All businesses want to give their customers the best service. What you may not know is that your amenities play a significant role in inspiring people to become loyal customers. Whether you operate a daycare, park, church, or small business, shade structures are essential. This will enable you to give your customers the comfort they need while protecting them from elements.
There are many essential features to consider what shade structure will work best for you. We have rounded up what you need to know about shade structures and how they can make a big difference in the functionality and look of your business.
About Shade Structures
Having a shade structure is a fantastic option for businesses, schools, and other establishments that want to give people the best shade coverage without breaking the bank. More people are demanding shade around the globe. In fact, playgrounds and other community establishments now require this structure to protect people from the sun.
Fixed roof structures are notorious for being expensive, but shade structures, specifically sail options, are more affordable. This type of structure offers maximum protection against UV rays, and it helps to decrease the heat around the area. This means that your customers can easily take a break from the harsh sun without entering a building.
The Different Benefits of Shade Structure
You may think that shade structures will only be beneficial for your business during the summer, but this isn’t the case. Shade structures allow your customers to enjoy the outdoors for a more extended period, whatever the season. A shade structure also provides numerous other benefits for you and your property.
UV Protection
The most important reason for a shade structure for your business is to protect your customers and staff from the sun. Unprotected sun exposure can lead to a lot of problems like skin damage, immune system suppression, skin cancer, and eye damage, especially in children.
A shade structure can shade almost everything, from cars to bleachers, pool lounge chairs, and your children’s playground. For outdoor spaces and recreation parks, having a shade structure can prolong your time staying outdoors and even allow children to enjoy longer playtime.
It also cools the surfaces of playground equipment and gives protection against harmful UV rays, which cause skin cancer. In addition, having a shade structure can significantly reduce the temperature up to 25 degrees.
Apartments, schools, offices, hospitals, and airports opt for shaded parking lots to keep cars protected and to have the internal temperature of cars cooler during the summer months.
Rain Protection
Even a perfect day can be immediately ruined by an unexpected downpour or short rain showers. Of course, there’s no way you can control the weather, which can leave your guests feeling unsatisfied with their experience. What you can control is the comfort you can give them.
Want to protect your guests or customers from the rain? Having a shade structure would be perfect. You wouldn’t want to own a playground and have children get wet from precipitation, right?
Having a shade structure will also benefit vehicles from sleet and rain. This will add more value to your property and therefore give you the chance to increase your membership fees, especially during the rainy season.
Adding a shade structure may seem like a minor thing to do, but it does wonders in attracting new residents or customers.
Climate change is going to bring in more rain, so you need to prepare your business well. If you have a shade structure, you can use the rainy season as your competitive advantage. What used to be a hassle can help you rise above other establishments in your area.
Airflow
When you employ an excellent shade structure, the air can pass through easily, so your area won’t get too cold or hot. Shade structures block direct contact with the sun, so this can be very useful for sunny days when you want people to spend more time in your establishment.
When there are many people in a confined space, the environment can quickly become stuffy. A shade structure will allow people to be instantly comfortable at outdoor events. Therefore, you can create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Whatever the climate is in your area, having effective ventilation is key since it has the potential to increase the number of customers you can serve. Having a shade structure will allow you to do just that without having to undergo extreme and expensive renovations.
Controlling the airflow in the area also does wonders to get rid of impurities. When you have a shade structure, it can prevent your equipment from getting wet. Therefore, you will not have to deal with rotten surfaces or mold, which are both issues you want to avoid.
When you do not have a shade structure, you will have to deal with damp conditions. Not only that, but condensation caused by rain and lack of airflow can lead to allergic reactions and other respiratory issues for your customers.
Light-weight
Shade structures are made of various materials that offer many advantages, including price, durability, lightweight, and ease of installation.
Fabric
Fabric is one of the most common materials used in making shade structures. It is an effective material that provides simple shading but not always the best choice for a permanent structure.
There are several ways in which you can use fabric to provide shade for your patio or backyard. Some of these methods include fabric awnings, umbrellas, and shade sails. Some of the reasons why fabric is a preferred material for shade structure include the following:
- Fabric is available in different colors and styles
- It is easy and fast to install
- It typically costs less compared to other materials
Wood
Wood is another common material for shade structures. People choose wood because building options are flexible, it is relatively inexpensive, and it can be styled in many ways.
The downside of using a wood material is its durability. It quickly breaks down over time because of weather exposure and moisture. It is also susceptible to termites and ants. Additionally, it requires regular maintenance, which includes cleaning, repairs, and staining.
