EXTECH SKYSHADE 8000 Canopy System

Engineered for long spans, high winds, and snow loading conditions

SKYSHADE 8000® from Exterior Technologies, Inc. (EXTECH) is a long spanning, standing seam canopy system. It is suitable for commercial and industrial canopies, pavilions, and walkway covers. The aluminum-framed system’s patented design offers continuous mullions that rigidly clamp translucent, structural cellular polycarbonate glazing (CPG) panels.canopy system

SKYSHADE 8000 offers continuous battens that snap over panel edges to form seams. It provides daylighting, UV screening, impact resistance, and is able to withstand extreme wind loads. The ability to combat against extreme wind makes the canopy system suitable for hurricane prone areas. Its long panels also eliminate the need for horizontal interruptions in the glazing.

canopy systemSKYSHADE 8000 is built with an advanced aluminum clamping framing system. EXTECH’s framing system uses low friction gaskets that accommodate the thermal movement that is inherent to polycarbonate panels of any significant length. This eliminates noise from thermal movement and provides for a longer system lifespan. This durable framing system uses recycled aluminum as standard and may be specified in a broad choice of finish types and colors. After its useful life as part of a canopy, the metal is 100% recyclable.

canopy system“The canopy’s long panels–up to 54′ long–also eliminate the need for leak-prone, horizontal interruptions in the glazing,” said Jim Leslie, EXTECH’s general manager. “The smooth upper surface gives SKYSHADE 8000 an aesthetically unique and contemporary look unlike any other system on the market.”

SKYSHADE 8000 is offered with a wide range of edge detail options. CPG panels are available in a matte finish and a variety of colors. Optional coatings for the glazing panels enhance solar heat gain management and diffuse lighting without glare. The canopy system can accommodate slopes as low as 2:12. Custom rafter shapes and designs may be requested.

canopy systemSKYSHADE 8000 has proven to meet loads in excess of 160 psf at 8′ spans. Its rafters manage water with an internal guttering system and have been tested per ASTM E-331 to 12 psf. The rafter-to-panel connections successfully passed large missile impact per ASTM E1996 and E1886 protocols, as well as Florida Test Protocols for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones per Testing Application Standard (TAS) 201 and 203′ to 8′ spans.

In addition to high wind, high impact, and high snow loads, SKYSHADE 8000 canopy system meets CC-1, Class A rating per ASTM E-84 for flame spread as required by the International Building Code (IBC) and ASTM E-84, Class A for smoke generation.

The SKYSHADE 8000 canopy can be ordered as a self-supporting rafter system meeting the required loads, or as an overlay to an existing structure. Head and sill conditions can be framed or unframed. The SKYSHADE 8000 is delivered fully fabricated. If future updates are desired or repairs needed, the CPG panels are individually replaceable.