Whether you're overseeing a playground, school campus, or residential area, understanding the crucial factors involved in choosing and installing the right shade structure is paramount!
Shade structures are an essential element of a playground, school campus, or any other recreational area — whether it be on a hot, sunny day, or an overcast, cool day. According to the Centers for Disease and Control, UV rays can harm unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes. Playground shade structures will allow kids to extend their playtime, protect them from harmful UV rays, and add a modern visual appeal to the area.
Before choosing and installing a shade structure, there are several factors that need to be considered — let’s take a look!
Deciding where to place your commercial shade structure depends on your particular goals. First and foremost, identify the purpose of the shade structure. What is your vision for the shade structure? To cover tables during lunchtime? Playgrounds during recess? A pool for a residential area?
Sun patterns and angles are also crucial factors to consider when it comes to ensuring comprehensive coverage of a space. Sun patterns vary from season to season — in the summer months, the sun's position in the sky is higher, resulting in direct, intense sunshine. Conversely, during the winter months, the sun assumes a lower position in the sky, leading to indirect sun exposure. By identifying sun angles, it will be easier to decide on effective and efficient placement.
It is very important that shade structures are made out of high-quality fabric, so the structure not only protects from the sun, but lasts for years to come.
UV is strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, which also happens to be the ideal playtime for kids. A shade structure can block up to 98% of harmful UV rays and reduce temperatures by 25 degrees, while still promoting breathability. Our fabrics are very high quality — created from 100% expanded PTFE fiber that is firmly held by heavy-duty steel frames. PTFE is a fiberglass membrane that is resistant to UV rays, high temperatures, water, fire, wind, and other extreme weather conditions. It’s known for its durability — avoiding any possible fading, degradation, and deterioration — making it perfect for reliable, long-term use. Cleaning and maintenance won’t be an issue either, PTFE fabric has a non-stick surface that stays clear of being damaged by any potential dirt, debris, and pollutants it could come in contact with.
Anchors play a crucial role in shade sail installation, providing stability, safety, and peace of mind for both children and adults. Shade structures must be properly anchored to sustain harsh weather conditions because they can be prone to tipping over or undergoing some damage. Anchors must adhere to safety and compliance guidelines established by CPSC to ensure the shade structure meets the necessary safety requirements and reduces liability for the owners or operators.
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Finally, you will want to choose a color scheme that compliments the surroundings of your shade structure. Color is what catches the eye first, so it is important to choose a color that aligns with your vision purposefully and aesthetically. What colors are the buildings surrounding your playground? Do you want the shade structure to stand out? Or be less of a distraction and blend in? Our professional sunshade installers can dive into questions like these to determine what is best for you.
Different styles of shade structures cater to different purposes based on their shape and size. Below are several shade structure options you can choose from based on your specific needs and goals.
Umbrella shades are known to be a stylish, yet practical, type of shade structure.
With one umbrella shade, nearly 600 square feet can be covered. From square to hexagon and octagon — there is a wide variety of shapes to choose from. Sizes range from 8’ to 26’ to ensure that there is an option for any size of the project.
Sail shades are perfect for unique spaces where a standard shape does not provide the necessary protection. Based on the dimensions and unique needs of your space, we can provide a personal recommendation that will provide sun protection and a modern element to your space that is easy on the eye. Shapes range from triangles, hypar twists, or squares. If these options do not satisfy your needs a custom sail shade can be designed!
Cantilever shade structures are perfect for pools, parking structures, or even narrow walkways. With this design, the support posts are conveniently built on one side of the structure, providing an open-concept space for cars, and unobstructed views for pool patrons.
Rectangle hip shades are affordable, simple, and functional! These shade structures are designed to fit any size space – and if your area happens to be on the larger size, rectangle hip shades can combine to form a multi-dome hip shade.
Finally, if the dimensions of your area are a bit unconventional and the previous sun shades don’t do the job — or if you just want to get a little creative — fully custom shade structures can be designed that fit the required needs for the structure and space.
As you can see, there are a plethora of factors to consider when choosing a shade structure, making the process a little bit intimidating. Here at Zoom, our team can take the pressure off by simplifying and streamlining the shade structure installation process. Contact us today so we can learn more about your budget, location, and any unique needs so we can work together to design the perfect shade structure for your space!
Zoom Recreation strives to create efficient recreational spaces and provide exceptional customer service. Superior awarded us their highest President's Award and Gold Club Awards two years in a row.
Contact usAs the exclusive representative of Superior Recreational Products in your local area, Zoom is committed to recommending, providing and installing only the top products for all our customers.
