Outdoor canopies are without doubt the best way to transform playgrounds and make great use of otherwise wasted space to create versatile areas for outdoor learning and play.  Here’s a step-by-step guide to how a 4m x 4m POCCA Qube with a peak roof is installed...

Step 1 –  Footings
The team establish where the frame should be installed according to the instructions provided by the sales advisor, checking drainage (in this example water will be channelled through the frame towards the gully at the edge of the playground) and marking out the placement of each base plate with chalk.  Once these have been marked, a disc cutter is used to cut around the edge before the concrete can be broken into pieces with a breaker.  This process depends on the surface - for example, a grass surface will be dug and slabs will be lifted on paved surfaces.  In this case, the breaker is used to cut through each layer until the hole for the footing is at least 500mm deep.  Each footing is then filled with a mixture of concrete and ballast before being covered and secured to make the area safe.

Step 2 –  Roof
The following day, the team will remove the safety cordon and lay the roof beams and corner knuckles on the ground with the knuckles on the footings which are now dry.  The corner knuckles are fitted upside down and each beam is turned the right way up before the corner brackets are fitted and secured.  Once the roof beams have been assembled, a Genie lift is used to raise the beams to a more suitable height in order to fit the roof comfortably and temporary legs are attached to secure it.  A piece of carpet is then laid on the ground to protect the roof sheet, as it is unpacked.  The roof is then attached to the frame using nylon roads; these are fed through a pocket in the hem of the fabric, which is in turn fitted into the specially designed groove in the roof beams.

Once the legs have been secured to the roof, the structure is “walked” into its footings and levelled, then holes can be drilled in the base plates according to where each leg needs to be positioned and chemical sealant is applied.

Step 4 – Finishing
After around 20 minutes the sealant will have dried and the base plates are bolted to the ground and will be completely secure.  The installers will then paint the edges of the footings with adhesive and fill the holes (in this case with soft play) before levelling each one to make good the ground.

Our unique 20-point safety check is then carried out before the site is cleaned and tidied.  Once this is complete, any optional extras (such as leg pads) can be fitted and the canopy is ready for use, providing year-round protection from rain and harmful UV rays.

This installation is just one example offered, but our advisors and installers can help you plan and achieve a canopy or shelter that meets your exact needs and to make the absolute most of your outdoor area. You can choose from a variety of colours, shapes and sizes and optional extras to customise the space to your school’s requirements.

As market leaders in the design and manufacture of canopies and shelters for schools, we make you our top priority; we are always looking for ways to deliver the best possible products to suit your needs, whatever the space and budget you have available.

For more information please contact:
Inside2Outside Ltd.
Tel: 01480 498297
Fax: 01480 498303
Email: info@pocca.co.uk
Web:  www.inside2outside.co.uk/pocca