Shade structures for schools, churches, daycares and public areas are increasingly become one of the hottest products on the market to stay cool. It’s only been in the past ten years that we’ve seen advances in the durability of fabric, the flexibility of designs and the affordability for these shade structures that many cannot do without. Now is the time to invest in a quality product that some manufacturers are guaranteeing for at least ten years. If you are looking to have a shade structure installed for commercial use, there are two main categories of shade structures to choose from: the traditional steel roof and the newly designed fabric canopy shelters.
Steel roof: This is the kind of structure that is ideal for something as small as community parks or as large as an equestrian center. Steel roof shade structures are built to last and that’s just what they do. Given the right environment there is really no telling when or if these structures will be destructible - that is the real benefit. With this structure you will have a larger expense, and it may provide a place for pigeons and other undesirable birds to nest which may be cute for a little while but not so great if you are around them every day. This is really the only disadvantage next to the higher cost of repairs (if needed) but other than that, steel roof shade shelters are a solid piece of equipment that can provide a community with generations of shade and protection.
Fabric canopy: These shade structures are becoming more prevalent since they have become more affordable and better designed. There are three primary designs to choose from when in the market for a good commercial shade structure:
The first is the stretched-fabric canopy, which has been around the longest but has not held up well to the elements of weather and sun damage. The estimated lifespan for one of these fabric shades structures is roughly 2-3 years; at the end of that time, it will most likely need to be replaced because it simply will not be safe and will no longer serve its original purpose. This design has been rendered obsolete and is rarely used in the construction of new projects.
The second type of fabric canopy shade structure is the nylon-tension-cable design. In these shade structures a stronger nylon fabric—the new standard in this industry—is stretched over a powder-coated steel skeleton, then anchored into place with a system of cables and bolts. At this point, the designers have created two major problems: the cable system will eventually wear away at both the nylon fabric and the powder-coated steel, which makes durability low and lifespan brief. The second problem with this shade structure is that it has been made very stationery and cumbersome to dismantle, if necessary in the event of extreme winds or heavy weather.
The third type of fabric canopy is similar to the one above, but it is the next generation of shade structures. This new design has eliminated the defects of the previous structure, allowing for a durable product that is user-friendly. The secret is the patent-pending glide elbow which hooks onto a specially designed corner piece that the fabric has been woven around. The fabric protects again 99% of UV rays and has an 80% rate of water repellency, along with a warranty for 10 YEARS! This is the best investment for commercial shade structures available that will keep your community cool at an affordable expense.
For more information on products like this go to http://www.creativesystems.com
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