Metals
If you are looking for a highly durable structure, choose a shade structure made of steel or aluminum. Metal shade structures are prevalent for patio covers or awnings attached to your house. Metal structures can stand up to any weather condition.
The drawback of putting up a metal shade structure is cost. Aluminum shade structures are quite expensive, and steel shade structures are generally even more costly. Additionally, they need regular maintenance to be in top shape. If ever they get damaged, repairs can be quite costly and challenging.
Vinyl
Nowadays, vinyl shade structures have increased in popularity to homeowners and business owners. They offer several unique advantages which make them an excellent option for shading your property.
The most significant advantage of vinyl shade structures is their durability. They are also resistant to corrosion and pests and won’t break down from weather conditions over time. You can also add different accents and styles to your vinyl shade structure for enhanced aesthetic value.
The downside of vinyl shade structures is that they are more expensive than wood or aluminum, but they are typically cheaper than steel. Despite the cost, they are durable and robust, which makes them excellent value for your investment.
Customizable
Shade structures improve your property’s appeal. Whatever design you want for your business, you can achieve it with this structure since there are various custom and standard designs to choose from.
To maximize customization, factor in the purpose and function you want the structure to fulfill. Maybe you need to block out the rain when your customers are enjoying their meals, or you may just want to create an ambiance when people arrive at the park. Either way, choosing a custom shade that will meet your goals is easy to achieve.
Your shade structure can also be customized to blend in with your building’s architectural design. This is important if you want to make it stand out for the right reasons. If you choose a design that does not go well with your building, it will become an eyesore.
With shade structures, you can take time to choose a design, color, and shape that will not clash with your brand appeal and building design.
Cost-efficient
According to the US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, correctly-positioned trees can help a typical household save up to 20% of used energy. Thus, shade structures and smart landscaping make your property look beautiful and help your budget go further.
Putting up a shade structure can help block direct sunlight from doorways and windows. This results in energy reduction for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the building. The same is true for cars in parking areas.
To maximize energy efficiency, you must choose the best material for your shade structure. What’s excellent about shade structure is you can always add it to an existing structure so that you won’t need to redesign your exterior.
With the protection it provides, the other site furnishings also last longer, giving you greater opportunity to invest in other areas requiring more attention.
Durable and Long-lasting
The durability of a shade structure depends on the material it’s made of and how it’s installed on your property. Another thing to consider when choosing a shade structure to ensure safety and durability is its material specifications.
The material and the process should meet industry standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Additionally, make sure that it is installed by a skilled and experienced team who will assist you throughout the process. Having your shade structure installed by professionals can save you headaches and money in the long run.
Low Maintenance
Shade structures are designed to meet building codes and requirements with virtually no up-keep. When you take care of your shade structure, it will not rot, split, tear, or fade.
Despite this, maintaining your structure will extend its life. If you do not want to see a shaggy-looking shade structure that looks like it was neglected, you need to install a high-quality shade structure. Then, follow it up with regular checks.
Since these are moving structures, it is your duty to maintain it regularly to make sure that it still meets safety standards. While they are designed to withstand elements with no upkeep, weather conditions can affect them, especially when it comes to their tension. Checking it every year is needed to maintain maximum effectiveness.
Aside from this, make sure to monitor the shade structure during major storms or wind events. Scheduled cleaning will also ensure that your shade structure looks good. Checks can determine if the connection points and the sail itself are still in good order. You also need to cut back branches and trees near your shade structure since these potential hazards can cause cuts in the fabric.
Good-looking
An eye-catching shade structure will help bring attention to your space. Customers will appreciate having a shaded area at your establishment, and it can also transform the space from a boring location to a landmark in the community.
The aesthetic value your shade structure gives is very important when it comes to influencing the purchasing decision of your customers and getting your space noticed easily. If you go with traditional structures, you will end up spending more money just to have a shaded area that looks good.
Because shade structures are translucent, it will allow natural and diffused light during the daytime to pass through them. This will help you save on bills. Also, its translucent nature will also create a good ambiance at night, which can look very striking. This will allow you to maximize all your outdoor space and make it look more comfortable and appealing.
Shade Structures Are a Must for Any Business
The ideal shade structure depends on three things: your preferences and requirements, your area’s limitations, and your budget. If you are interested in building a shade structure on your property but not sure how to go about it, you don’t have to worry.
Our team of skilled professionals at WillyGoat is here to help you determine which structure meets your requirements and provides you the enjoyment and satisfaction you seek. Contact us today, and we’ll help to guide you throughout the process.
