Warmth, light and feelings of happiness – the sun spreads all of this. However, it also emits dangerous ultraviolet radiation (UV radiation). Ultraviolet light is not visible and cannot be perceived by other sense organs. Based on its wavelength, UV radiation is divided into the radiation ranges A, B and C:
UV-A rays (Wavelength 400 to 315 nanometers):
They have the longest wavelength and reach the earth's surface unhindered. UV-A rays penetrate deep into the upper layer of skin. In small doses, they do not cause the skin to redden or tan. However, if the skin is irradiated over a longer period of time and at a higher dose, skin pigmentation (“instant tanning”) and light-induced skin aging occur. In the long term, these rays can lead to skin cancer.
UV-B rays (Wavelength 315 to 280 nanometers):
They have a medium wavelength. Approximately 10% of the rays reach the earth and penetrate deep into the skin. They cause skin to tan, can cause sunburn and are responsible for “late pigmentation”. Since they also penetrate the epidermis and damage the cells there, UV-B rays can also promote the development of skin cancer.
UV-C rays (Wavelength 280 to 100 nanometers):
They have the lowest wavelength and are the most energetic parts of the light spectrum. UV-C rays do not reach the earth's surface.
Then comes visible light, in the wavelength range of 400-780 nanometers. Above this lies infrared radiation (heat radiation), which ranges from 780 nanometers to 1 millimeter in wavelength. UV rays are more energetic and have shorter wavelengths than visible light. It is precisely these properties that are responsible for the health-endangering effects. The shorter the wavelength and the more energetic the radiation, the more harmful it is to organisms.
The strength of UV radiation on Earth depends on the latitude and the position of the sun. When the sun is high in summer, UV rays are stronger throughout the day and therefore more dangerous than in the winter months.
There are different ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. However, it is always advisable not to expose yourself to intense sunlight without protection for a long period of time. Basically, UV protection is guaranteed by these factors:
· Skin’s own protection: varies depending on skin type
· Sunscreens: sun protection varies depending on the sun protection factor
· Textiles: Clothing or fabrics with UV protection function have a different Ultraviolet Protection Factor depending on their composition.
UV radiation is neither visible nor noticeable to humans. The extent to which UV rays endanger your health largely depends on your behavior in the sun. If you are exposed to sunlight for too long, the UV rays penetrate the surface of the skin and, in the worst case, lead to skin cancer. By taking appropriate protective measures, such as a parasol with a sun protection factor, you can minimize the risk of sunburn, illness or premature skin aging. Parasols from Schneider not only provide shade over large areas, but also offer a high sun protection factor. Most parasols have UV protection of 50+ and therefore provide effective protection against harmful UV rays.
The UPF value is specified for parasols or awnings. The value is determined by the special fiber and fabric properties. The following values apply as a guideline for assessing whether your parasol adequately protects you from UV rays:
· UPF rating 15 to 24 = medium protection
· UPF value 25 to 50 = high protection
· UPF value from 50+ = excellent protection
However, there is not just one measurement method used to determine the UPF value. There are various standards for measuring UV protection for textiles, including the following:
· UV Standard 801
· AS/NZS 4399 – Australia-New Zealand standard
· EN 13758-1
· AATCC 183
In the area of parasols, the UV standard 801 and AS/NZS measurement types have become established. If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to UV protection, choose a parasol that has been tested and certified according to one of these two processes. All Schneider parasols are tested according to UV standard 801 or AS/NZS and impress with a high sun protection factor. You can find the values in the product description of the respective parasol model.
All of our parasols have excellent UV protection. Discover our parasols here
Parasols provide varying levels of protection against UV radiation. Therefore, in addition to the specified UPF value, you should consider other important aspects if you buy an parasol and want to protect yourself from the sun's rays. This includes the surface on which the parasol is located, the angle of irradiation/latitude, the size of the parasol required and the density of the fabric.
The surface: The location of the parasol influences the radiation intensity. Reflective materials such as water, granite or asphalt can increase the effect of the rays.
The angle of incidence: The angle of the sun's rays changes throughout the day. At midday the sun is more vertically above the earth, and more inclined in the morning and evening. It is therefore ideal if a parasol can be flexibly adjusted and tilted accordingly, as is possible with cantilever parasols, for example. This means you have optimal sun protection at any time of day.
How intensively the earth is heated and how much radiation hits the earth's surface also depends on the latitude. The greater the distance to the equator, the flatter the angle of incidence of the sun and the cooler it becomes, since at a shallow angle the sunlight is distributed over a larger area and each individual spot on the ground therefore receives less light and heat. Since the flat sun's rays have to travel a longer distance to the earth due to the distance and therefore more energy is lost, less radiation reaches the earth's surface.
Parasol size: Make sure your parasol covers as large an area as possible. The more blue sky and sun that can be seen under the parasol, the more indirect radiation hits the skin under the parasol. If you are next to a reflective object, the rays can hit you from the side despite the screen (“scattered radiation”).
The density of the fabric: In general, the protective effect of the parasol fabric covers is also influenced by the density of the fabric. The following applies here: the heavier the fabric, the denser its weave and the better it protects against dangerous UV rays.
If you value very high UV protection and at the same time a robust and resistant product when choosing your parasol, you and your family are safe with the Schneider parasols, which are certified and evaluated according to the two measuring methods UV Standard 801 and AS/NZS Page.
© 2025 Xaver Schneider GmbH & Co. KG - Schirmfabrik
Xaver Schneider GmbH & Co. KG Schirmfabrik
Obereschring 1
88512 Mengen
© 2025 Xaver Schneider GmbH & Co. KG - Schirmfabrik
