Versatile Structures

Logo
Menu

Commercial Shade Structures

Shade structure installed for Ipswich Hospital by Versatile Structures

Commercial waterproof shade structure for business

A commercial waterproof shade structure is an essential addition to any business or public space. These structures provide protection from the sun and rain, allowing customers and employees to comfortably enjoy the outdoors. They also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area and can be customized to match the design of the surrounding buildings. When it comes to selecting a commercial waterproof shade structure, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is the size and location of the structure. It should be large enough to provide ample coverage for the intended area and should be placed in a strategic location that maximizes its effectiveness. The second is the type of material used for the structure. Aluminium and steel are popular choices for their durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. In addition to commercial waterproof shade structures, there is also the option of custom waterproof shade structures. These structures are designed and built to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client. This can include choosing the size and location of the structure, as well as the type of material and design. Custom structures also offer the ability to incorporate branding or other design elements to make the structure a unique addition to the business or public space. Another option to consider is a custom industrial shade structure. These structures are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial settings and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the facility. They are typically made from heavy-duty materials such as steel or aluminium and are built to withstand high winds and other extreme weather conditions. They also often feature a durable, waterproof coating to protect against rust and corrosion. In conclusion, a commercial waterproof shade structure is a valuable addition to any business or public space, providing protection from the sun and rain while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area. Custom waterproof shade structures and custom industrial shade structures can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of the client, and are built to withstand harsh conditions. Whether you are looking for a basic structure or something more complex, Versatile Structures has the expertise and resources to design and build a structure that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Orion hotel commercial shade sail installed by Versatile Structures

The value of commercial shade structures and retractable roof systems

Shade sails are a popular choice for providing shade in commercial settings such as restaurants, cafés, and other outdoor spaces, as they offer a cost-effective and attractive way to create a comfortable, shaded area for patrons or employees. Besides their aesthetic and functional appeal, commercial shade sails can also be seen as assets that can increase the value of your commercial property. However, the extent to which commercial shade sails can increase your property value will depend on a variety of factors like the overall condition of the property, the local real estate market, the specific needs and preferences of potential buyers or renters, as well as using high-quality materials and professional installation. So, if you are considering installing shade sails to increase the value of your property, it is a good idea to research the local real estate market and speak with a real estate professional to get a better understanding of the potential impact on value. As the value of commercial shade sails will depend on the specific needs and budget of the business, it is advised to choose an option that will give you the best return on your investment based on the careful consideration of the size, material, and location of the shade sail. Commercial shade sails have several key benefits like Cost effectiveness: Shade sails are a cost-effective alternative to traditional fixed structures such as awnings or pergolas, which can be expensive to install and maintain. Versatility: Shade sails can be easily moved or reconfigured to suit changing needs or seasons. Aesthetic appeal: Shade sails can add a modern, stylish touch to any outdoor space. UV protection: Shade sails can provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, making them a popular choice for outdoor seating areas. Durability: Commercial shade sails are typically made from high-quality materials such as PVC or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Weather protection: Commercial waterproof shade structures are ideal options for outdoor seating areas or other spaces where patrons or employees need to be sheltered from the weather and protected from rain. In addition to commercial shade sails, retractable roof systems are also a popular option to use in commercial and residential settings to provide shelter from the elements while also allowing for natural light and ventilation. Retractable roof systems can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and fabric, can be operated manually or automated, and can be customised to fit a wide range of spaces and needs. As with commercial shade sails, it is also important to carefully consider the size, material, and location of the system. Although retractable roof systems can be seen as an expensive investment, the long-term benefits they offer in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, and functionality are valuable. In addition, they also offer Versatility: Retractable roof systems can be opened and closed as needed, providing the flexibility to adjust the amount of shade or sunlight in a space. Energy efficiency: Retractable roofs can help reduce energy costs by allowing natural light and ventilation into a space, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. Durability: Retractable roof systems are typically made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Aesthetic appeal: Retractable roof systems can add a modern, stylish touch to any outdoor space. Whether you decide on a shade sail or retractable roof system for your commercial property, carefully considering your specific needs, using high-quality materials and professional installation will offer a cost-effective way to create a comfortable, shaded area and increase the value of your property.

