers for more than 30 years.


It comes in a variety of colours as a smooth skin or ripple so it can easily replace existing material over wooden structures. New con- struction materials are made of German engi- neered aluminum with stainless steel hardware to ensure years of durability with no rust.


www.localgardener.net


“The product blocks 100 per cent of harm- ful UV rays and 75 per cent of the heat, yet lets in 50 per cent of the light,” Ravensber- gen continues. “The result gives light and bright verses regular awnings which tend to be dark.”


In June, the Vandermeulens had their


northern exposed deck covered. The addition to their home not only looks good, but has extended their outdoor living area so that it is now useable throughout the entire summer. “It is a really nice, clean looking product and we can wash it if it gets dirty. It is attrac- tive and a highlight to the house,” says Fran- ces, clearly pleased. “The thermometer used to rise up to 50 degrees with the morning sun but no longer fluctuates. The patio stays com- fortable and our house does too. “It gives the area a cozy feel and stays dry when it rains.We get lots of light but not the sun and it’s over the whole deck. We really ap- preciate that it’s dry,” adds Frances. “I can sit on my swing while it rains and the grandkids also enjoy reading on the deck. We are very pleased. Jack can sit in the shade and I can still have my light.”


“The patio roof is a permanent structure equipped for our climate so there is no worry about snow or wind damage,” says business owner Alex Revensbergen.


Beautiful Gardens 2012 • 37


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