Shade sails and their tensioned design provide maximum sun protection with minimal fabric use in outdoor spaces. While they are commonly used in more luxurious residences and commercial lounge spaces, they can also offer plenty of value to schools.
Best Shade Sails for Schools
While most academic grounds have their own buildings to conduct classes in, many seating areas, sports courts and playgrounds are left uncovered. The best shade sails for schools can provide a shaded space that would enhance children’s learning experience in the long run.
1. USA SHADE
USA SHADEÂ designs, engineers, manufactures and installs the best shade sails for schools. It has handled a multitude of educational project types, such as early childhood centers, elementary schools, universities and trade schools. It even offers free quotes along with funding and financing options to help you protect students from the heat.Â
| Address | 927 Enterprise Way, Suite A, Napa, CA 945581085 N. Main St., Suite C, Orange, CA 92867 |
| Key features | Allows customizationOffers warrantiesCan deliver products in four weeksDSA-certified and IAS-accredited |
| Review | We partner with USA SHADE to manufacture high-quality shade structures that we install for our customers in Louisiana and Mississippi. The craftsmanship and aesthetics are unparalleled. These shade structures have withstood major hurricane wind gusts in some of the hardest-hit areas and still look brand-new. Company leadership is responsive to our needs, and we look forward to a long continued partnership. |
2. Shade Systems Inc.
Shade Systems Inc. creates affordable fabric shade structures that can help schools, playgrounds and other places provide children with coverage. While it is best known for its Turn-N-Slide system, its shade sails also have a one-point attachment system that uses the same mechanism for easy installation and removal.
| Address | 4150 SW 19th St., Ocala, FL 34474 |
| Key features | Utilizes CoolNet fabric to screen up to 99% of UV raysShade sails can be equipped with night lighting featuresLocally manufactured in a state-of-the-art plantOffers warranties |
| Review | The best shades in the industry by far! Their turn-n-slide system makes putting up and taking down the canopies each year very easy! The only commercial-grade shade company offering a full 10-year warranty with no pro-rating. I am also a huge fan of the endless designs and layouts they offer. |
3. Shade Pro
ShadePro has been helping commercial and residential clients in Texas find the shading solutions that work for them for more than 20 years. It has installed over 4,000 structures already. You can call for a free consultation to gauge which shade sails and style would work best for your school facility.
| Address | 8690 FM306, New Braunfels, TX 78132 |
| Key features | Allows customizationTexas-made fabric and materials Can lower ambient temperatures by 10 to 20 degreesOffers warranties |
| Review | As an elementary school in need of shade awnings for our car line and playground, we had very specific needs — and Tyler delivered exactly what we were looking for. His expertise and confidence clearly showed throughout the entire process. And his crew? Absolutely outstanding! They arrived ready to work, wasted no time and completed the job flawlessly. On top of that, they left the area spotless once they were done. |
4. Perfect Shade Sails
Perfect Shade Sails fabricates and installs residential and commercial shade sails across Southern California. The family-owned and operated provider ensures that its structures provide privacy without compromising light and air flow. You can get a site analysis, design and cost estimate for free upon request.
| Address | 9640 Kessler Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311 |
| Key features | Can accommodate a selection of colorsWithstands wind gusts of 85 mphPerforms installation professionally and quickly Uses marine-grade stainless steel for rust-free frames |
| Review | Mike was extremely knowledgeable and patient with my questions. He explained things in a very easy way to understand since I did not know anything about purchasing a shade sail. I came away from the conversation more confident in understanding what is involved in planning and designing a sail size for our school. He was very helpful in getting me started. |
5. WillyGoat
WillyGoat has over 25 years of experience helping schools, day cares, and other facilities by providing playground equipment and installing shade structures. It also has one of the largest online catalogs with an extensive installation network, ensuring that communities can help one another and foster educational hubs for students.
