As we shift into the colder weather months it becomes necessary to consider maintenance with any fabric shade structure. Every shade structure comes with manufacturer recommendations for care. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these recommendations as they include information on wind and snow load. Weather conditions can cause changes to shade fabric. In particular, fabrics can stretch due to snow load. Warranties can become void if ice, snow or wind cause damage to the shade and proper maintenance is not followed. If the shade manufacturer recommends removing the fabric in the fall and storing until spring, we highly recommend you do so.
To avoid any issues and protect your shade investment, be sure to schedule a time to take down your shade covering(s) before there are weather-related challenges. If you are unsure of how to remove your shade, call your representative for assistance. Many companies offer contracts to shade customers that include removal of the fabric in the fall and then reinstall in the spring.
Written by Eric White, Certified Playground Safety Inspector and Project Manager for All Recreation.