Short answer: Yes.
Introducing playground shade structures made from steel. The most common shade structures seen over playgrounds and play equipment are made of fabric, aka; shade cloth. ENVIROCLASS™ specialises in all-steel canopies, for multiple reasons which we will explore further in the blog below.
Weatherproofing for All Seasons
Weather resistance is another noteworthy characteristic of these structures. Exposed to an array of weather conditions throughout the year, playgrounds require structures capable of withstanding diverse elements. The use of durable materials, such as steel, in permanent solid roof shade structures provides a weatherproof shield, safeguarding children from the adverse effects of sun and rain exposure and ensuring structural resilience against various weather challenges. This is over against the performance of the typical fabric shade, which doesn’t provide any protection from rain.
Fire Resilience
Steel roof shade structures are distinguished by their exceptional fire resistance, a fundamental feature that mitigates the fire susceptibility of fabric shade sails. In Australia, many areas require building according to a BAL (bushfire attack level) to ensure the structure can survive ember attacks. This is the reason we recommend a steel canopy for playground shade, particularly in alpine and bushfire-prone regions.
Generational Lifespan
Choosing a permanent steel solid roof shade structure translates to an investment in longevity. Australian roofing materials by Bluescope Steel have a 30-year warranty and can last for up to 70 years. Alternatives such as temporary or fabric-based solutions are susceptible to wear and tear over time from wind, vandalism, and UV damage, and generally have a shorter lifespan. With steel, the result is a lasting and integral addition to the playground landscape that withstands the test of time.
Dual Functionality With Solar Applications
Beyond their fundamental role as shade providers, permanent solid roof structures offer additional advantages in their adaptability for solar applications. Aligned with the growing emphasis on renewable energy solutions, these structures can be equipped with solar panels, contributing not only to shade provision but also to sustainable energy initiatives for the community.
Defying Vandalism With Structural Toughness
The structural integrity of solid roof shade structures, owing to materials like steel, renders them less susceptible to vandalism. This inherent robustness serves as a deterrent to potential vandals, enhancing the overall safety and security of the playground environment. In contrast to fabric canopies or other more vulnerable materials, these structures are designed to withstand intentional damage, ensuring the enduring nature of the investment.
Environmental Impact
Steel’s durability makes it an excellent choice for a long-term shade solution compared to plastic materials such as HDPE. It is well-known and documented that plastic damages the environment. This is one of the reasons we do not recommend or supply these fabric-based products.
All-steel canopy structures offer unmatched durability, providing year-round weatherproofing, exceptional fire resilience, and vandalism resistance. With a generational lifespan backed by a 30-year Bluescope steel warranty, they sharply contrast with wear-and-tear-prone, fabric-based alternatives. Additionally, their adaptability for solar panels aligns seamlessly with sustainable energy solutions, making steel a wise and resilient investment that prioritises longevity, structural toughness, and environmental responsibility for playgrounds of the future.
