Fabric vs. Metal Shade

Fabric shade structures are becoming increasingly popular for parks, schools, zoos, museums, housing communities, hospitality venues, and retail businesses. These commercial shades being put into use more and more over public spaces such as playground areas where children play. Fabric shades can also increase the longevity of color retention in site furniture, motor vehicles, and playground equipment and surfacing. And it’s more economical compared with a stronger, metal shade shelter.
 

Fabric Shade

Most fabric shades in today’s market have a protectant coating on the fabric that can block a percentage of the sun’s damaging UV rays. It is these types of rays that can eventually lead to serious skin damage. Comfort is the other reason these units are often a choice addition at resorts, parks, and over playgrounds. These shades can cool a space on average up to 20 degrees! This may be why there’s a growing segment of businesses and housing communities adding parking lot shade to their amenity portfolio. Cars that have been sitting in the sun for a few hours can get really hot. As a convenience to their customers’ these organizations offer vehicle protection that is surely welcome. Fabric shade does require some basic maintenance, such as tensioning of cable that holds the material in place.
 

Steel Shade

Shelters have a variety of roofing options. The most common choices are 24 Gauge metal roofing, 29 Gauge metal roofing, fiberglass shingles, or cedar shingles. Site owners can also add electrical cut-outs and outlets should the end-user decide to add lighting to the structure. Superior offers many standard and custom steel shelters, pavilions, pergolas, and gazebos. We work with our Certified SRP Partners to design and install these quality structures nationwide. Visit our project gallery to view our work!