What's a current issue facing the shade industry?

One emerging debate has been the subject of integrated shade vs. traditional shade. Integrated shade has become a bit more popular with some manufacturers the last couple of years as they're able to incorporate it directly into their manufacturing process. Whether it's a playground apparatus, a bleacher, or an outdoor table, the options have increased in a bid to answer the call for more protection from the sun/UVB rays. Traditional shades in today's industry are often centered around fabric systems (cable-tension sails and structures). While the options expand, the opinions vary on the pros and cons.

 
What are the advantages of utilizing integrated shade?

These smaller integrated systems are much more affordable, as the ease of manufacturing the integrated systems allows manufacturers to help meet those clients' tighter budgets. When you're fabricating upright columns for the foundation of the playground equipment and can elongate a few columns applying some shade on top, it definitely cuts down on needed components. These types of systems can oftentimes allow for loopholes as far as compliance and permitting. Considering they aren't "stand-alone" systems, they can be installed without going through permitting and engineering. This can also lower costs.

How does this differ from the traditional type of shades?

The main differences would be in size, capabilities, and cost. Since you have the ability of covering much larger areas with traditional shade structures, whether it's in a courtyard, playground, or seating area, the extreme span capabilities make them much more substantially effective in diminishing exposure for visitors. For instance when you can cover a courtyard or playground with a 40' x 40' or 60' x 60' system utilizing only four columns, you now have ample coverage to protect your visitors and equipment throughout the morning, mid-day, and afternoon. Although the traditional shade structures and sails cover a much more expansive area, that comes with a financial cost. If budgets allow, the larger systems are much more effective in providing protection for visitors.

And the verdict is?

It will vary depending on all of the previously mentioned aspects. We've manufactured for integrated shade applications and for stand-alone systems. The feedback that we generally have received is that the integrated comes up short on protection. The actual shade is smaller and has to be higher to accommodate what it is attached to, meaning the exposure is much greater throughout the day, at the end, and more importantly in the middle of the day. Everything boils down to protection, especially since one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Outdoor activity is also very important. For exercise, social development, physical activities, etc., it is essential that there are as many safeguards in place as possible to ensure a healthy lifestyle. We strongly encourage everyone that is contemplating purchasing shade, whether large or small, to do their due diligence with sun studies to ensure that you understand what you're getting for your money.