The ins and outs of commercial car park shade structures

Car park shade sails offer practical and effective ways to provide shade in a parking area, particularly in sunny and hot climates like the Sunshine Coast.

Commercial car park shade structures are typically used in parking lots at shopping centres, office complexes, or apartment buildings. Like with residential car park shade sails, commercial car park shade sails provide protection from bad weather, the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR), rain, and help to reduce the temperature inside parked vehicles. They can be customised to meet the needs of any commercial parking lot and match the design of the building, or other structures in the area.

What are the key differences between commercial and residential car park shade sails?

Commercial car park shade structures are often larger and more complex in design due to the larger size and greater number of vehicles in a commercial setting. And due to their heavy use, they also may need to be a more durable shade substrate that require less maintenance, resulting in their cost being higher.

How do I choose a good car park shade sail solution?

Choosing good a car park shade sail solution requires careful consideration of factors such as size, material quality, warranty, installation, and price.

• Consider the size and layout of the parking area

When selecting car park shade sails, it’s important to consider the size and layout of the parking area to ensure that the sails provide adequate coverage. Choose to work with an experienced shade sail provider who will measure the area carefully and consider the number of vehicles that need to be shaded.

• Choose a durable and high-quality material

Look for car park shade sails that are made of durable and high-quality materials, such as UV-resistant fabric. This will ensure that the sails are able to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection for your vehicles.

• Check the warranty and maintenance requirements

Look for car park shade sails that come with a warranty and have low maintenance requirements. This will ensure that you can get any issues resolved quickly and easily, and that the sails will continue to provide effective shade over time.

• Consider the installation process

Make sure to choose car park shade sails that are easy to install and require minimal maintenance. If you’re not comfortable with installation, you may want to consider hiring a professional to do the job.

• Compare prices and read reviews

It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices for car park shade sails. Look for products that offer good value for money and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and performance of the sails.

Must commercial car park shade structures be waterproof?

It is generally recommended that commercial car park shade structures be waterproof to protect against rain and other forms of precipitation. Waterproof car park shade structures can help to keep vehicles and other items stored under the shade dry and free from water damage. They can also help to prevent the formation of puddles or other hazards in the parking area.

There are several different ways to make commercial car park shade structures waterproof, including

• Using waterproof materials:

Some materials, such as PVC or polyethylene, are naturally waterproof and can be used to create waterproof car park shade structures.

• Applying a waterproof coating

A waterproof coating can be applied to the surface of a car park shade structure to help protect against water damage. These coatings can be applied to a variety of materials, including steel, wood, and concrete.

• Designing for water runoff

Careful design can help to prevent water from accumulating on the surface of a car park shade structure. This can include features such as sloping surfaces or gutters to channel water away from the structure.

Are custom fabric structures a better option?

Custom fabric structures are designed and built to meet specific requirements or specifications. They are designed to fit the specific size and layout of a parking area, ensuring that they provide optimal coverage and protection for vehicles. Custom car park shade sails generally add value to a property by providing a functional and attractive amenity for drivers.