As the planet continues to warm up under the influence of greenhouse gases, the Great British weather is becoming more and more extreme. You might be on the hunt for an outdoor rain canopy, or wondering how you can protect your pupils from harsh downpours and scorching heatwaves.
Here at A&S Landscape, we have just the solutions you need when it comes to feeling protected from extreme weather conditions. Our school canopies offer a practical yet aesthetically pleasing way for you to make the most of the outdoors, come rain or shine. And, in this blog, we’ll explain how effective they are and why an investment in one can protect pupils from the sun, rain, wind, and snow.
Let’s get into it!
What are the risks of playing outside in extreme weather?
Outdoor learning, while it offers plenty of benefits, can pose some risks to pupils or students who are outside for long periods of time. Most senior schools will have designated outdoor areas where pupils are encouraged to spend their time outdoors, whether that’s playing, socialising, or eating their lunch. However, you should be wary of the following risks:
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- Heatstroke – Exposure to too much sun leads to a loss of bodily fluids and minerals, causing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
- Dehydration – Losing too much fluid can lead to feeling dehydrated, resulting in sickness and other heat-related problems.
- Sunburn – Prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays can cause painful skin damage and can result in burning.
- Hypothermia – In contrast to this, exposure to cold weather can cause a drop in body temperature.
- Respiratory infections – Cold weather can also increase the risk of illness like flu or pneumonia.
- Slips & falls – Playing in extreme weather like strong winds or rain can increase the risk of slips, falls, and other accidents.
You can learn more about the need for shade in schools here. However, it’s pretty clear to see how a canopy from A&S Landscape can prevent the risks above.
Protection from the sun
On those scorching summer days and heatwaves, it is vital to protect all pupils from the sun’s powerful UV rays. Children don’t sweat as much as adults, which means that they’re not as able to regulate their body temperatures. They may develop heat-related illnesses such as mild heat stress, to potentially fatal heatstroke. While natural sunlight is vital for vitamin D, repeated and prolonged exposure to strong UV rays can lead to the development of skin issues later in life, such as skin cancer.
That’s why our canopies provide a reliable defence against these dangers, offering a safe, shaded area where pupils can play and learn. We use polycarbonate roofing materials that specifically block harmful UV radiation, ensuring that when pupils are playing outside, they’re still getting fresh air while having fun and feeling comfortable.
We recommend: Our selection of shade sails. In particular, our fabric sails reduce exposure to harmful UV rays and come in an array of shapes and sizes, making them ideal for many applications.
Protection from the rain
It’s no surprise that on average, the UK sees around 106-164 rainy days per year. This heavy rain can bring outdoor activities to a halt, meaning that pupils have to spend their breaks and lunchtimes indoors. In addition to this, too much rain can lead to slippery surfaces and can make spending time outdoors more risky, which means that pupils have an increased risk of slips, trips, and falls.
An investment in a bespoke canopy will ensure that your playground and outdoor social areas are kept safe and dry. A canopy can provide not only shelter for outdoor lessons, but can also open up more space for dining and act as an area to store equipment. It’s never a great idea for children and their clothes and belongings to get drenched after a downpour.
We recommend: Our dining area canopies. Pupils can enjoy eating their lunch in the great outdoors without having to worry about soggy sandwiches! Our dining canopies are built to last, and made from robust and durable materials so that they can withstand the unpredictable Great British weather.
Protection from the snow
While heavy snow isn’t as common as blue skies or rainy downpours, it can still pose a significant challenge for a lot of schools. Snow and ice can create major slipping hazards on walkways and play areas, making them unusable and unsafe during the winter months. More chances of snow and cold weather also mean that pupils (and staff) are less likely to want to spend their time outside.
At A&S, we’ve designed our canopies to handle these extreme conditions, and that’s why they’ve been built with robust steel frameworks that ensure the structure remains stable and safe. By providing pupils with a covered, non-slip area, they can move freely between classrooms without thinking they’re going to trip during a flurry of snow.
We recommend: Our canopies with side panels and doors. Most of our canopies are snow-safe and wind-safe, meaning that they can be used even in the harshest weather conditions. You’ve also got the opportunity to choose from a wide range of side panels and door options, and extra features like heating and lighting.
Hear from one of our canopy experts
Want to see more of our canopies in action? Then you might want to hear from someone who knows what they’re on about!
One of our canopy experts, Stefanie Lomas, believes that an A&S canopy is the perfect solution to the unreliable Great British weather. They say:
“Here at A&S Landscape, we understand that extreme weather events are (sadly) very common! That’s why we’ve designed our canopies to be much more than just a roof. They’ve been engineered with the kind of durability that can stand up to the worst rain and wind, ensuring that a sudden downpour doesn’t disrupt the school day. You’re not just buying a shelter, you’re investing in peace of mind knowing that your school community is safe and sound, no matter the weather.”
Protect pupils all year round with A&S Landscape
We hope that this blog has been helpful in telling you about the benefits of an outdoor rain canopy. Even in the most extreme weather conditions, a canopy from A&S is the perfect solution, and we’re committed to giving you a reliable and usable outdoor space for learning and playing all year round!
With nearly 50 years’ worth of experience, we know what we’re talking about. And, we’ve got the brains, passion, and personality to make your project work. Have a read of some of our case studies to find out how our structures can benefit your school or business.
For more information, or if you’d like to get a quick proposal, please do get in touch. A member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you.
