A lean to canopy is a popular option for schools that want to add some shade to their outdoor learning spaces without needing to dig deep foundations. They can be fitted to a wall or attached to the side of a building and, like our straight roof canopy at Captain Webb Primary School, have been used as a shelter for pupils playing outside during lunchtimes and break times.
When designing a school canopy, there are many factors to consider to ensure that it is fit for purpose and meets all obligatory health and safety requirements. A key consideration is ensuring that the canopy offers adequate protection against UV radiation and glare. With the UK experiencing extreme heat this summer, it’s especially important that your school is able to protect students from harmful sun exposure when they’re out and about during the day.
To achieve this, it’s a good idea to install a high-performance canopy that’s clad in either flame retardant fabric or polycarbonate. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that a canopy clad in flame retardant fabric will offer superior performance compared to a polycarbonate version. This is because the fabric is much more reflective, meaning that it will reduce the greenhouse effect that can often be experienced with polycarbonate canopies.
Moreover, a bespoke fabric canopy can be colour-matched to your exact school’s specifications. This means that the canopy will seamlessly blend in with the existing buildings, rather than looking like a ‘bolt-on’ addition. This also helps to create a unified look that makes the canopy feel like it has been an integral part of the structure since the very beginning.
In terms of installation, a lean to canopy is a quicker and less expensive alternative to a free-standing canopy. This is because lean to canopies only require half as many posts as free-standing canopies, and they do not need to be set in concrete, which significantly cuts down on both labour and material costs. This makes lean to canopies a great choice for schools on tight budgets that need to add shading to their outdoor learning spaces.
As well as being a more cost-effective option, lean to canopies are also more attractive than free-standing canopies, as they can be fitted directly on the wall rather than having a gap between them and the building. This gives a more refined look and makes it easier to control glare, as the canopy will be closer to the wall.
If you’re looking for a bespoke lean to canopy for your school, we’d recommend that you get in touch with our team of experts today. They’ll be happy to discuss the various options available to you and help you to find the perfect canopy for your needs. They can also provide you with a free quote so that you can see how competitive our prices are.