How to Add a Canopy Roof to a Playground
Adding a canopy roof over a playground increases the flexibility of the space for children to socialize and play. Some people build do-it-yourself canopies from scratch. Others choose to purchase a canopy kit. The structures come in a variety of designs and material. A basic canopy kit consists of four corner posts and four rafters, which provide the frame for the canopy. The exact installation instructions vary according to the canopy type and product manufacturer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Playground canopy kit
- Stakes,1-inch by 2-inches
- String
- Tamper
- Gravel
- Concrete
- Crane operator
- Board, 2-inches by 4-inches
- Stakes, 2-inches by 2-inches
Instructions
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Contact the local building code department to learn the requirements for constructing the canopy, including footings, wind and snow loads. Submit the drawing and canopy specifications when applying for a work permit. Start the project after receiving the permit.
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Mark the corners' locations for each post for the canopy posts. Drive 1-inch by 2-inch stakes in the ground. Run a string around the perimeter to identify the outside of each post. Dig holes the holes for the footings. Follow the instructions and local building codes for the width depth of the hole. Tamp the soil tightly to create a solid base for the footings. Pour a bed of gravel in the hole.
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Install the canopy posts to the exact on-center position per the canopy installation manual. Some posts are more than 12 feet tall and weigh more than 50 pounds. Install a 2-inch by 4-inch board to brace each post. Secure the brace to 2-inch by 2-inch stakes hammered into the ground.
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Pour the concrete for each footing. Make the surface height of the footing even with the ground. Slightly slope the surface of the footing away from the post. Allow the concrete to cure for a minimum of three days before proceeding with the installation.
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Hire a small crane operator to assist with the lifting the rafters in place. The heavy steel tubing may weigh hundreds of pounds, depending on the size of the canopy. Use a stepladder to make the necessary connections at the top of the posts.
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Position the stub of the rafter over the post stub and insert. Install the center connector on the rafter end. Install the second rafter diagonally across from the first rafter, in the same manner.
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Install the remaining two rafters using the same process. Follow the instructions for tightening the rafters to the center connector located in the middle of the structure.
Install the heavy duty, knitted polyethylene canopy. Work carefully when opening the container and when preparing the canopy for installation to prevent cutting or puncturing the material. Spread the canopy on a flat, clean surface near the installation area. -
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Place the canopy over the frame. Attach the two adjustable hooks on the rafter pipes. Adjust the tension of the canopy. Refer to the instructions for attaching the corners of the canopy to the frame. Remove the canopy during hurricanes and the winter months.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
