It is important to choose a business that can design a structure fitting your exact specifications and maximise the use of your school grounds.
Every school space is different, one size is unlikely to fit all, and inflexible designs will not fit.
Safety
Ask your supplier to explain the safety standards that their canopies comply with, and their inbuilt safety features, such as conformity to British snow loading and wind standards, 100% UV ray protection, a freestanding structure and leg pads to protect against injury.
Quality materials are essential. Polycarbonate roofs become dirty, brittle and eventually deteriorate over time. Tensile roofs are becoming increasingly popular, as they are good value, provide shade, are waterproof and are long lasting with limited maintenance. The material is translucent, letting light through but ensuring harmful UV is filtered out.
Canopies can be self-draining with an inbuilt gutter system inside aluminium casing, which is durable, strong and rust proof.
Main use
What is the purpose of the canopy? Talk this over with an experienced provider in school canopies, such as those found at http://signaturestructures.com/school-canopies/. The specialist should listen to all your requirements and advise on design, and location and ensure the outdoor shelter meets your expectations.
Canopies can be installed alongside school buildings to create free-flow shading from the school room to the outside. They can also be used for covering outdoor dining spaces, school entrances for waiting parents, walkways and play areas.
The government increasingly expects schools to arrange more outside activities and spaces. Adding a canopy can meet these guidelines and utilise unused outdoor areas.
Canopies can be installed with additional walls for added shelter from bad weather and can even effectively extend the classroom.
Planning permission
School canopies may require planning permission, as they are categorised as buildings in planning law. Planning permission applications can take 8 weeks to be approved, and building regulations can delay the process. Your supplier will be able to talk you through this and manage the entire process, if needed.
Other considerations include colour choice and shape. Pick a structure that meets your needs. Whether a tent peak or dome shape, choose a colour that is eye-catching and a shape to suit the school surroundings, that will inspire children.