Asphalt absorbs a great deal of heat. When the material is heated to above the temperature of the air, the asphalt radiates heat to the air. A combination direct solar radiation and long wave radiation from the asphalt creates a stifling environment in the summer. A goal of shade over at least 50% of the asphalt at noon in the summer has been adopted some municipalities as a minimum design standard. AmeriShade structures can meet that goal for less cost than traditional structures.

NASA scientists found a whopping 55º difference between an asphalt surface and vegetated areas in Atlanta, GA. A researcher in Arizona noted that people often parked on the fringe of a lot shaded by landscape trees and walked long distances to avoid leaving their cars in the blazing sun.

Experience shows that drivers rarely distinguish between a shade canopy and a multi-story garage if access and distance to their final location is similar. Where land is readily available in the Southwest and West, a surface lot with shade canopies provides better economics than a multi-story garage with an estimated cost of $15,000 per space not including land.

Our custom-made, cantilevered designs require single columns positioned to minimize potential contact with moving vehicles or auto doors: The result-no complaints about dings or dents. Each covered space is designed to cover a space 18 feet long and 9 feet wide, providing a roomy, comfortable area for drivers to exit and enter their cars without banging the adjacent vehicle