Shaded Parking Lots: An Appreciated Amenity
Today, shaded parking structures serve a purpose beyond providing people with a place to park. Increasingly, parking lots are being designed to make a property more attractive and, therefore, more sought after. The structures can build value for a property, improve tenant retention, enhance vehicle protection, and drive revenue for those businesses that charge for premium covered parking.
Shaded parking is a valuable amenity, particularly for commercial businesses looking for ways to set their property apart in the marketplace. It helps shield vehicles from exposure to weather or pollen that might dirty or damage them. The structures can be incorporated into new or existing commercial and residential developments, increasing appeal for employees or renters.
Research shows that vehicles parked in shaded parking can be 100+ degrees cooler than cars parked in the sun, which can extend the overall life of a vehicle in a variety of ways.
- A shaded structure prevents UV damage, which can cause paint fading and damage to interior seats and dashboard.
- Parking a vehicle in direct sun can lead to battery problems, causing battery fluid to evaporate and effectively shortening a car battery’s life expectancy.
- UV rays are also one of several factors that contribute to tire dry rotting. When exposed to the sun for extended amounts of time, the rubber compounds in tires break down and deteriorate. The result? Cracks on the outside of tire treads, which ultimately compromise the integrity and safety of the tire.
- Shaded parking provides lower temperatures in sitting vehicles, which means cooler interior seating, dashboards and steering wheels and enhanced comfort for vehicle occupants.
Parking a vehicle under a shaded parking structure can also protect it from hail damage, falling branches and other debris. According to the Insurance Information Institute, hail-related insured losses between 2000 and 2019 averaged between $8 billion to $14 billion a year. This included large or small dents in vehicle exteriors, cracked or broken windshields, and water damage inside the vehicles due to broken glass.
From a maintenance standpoint, a shaded parking surface slows down pavement deterioration. The fabric also resists mildew and mold and engineered to withstand 115 mph wind load (per 2015 International Building Code). In the event of severe weather such as hurricanes or for maintenance, removal and re-attachment of the canopy is a breeze.
With the strongest warranty in the industry, shaded parking structures from Apollo Sunguard make the perfect amenity to a well-appointed commercial and residential development. The structures are strong and durable, and available in a variety of colors and finishes to fit any décor and add curb appeal to a structure.