| Address | 500 1st Ave. N., Suite E106, Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Key features | Allows customizationCan accommodate a selection of colorsMade in the USAHas a lead time of up to 14 weeks |
| Review | WillyGoat was amazing with their customer service, assistance in choosing the right equipment for our school. We recommend using WillyGoat for any of your playground equipment needs. |
6. Tenshon
Tenshon prioritizes creating visually appealing outdoor spaces for clients at an affordable price. It’s worked with summer camps, swim schools and other commercial spaces. The sail shade structure comes in DIY kits, ensuring that it is ready to install without much modification.
| Address | 8743 E. Pecos Rd #122, Mesa, AZ 85212 |
| Key features | Allows customizationCan accommodate a selection of colorsUtilizes high-quality HDPE fabricOffers a hardware kit for affordable and easy self-installation |
| Review | Thank you so much for your help and great customer service! We are super excited about these shade sails and I will be looking for other opportunities to integrate your shade sails in our parks and municipal buildings in the future. |
7. Creative Shade Solutions
Creative Shade Solutions offers design, manufacturing and installation of sun shading solutions. It has some of the best factory-direct prices for high-quality materials, and you can take advantage of its nationwide shipping offers.
| Address | 1568 N. Bend Drive, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 |
| Key features | Allows customizationCan accommodate a selection of colorsEnsures quick lead timesOffers warranties |
| Review | Creative Shade Solutions and Werner are the absolute BEST! We had a shade structure installed at a school and it turned out amazing! We already have another estimate for another school. I highly recommend Creative Shade Solutions! Just completed work at another school! We LOVE Creative Shade Solutions! |
8. Industrial Shadeports
Industrial Shadeports has been providing shade sails and replacement covers since 1993. It draws inspiration from original European and African canopies to ensure as much UV protection as possible while complementing a project’s outdoor settings.
| Address | 6600 NW 12th Ave., Suite 220, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 |
| Key features | Allows customizationCan accommodate a selection of colorsUtilizes HDPE mesh shade clothHas certified recreation installation specialists |
| Review | From the start to the finish, Chip and Cari were amazing to work with. They guided us on exactly what kind of shade we needed for our community. I will definitely be using them on our future projects. |
Benefits of Getting Shade Sails for School
The best shade sails for schools are well worth the investment, especially when assessing the impact in the long term. Here are some reasons:
- Extended learning space:Â School shade sails would allow for outdoor learning sessions, providing students with a fresh breath of air. They would also prevent the cancellation of sports and other recreational activities conducted outside due to certain weather conditions.Â
- UV protection:Â Some may argue that outdoor spaces can be converted into learning spaces regardless of these coverings. However, this would expose many young students to harmful UV rays and affect their health. School administrators must prioritize and secure their well-being.
- Improved energy savings: Most shade sails can reduce solar heat gain, minimizing the need for more robust air conditioning systems and keeping them on for extended hours. Reduce energy consumption and lower bills to improve the campus’s overall financial sustainability.Â
- Aesthetic appeal:Â Some shade sails can improve landscaping thanks to their colors and vibrancy, setting your school apart from others. You could take advantage of the customization aspect and improve branding by incorporating the logo or school colors into it.Â
Methodology for Finding School-Appropriate Shade Sails
Figuring out which companies sell shade sails that actually fit the educational setting can be simpler than you’d think. Here are the factors used to distinguish school-friendly providers:
- Durability: You want shade sails that can withstand inclement weather conditions to ensure that the structure won’t harm students. While it can entail searching for higher-quality materials, these more premium options can also be easier to care for and maintain.Â
- Customization:Â School is meant to be a welcoming environment for students. A customizable shade sail can give you more opportunities to establish that for visitors and attract potential enrollees and their parents. It would also improve the experience for current students.Â
- Cost efficiency: The ideal shade sail providers will work with you on your budget and ensure you’re getting a durable covering for school grounds. It should also have flexible financing options to give you some breathing room with paying for the design, materials and installation.Â
- Installation support:Â Shade sails can be more complex to install than other coverings since the fabric is meant to be tensioned for the best results. You should work with a company that can deliver and conduct the installation itself. There should also be good customer service for any follow-up concerns.Â
Protect School Grounds From the Sun
The best shade sails for schools can help you tap into unused space and enhance the student experience. Contact providers who can help bring your vision to life and integrate the installations into your own campus.
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