How do I protect my cement back yard from the sun?

How about a shade sail.

http://canopykingpin.com/shade-sails/diy-how-to-make-a-shade-sail/

https://www.sailrite.com/How-to-Make-Shade-Sails

https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-shade-sail/

http://www.housetweaking.com/2016/10/20/diy-shade-sails-in-the-backyard/

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-your-own-shade-sai-139258

You could get off set umbrellas that would allow you to have them in some of the spots where an awning is not possible. I purchased on at Aldies about three years ago that is still in excellent shape and so much cheaper than anywhere else and it is the same size as the other ones at twice the price. We use ours a lot when we are working in the front yard tending plants, working on our boat, cars, whatever. We move it around all the time. Perhaps something like that could work for you, Joanne!

Try using indoor/outdoor carpeting on the cement. You could also attach pieces of old cloth to place underneath and make it thicker. Also, and I know I am now talking money, you could get an umbrella with a stand. Try second hand stores.

Having an architecture practice in Ca, I know exactly what you’re dealing with and before I give you “my play book”, let me say, Congratulations on your purchase. I’m sensing that you’re tickled pink.

Since heat mitigation appears to be your number one priority, I’m going to explain how to go about this in a way that meets the City’s 2 sets of Codes, and save you time &$.

1.) The Building Codes (the IRC, 2015 probably) are essentially the same across the US. You may have Seismic Mitigation Amendments to the IRC depending on your Seismic Zone.

2.) The local Zoning/Planning Ordinances, AKA the Municipal Code. This is where your 6’ high fence regulations come from. These Codes are on-line and you’ll need to know how to access them to modify the shed and to build a legal patio cover.

3.) This project includes both sets of Codes.

The shed is likely defined as an Accessory Structure and let’s hope that it’s either compliant or “ existing nonconforming” and Grandfathered. When you bought the house, what did the realtors’ documents disclose about it? Do you get why I’m discussing this variable?

First thing is get a copy of the City’s Prototypical Patio Cover construction documents hand out.

Then Study the drawings and design a way to incorporate the shed’s structure into the new patio cover. If you can’t do this, then hire a designer or an architect to design it with you. Any shade devices need to meet the Codes, believe me.

Investigate how thick the concrete slab is and how big the pad footings are to be under each patio cover post.

Note how far it has to be from the property lines and height limitations.

Take notice on allowable attachments to your home for the patio cover.

As well as allowable screening devices for both sun shading & privacy.

I would evaluate cutting the concrete and planting a palm tree or three, keeping in mind the Codes. I would also plant bougainvillea around the patio cover posts & train it to climb.

Enjoy your new home. 😎

Hi Joanne, We used to live in a dark gray rock house. The Oklahoma heat overwhelmed our AC in the afternoon. So, I "watered the house." Whenever it started to feel hot, I went outside and used the garden hose with a sprayer to wet the roof and the rocks. It really cooled things down. You could wet down the concrete, If you can afford to buy some white porch paint to paint the concrete, that would help, too.

First, THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH for the time you have given me! I appreciate all answers and ideas!

You can buy some "almost real looking" plastic grass indoor/outdoor carpeting at home improvement stores now. I really thought it was sod until I felt it. Buy an inexpensive patio table umbrella at Walmart. Last year they had some for $39.99. Just remember to close it when its not in use to keep a strong wind from breaking it. Even expensive patio umbrellas do not stay good looking for long so I say go cheap. Places like Big Lots and Roses sell some inexpensive outdoor tables and chairs . I like the cloth fold up chairs that have an attached canopy top. They are easy to fold up and stash away. Also pretty up the sides of the fences (the ones your property faces) by adding weather tolerant plants, flowers and shrubs. Don't be afraid to add lots of color. Maybe Simplicity rose bushes would do well. They are pretty, reasonably priced and weather tolerant Do you have room for a small fountain and/or wind chime That would add some relaxing sounds. You can find fountains at Lowe's Home Improvement. Have fun making this your place.

First, check your attic space insulation. Unless you have a good heavy insulation up there the sun will make the attic space well over 120*. It's essential to have a thick layer of insulation to keep the heat out of the house. I live in SE Florida and was fortunate to have paper insulation blown into my attic up to 18"+ on top of the existing pink roll out type. This made an incredible difference to the amount of heat sinking into my home as well as my a/c bills.

Do you have high enough structures to put up sail shades? Or, places to sink exterior posts to the proper height (you can 'marry' these to these existing fences and storage shed). Large sail shades can be ordered online at excellent (cheap) prices and are relatively easy to put up with 2 people. Example 20' x 20' x 20' triangle sail shade $58

https://www.amazon.com/20x20x20-Oversized-Triangle-Garden-Desert/dp/B0085ZO3B4

8' x 10' @ $30

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CCBVBDO/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01CCBVBDO&pd_rd_w=0SVoE&pf_rd_p=80559f3c-f83b-49c1-8a72-40f936e9df7a&pd_rd_wg=9wI24&pf_rd_r=RGA92RJ3QTRRV5DMCRRC&pd_rd_r=021ef72f-48cd-11e9-8c92-b9cd101fc2dc