Types

• Shade canopies come in a variety of different sizes and styles to suit different purposes. Some are lightweight, adjustable and portable so that they can be easily and conveniently assembled and transported. This type of shade canopy can fit into the trunk of a car and is often used for craft fairs, festivals, flea markets and for tailgating at ball games. Other types of shade canopies are heavier, sturdier and fixed in one location. They vary widely in size, from small ones used in residential backyards to huge canopies used at big events.
  
  

Protection

• Shade canopies are designed to provide shade and protection from the elements such as the sun's harmful rays. Being made of waterproof material, they also protect from the rain, and they are designed to hold their own against the winds. Some shade canopies come with fabric sidewalls to screen out bugs and pests. In effect, shade canopies provide additional living space by making it possible for families to enjoy their patios, backyards, poolsides and the parks. The cost of a shade canopy is well below that of comparable building materials, making them a cost-effective alternative.
  
  

Structure

• The shade canopy consists of a steel or aluminum frame over which a membrane system is secured. This membrane system is usually made from high-density polyethylene-woven fabric. The fabric, which is required by law to be fire resistant, is also stretchable to ensure that it can bear the load of rain or snow that may collect on top of it. In addition, it is usually ultraviolet-stabilized so that it does not deteriorate due to the sun's rays.
  
  

Stability

• The shade canopy is secured into the ground with the help of footpads as well as canopy stakes. Some canopies are specifically designed to provide extra stability. The "A" frame pole shade canopy, for example, is designed to provide much needed protection and stability in very windy conditions, while offering the requisite shade.
  
  

Customization

• Shade canopies can also be custom-designed. Companies, for example, can have their logos or product images printed on the roof and/or side panels of a shade canopy for marketing purposes. These can be further customized to suit a specific season, theme or event. The canopy's design may also be customized to enhance or blend into the surrounding structures and environs. Not surprisingly, these custom designs are more expensive than the regular shade canopies.