Stanford Plaza car park shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

Everything you need to know about commercial car park shade structures

After reading this article on commercial car park shade structures you will have a good understanding of the various kinds of car park shade structures.  The team at Versatile Structures have worked on custom shade structures for a single park as can be seen here,  this article however will focus on commercial applications. Why car park shade structures Before you start designing the structure you are after it is good to first look at why you want to install a car park shade structure. Have your team complained about the damage to their car standing in the sun all day or have you seen a drop in sales on those rainy days. Maybe you need to give the tenants in your building a reason as to why you are increasing their rent. Selecting the right solution will communicate the right message to your intended audience. For example a car shade structure that just covers cars but doesn’t keep a client dry while walking to your store doesn’t solve the challenge of keeping clients dry. A double bay structure with walkway using a waterproof fabric would have been an option for the above example. Once you know your why we can move onto options. Car park shade options Every car park has different needs, different sizes and a different audiences so the below will mention a couple of the most common options however at the end of the day the shade supplier you are working with needs to deliver a custom solution for your needs. Single bay Double bay Double bay with walkway Full cover If you want to read more about the above the list you can see images and a description of the options here. There are also cantilever type structures for space saving or limited space areas, waterproof tension membrane structures providing a complete waterproof solution, shade fabric structures with the highest UV block rating, rolled hoop to compliment design aspects of buildings, Flat top for space and view saving design aspects, V type structures, including many more. Fire rating As a commercial entity you know how important it is that you look after the safety of your clients. Older shade fabrics haven’t had the best reputation when it comes to being flame retardant. Most fabric now must pass a number of tests and be compliant with government regulations. You can read more about the standards and regulations here. Shade or waterproof Deciding between just doing a shade protection or offering shade and rain protection will be determined by your why you are wanting to install in the first place. The main differences you need to know is that waterproof shade structures are a little more expensive this is because wind can’t pass through the fabric which means there is more tension on the structure itself which means deeper foundations and more engineering to create a stronger structure overall. Waterproof fabrics also have fewer colour options. You can have a look at all the various colours here.   Added options Apart from choosing whether or not you’d like your car park shade structure to offer shade or shade and rain protection, you can also include some extra options like adding lighting, security or even optimise the structure to provide electricity to your facility and create a solar top structure and be part of helping to reduce the need for fossil fuels. If you are interested in a solar power car park shade structure have a read through this article. Quality hardware A significant differentiator to look for when selecting your shade structure installer is the quality of hardware they use to hold the fabric in-place. The fittings used need to be rust proof, corrosion resistant and be able to withstand an immense amount of pressure. To read more about what kind of quality fittings to look out for have a read through this article. Conclusion There are numerous elements to consider when selecting a supplier and installer for a commercial car park shade structure. The most important is to start with your why. Then find a supplier and installer that you can ask questions about the fabrics they have available, hardware used and their compliance.

Canterbury waterproof shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Waterproof Shade Structures

Knowing the weather of Brisbane and the surrounding areas like Sunshine and Gold Coast it can be a bit moody and quite extreme. The current Brisbane record for highest temperature sands at 43 degrees, while in March 2022, Brisbane saw 3 days of consecutive rain with 677mm of rain. Extreme weather can significantly impact your business. If your retail store doesn’t have rain cover you may see a dip in foot traffic, if you have an outdoor dining or beer garden you are definitely not seeing any patrons sitting in the rain. You may have already though about putting up a shade structure to accommodate your patrons on those hot days however it may be worth considering upgrading to a waterproof shade structure.    A good commercial grade waterproof shade structure will provide you and your patrons with shade for the bright and sunny days and good waterproofing for those unexpectedly rainy summer days. Waterproof shade sails function in much the same way as outdoor shade sails, but with the added use of PVC materials to improve the weatherproof capabilities of the sail. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a resin coated polyester waterproof fabric that’s designed for use in architectural membranes, fabric structures, and carpark shelters. UV Radiation Australia is currently ranked as the number 2 highest  UV country in the world with a PAF (population attributable fraction) of Melanoma sitting at 96.1% just slightly behind New Zealand at 96.3%.  Waterproof material is treated with specific chemical formulas to protect it against UV radiation, weather degradation, and staining. If you want to read more about ultaraviolet radiation (UVR) and shade sails read this article. The Precontaint 902 S2 range from Serge Ferrari offers a PVDF fabric that is great for mobile or permanent structures as well as being weldable with 0% UV Transmission. Just as important as getting a shade structure that blocks out the UV it is also important that the shade structure be fire resistance. Read more about shade structures and fire performance here. Colours Waterproof shade fabric doesn’t have quite the range of colours that pure shade fabric has however there are still options. Check out the Valmex FR 580 colour range. Valmex FR 580 is a lightweight, strong and versatile PVC that has a PVDF lacquer on the top side combined with fungicide and offers a low-wick finish. Where to use waterproof shade structures Waterproof shade sails are great for use around swimming pools, playgrounds, schools, or even outside your office building to create a great lunch spot or provide some protection to your shoppers as they walk to and from their cars.   Warranty Depending on your fabric selection for your structure you should get around 15 years against UV degradation and could get up to 20 years on the structure itself. It just depends on who your installer is and the combination of materials you choose. Length of install Each project varies and there are some unknown factors like weather and council approvals that can throw out a timeline however on average you can work on 12 weeks. To get a better idea of a project process and time frames read this article. Questions If you have more questions that haven’t been answered in this article. Have a read through our most asked questions article that may have the answer you are looking for.

