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Commercial Shade Structures

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.

Blue ringed octopus shade structure installed by Versatile Structures for Dreamworld

Customising Industrial Shades for Your Needs

The exterior of your business speaks volumes about your brand. It’s the first thing that people see that are about to enter your store, restaurant or in the case of the image we used for this article the blue ringed octopus shade structure installed for Dreamworld. What you choose to put outside—including your shade structures—sets the tone for the customer experience. Think of the outside of your building like a Christmas present. The nicer and more exclusive the packaging the higher your expectation is of what is inside or if the present is just in a plastic bag you don’t have very high expectations that the gift is something you are going to want. The same thing applies to how you communicate your building or its’ services to potential customers. Choosing a custom fabric structure gives your audience a sense that you care about their comfort by reducing heat or UV as well as the quality of the structure speaks about the quality of serve they can expect. All of these subliminal queues not just help establish your brand but potentially brings in new customers. The key is to ensure the shade structure is built according to your needs and the needs of your customers. Here are some things to consider when designing a unique industrial shade structure. The function and purpose Firstly, think of why you want a custom industrial shade structure. Is it to prevent the hot Australian sun from scorching customers and workers as they walk or spend time outside your building? Do you need to protect cars? Are you creating shaded walkways? No matter the purpose, make sure the custom shades match your building’s aesthetics and your property’s design. Have a look at these projects and see how the structures complement the building. Your brand and image After identifying the purpose for your custom shade structure, think about the image you want to project and your brand. Your business has unique values and message to convey to your target audience. A customised shade structure can help you communicate that to your audience as well as effectively represent your brand. Ensuring your shade structure has the right brand colours or at least that the colours work with your brand. It is also important that your shade structure uses high quality materials. Nothing will turn away a customer quicker than a shade structure that looks like it is about to collapse on someone’s head. Flimsy industrial shades could compromise the safety of customers and employees. This would serious impact the reputation of your business. Also be sure to check out the fire performance of the shade structure you are looking at investing in. Environmental factors Where are you installing the custom industrial shade structure? If you want protection against the sun and the rain, consider shade structures with substrates that offer up to 99 per cent UV-R protection and waterproofing. Material and features Custom shade structures can be made of fabric or another material, such as PVC. Some products have special features, such as retractability, hail protection, and wind resistance. Be sure to discuss your needs with the manufacturer to get recommendations. They will ensure your custom shade structure will be durable, with a typical lifespan of at least 10 to 15 years. Get your custom shade structures today Are you looking for a method to improve the curb appeal of your property? Custom shades help to enhance the appearance of a building’s design. They add colour and character to your commercial space. Your business can benefit greatly from these solutions. Custom industrial shade structures are an excellent investment, as they are practical and provide an exceptional brand experience.

Commonwealth Games Village shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

The Different Types of Commercial Shade Structures

There are many different types of commercial shade structures available on the market today. Below is a list of some of the most popular types of Shade Structures: Umbrella Shades Umbrella shades are probably the most popular type of shade structures due to their ease of use and portability. Umbrella shades can be placed almost anywhere and provide excellent protection from the sun. There are various commercial umbrella options available to service any kind of space from providing shade around the resort pool to creating shade in and around a dining area. It is well worth looking at the various options on this page Awnings Awnings are versatile and can be placed over windows or doorways to provide protection from the sun and rain. They can however also be motorised and can cover larger areas like patios or outdoor dinning spaces. Have a look at the various options of awning available here Car park structures Car park shade canopies are a great option for providing shade for your customers prized possessions or help look after the cars of your team. As with the other commercial structures mentioned car shade structures come in a variety of shapes and styles to suit your company’s need. Here are a few options to review.  Polycarbonate roofing Polycarbonate is a very strong and offers a high impact resistance and is an excellent resilient thermoplastic substrate that is lightweight, shatterproof which can withstand extreme low and hot temperatures. It also has excellent load carrying properties and comes in a wide variety of colours and designs, making the panels easy to customise to your aesthetic requirements and quick and effective to install. Read more about the benefits and various polycarbonate options here. Waterproof shade structures It is easy to assume that all shade structures are waterproof specifically when a shade structure is seen on a sunny day. This is however not the case. Waterproof shade structures require different footings as well as the fabric used is different to allow the structure to be waterproof. Have a read through the various commercial waterproof shade structures here. There seems to be an endless variety of commercial shade structures available on the market today. Shade sails, tensioned membrane structures, and umbrellas are just a few of the most popular options. Each type has its own unique set of benefits that make it ideal for different applications. Shade sails are a popular choice for businesses that want to create an outdoor seating area. They are easy to install and can be used to cover a wide variety of areas. Shade sails can be made from a variety of different materials, including vinyl, polyester, and cotton. Find out more about fabrics used in tensile membrane structures here. Tensioned membrane structures are another popular option for businesses that want to create an outdoor seating area. These structures are made from a variety of different materials, including PVC, polyethylene, and canvas. Tensioned membrane structures are easy to install and can be used to cover a wide variety of areas. We recommend speaking to one of our consultants to help figure out what fabrics and structure would be the best solution for your environment.

Custom shade sail for Sir Lew Edwards Park, Ipswich City Council by Versatile Structures.

Questions we’re often asked

Whether used for commercial, industrial, or residential purposes at entrances, entertaining areas, sports and recreation areas, schools, hospitality, retail or vehicles, a shade structure is defined as a freestanding or fixed roofed structure for the purpose of providing UVR protection, shade, and shelter from the weather. What sets Versatile Structures apart is our custom design shade solutions and here are answers to the questions we get asked most by customers who engage us for commercial and car park shade structures and shade sails in Brisbane, Noosa and surrounds. What are shade structures called? Shade structures are also known as pergolas, awnings, solid roof structures, blinds, pavilions, shade sails, screes and sunhoods, patio umbrellas. With so many shade structure solutions available, our article on shade structure styles covers it all. How tall should a shade structure be? A shade structure should be at least 2.4m from the ground on two of the sides. For maximum effectiveness, most shade structures are between 2.4m and 3m tall, and 3.6m for big structures, with the edge heights kept as low as possible to reduce the impacts of UVR being reflected from surrounding surfaces. There are also various Australian Standard protocols to follow regarding clearances playgrounds and car parks, as well as NCC (BCA) and other AS requirements, but a seasoned shade structure supplier will take care of it all for you. How far apart should posts be for shade sail? Posts sizes are determined by the size of the sail/s attached to it, what sides they are attached and the height they are attached. When it comes to custom designed shade sails, the shade structure supplier will take care of it all for you. What type of construction is a shade structure? The class of a building or structure is determined its purpose. According to the Queensland building standards, a shade cloth structure is considered a Class 10a building, while a metal or fibreglass roof structure is Class 1 building. What are the two types of shade? There are many types of shade, but it ultimately it comes down to is the structure a residential, industrial, or commercial waterproof shade structure or not, i.e., pervious roof material (shade cloth) or impervious (metal or fibreglass). Do shade sail posts need to be angled? For sure! The angle should be away from the shade sail and installed at a 10-degree angle for steel and a 20-degree angle for timber posts. How do you stop shade sails from sagging? Shade sails that are installed by professionals like Versatile Structures should never sag and includes a 10-year warranty on both fabric and stitching. However, the reason they sag is because the tension that is applied at each attachment point is not distributed evenly in the sail, creating areas of concentrated stress around the corners. Using quality hardware, especially corner hardware is the most important source of tension in a sail. And so is prevention. Proactive inspections are the best approach to ensure maximum life and minimal disruption, as they highlight potential issues before they occur that can be actioned proactively to keep costs down before a failure eventuates.

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