The Orion Hotel shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

Looking for the Best Shade Sails Under the Sun

Not all shade structures require a complex and expensive installation process. Some products, like a custom shade sail, can provide straightforward sun protection that’s cost-effective and low-maintenance. Also known as sun sails, shade sails can provide reliable UVR protection and shelter from the sun in any outdoor space, making them ideal for different applications. You can find them in properties like sports clubs, commercial outdoor areas, childcare centres, playgrounds, and council parks. If you’re looking for the best custom shade sails, some reputable manufacturers can help provide the exact products you need based on your specifications and site requirements. A custom shade is always a good investment and an important asset that can increase your property’s value as well as increase the usable area which is key to getting a return on investment. Consult with an experienced manufacturer to ensure you’re getting the right shade sails that meet your aesthetic and functional requirements while providing sufficient protection and cover. Types of shade sails Top manufacturers offer a good selection of custom shade sails in Brisbane, and they can customise every product with waterproof PVC or fabric. Here’s an overview of each: Waterproof shade sails – These shade sails offer protection from light rain when made water-resistant. They can be fully leak-proof or waterproof in torrential downpours. A waterproof custom shade sailis low-maintenance and self-cleaning using rainwater. It effectively blocks out UV rays, too. Retractable – If you need flexible custom shade sails, retractable ones that can close and open manually or electronically can make your outdoor areas practical and comfortable all year. They are great for alfresco restaurants and cafes looking to extend their footprint. Fixed shade sails – These have a design that spans greater distances without support structures, making them ideal for commercial car parks, grandstands, swimming pools and other similar applications. Fire performance Fire resistant shade cloth is important to commercial industry as one of the biggest risks a business can face is fire. Not only is a fire debilitating to a business when damage and destruction bring trading to a standstill, but even more so when the lives and careers of employees being impacted. Older shade fabric haven’t had the best reputation for being flame retardant. Read more here about shade cloth fire performance Best fabrics Not only does the shade fabric you choose have to look good, complement your environment, be UV resistant and fire retardant but it also has to meet the needs of the people using it. This can be a daunting task to select fabric that meets all these criteria. We have selected our top 5 shade fabric here. Choose high-quality features and materials. Established and reputable manufacturers of custom shade sails in Brisbane will inspect your site and design a unique solution for your needs. Their products are made of high-quality materials to make the custom shade sail last for about 30 years. Look for a warranty that’s good for 10 to 15 years. In summary At the end of the day the best shade sail is the one that meets your needs the best. There isn’t a one size fits all approach with shade sails. Our recommendation is to speak to a supplier that spends time to understand your needs, the environment the shade structure is in and the functions it needs to perform to build a custom shade structure that meets those needs.

Solar panels used as a car shade structure

Solar Panel Car Parking Shade Structure

Renewable energy is more than just a trend. More industries and businesses are wanting to be part of a helping reduce global warming and have actively taken on installing solar panels to reduce energy costs and their environmental impact. Car parks are an excellent way to utilize a space that doesn’t directly generate income for a business. If you have an outdoor parking lot solar panels maybe a solution you can implement to be part of the reducing environmental impact, reduce your monthly energy bills as well as provide shade and rain protection for your customers and their cars. That is a really solid value proposition. Manufacturers of commercial shade solutions can customise PV car park shade structures, complete with design, manufacturing, engineering, and installation services. With their help, you can make the most of renewable energy while providing protective shading for your customers’ or employees’ vehicles. What is a solar panel car parking shade structure? Solar panel parking shade structures are custom shading with PV panels on the roof. They can be standalone PV systems or built with an existing solar setup. These custom shade structures allow you to tap on a free energy source (the sun) to run critical equipment, lights, air conditioners and other electronic devices. As more and more cars are becoming electric, car parks with electric charge points will become more popular. If your car park is one of the first to offer this it sends a clear message to your customers that you care about the environment as well as them. Why choose solar panel car parking shade structures? Custom car park shade structures are perfect for many applications, such as government offices, shopping centres, and supermarkets. They provide a cost-effective and practical way to generate renewable energy for your facility. Reputable manufacturers choose high-quality materials and apply advanced construction techniques to ensure long-lasting shade structures with reliable solar panels. A custom solar panel shade structure is a worthwhile environmental and financial investment. Manufacturers can customise it to suit your unique requirements. For instance, it can have lighting and walkways to make the car park structure practical for day or night. They can also work with single bay or double bay structures to suit your space and needs. A walkway in a double bay car park structure will allow your customers to easily access your building and the parking area rain or shine. It may even reduce congestion when pedestrians have a safe dedicated path to access your store. Custom shade structures with solar panels can also work for full-cover and long-stay parking facilities in airports or exposed rooftop parking areas. The shade structure is customisable to meet council requirements. The manufacturer can provide engineering and design details to help your council application. Solar car park design and Installation Solar car park implementation requires a multifaceted design, planning and installation process as it requires an in-depth knowledge across a broad range of disciplines like, civil engineering, project management, design consultation and construction. Once you have decided that a solar car park shade structure is right for your business, choose a reputable company that has all the services inhouse, you want a company that takes responsibility for the whole project from start to finish.

Scroll to Top