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Commercial Shade Structures

Shade sails installed by Versatile Structures in the Noosa Botanical Gardens

Shade structures and sustainability

Shade structures are essentially produced with the purpose of providing shade and reducing UV radiation. This means they have an underlying environmental purpose at their core. Shade structure specialists follow environmentally friendly practices like using water-based coatings, re-using waste products, and recycling shade substrates. In fact, it is possible to recycle the entire shade structure from the steelwork and fixings to the fabric. As most membranes are easy to remove, they are widely recycled across the globe and shade structure specialists rely heavily on the textile industry’s manufacturer-supported recycling process. In addition, shade structures also contribute to the sustainability, as they offer energy advantages over brick, metal, or glass They are light weight as they are made with less raw materials, Provide passive cooling benefits for both indoors areas and outdoors, Provide natural light as translucent fabrics reduce reliance on artificial lighting, Provide cooling from natural heat reflecting properties of fabrics, And have no ongoing operating costs. The Environment Most shade structure installers take in consideration what impact a new structure that is being erected will have on the environment. These environmental considerations include factors like the site heritage, preservation of trees, preventing erosion, preserving diversity of the ecology, containment of water, and so much more. An award-winning example of the various environmental aspects that had to be considered is the shade structure erected in the Noosa Botanical Gardens. Minimising the environmental impact is vital to an experienced installer and it’s quick to spot good installers, as they start their environmental and safety reviews at the planning, development and design stages – before a single post has been erected. Benefits Some of the benefits of shade sails and structures include Minimise exposure to the sun’s harmful UVR rays Reduce energy consumption of resources like artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning Cool down areas as the structure allows air to pass through, keeping the area underneath cooler Increase the comfort level as it is forms a protective barrier from wind, dust, rain, or snow which make them ideal for undercover parking Protect everything that is underneath like cars, furniture, and people In essence shade structures are a great solution to live more sustainably, reducing your footprint and assisting in using less building materials to achieve the same outcome. Instead of building a garage, a cheaper and less resource intensive option is a car port.

Marine grade shade structure fittings used by Versatile Structures

Using high quality shade structure hardware is key

Fittings hardware are easily overlooked when it comes to shade structures as the colourful shade fabrics and architectural designs are always first to catch the eye. Some people may take note of the structural steelwork that supports the shade structure frame, but only a handful will notice what hardware and fittings are used from nuts, bolts, and shackles, to turnbuckles, wire rope, hooks, and more. As important as it is to choose a shade fabric that is fire resistant and offers high UVR protection, it is equally as important to choose quality shade structure fittings and hardware, as these are the ‘glue’ in the connection points that hold the structure together. It is crucial that the fittings used for a shade structure have all the same features as being highly fire and UV resistant, but they also need to be corrosion resistant, rust proof and able to withstand immense tension and pressure. A tiny turnbuckle needs to withstand hundreds of kilograms of structural load, exacerbated by 100km/h coastal winds saturated with sea salt. Hardware typically is available in 316 and 304 grade stainless steel and 8.8 structural and 4.6 regular grade galvanized steel. The size and shape of the hardware needed are determined by structural loads and tensioned membrane requirements, consisting of steel cabled hems with threaded end fittings. Versatile Structures uses forged AISI 316 marine grade stainless steel fittings, Hilti branded chemset bolts and wire rope to ensure for strong corrosion free fittings that stand the test of time. Sail Corner Fixings: A key element in addition to using marine grade stainless steel, is encasing the 316 stainless-steel sail wire in a double folded pocket with corner reinforcement using a double layered of shade structure fabric and seatbelt webbing that not only protects the already super strong marine grade steal but also adds to the overall strength of the shade structure. We use 316 stainless-steel in all our sale corner fixings because it is stronger, lasts longer and looks great. Steel Welding Quality: All our steel is welded by our expert team of boilermakers at our factory in Wacol, Queensland which means we are in control of the process and the quality of our output. Stitching: All stitching is GORE ® TENARA ® Sewing Thread, a long-lasting UVR protected threat, performed using a double locking stitch. Conventional seam threads on shade sails and other outdoor fabric products suffer from exposure to UVR, wind, and weather and become brittle and break after a few years. In contrast, GORE ® TENARA ® Sewing Thread is a thread on which you can really rely. It does not deteriorate from exposure to elements – not even when exposed to UV radiation! Shade structure fittings like turnbuckles are furthermore coated in anti-seize to ensure easy removal should you decide to change the colour of a shade structure or if the shade structure needs repair from say a car driving into shade structure. Making sure your shade structure supplier uses quality fittings is a sure way for you to ensure a return on your investment.

The Westend Common walkway shade structure featuring a polycarbonate roof, manufactured, and installed by Versatile Structures

Polycarbonate, the ultimate UVR resistant shade structure solution

The use of lightweight polycarbonate in shade structures has become synonymous with sun protection as the material does not allow harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) rays to be transmitted. To better understand the value of polycarbonate as a protective substrate against UVR in shade structures we need to better understand ultraviolet radiation. What is ultraviolet radiation? Ultraviolet radiation or UVR, is a form of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the sun, with about 10% of the sun’s radiation being generated in the form of ultraviolet. Ultraviolet is part of the electromagnetic spectrum with waves ranging from 10 to 400 nanometres, meaning they are shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays. While ultraviolet has some positive benefits, like assisting in the production of vitamin D, it is also the source of skin cancer and its exposure to eyes have been associated with cornea damage and cataract formation – all valid reasons to be sun smart and get excellent sun protection. Thankfully, the shorter and most hazardous UV waves are absorbed by the atmosphere. At ground level, earth receives the range of 280-400 nanometres, which is further allocated to the higher Ultraviolet A (UVA) and lower Ultraviolet B (UVB) ranges The deadliest form of skin cancer, Melanoma, has been shown to correlate with the degree of UV exposure and while UV exposure also effects and degrades nonorganic materials like cars, any painted items will fade or crack over time depending on the amount of UV they are exposed to.  If you are interested to read more about ultraviolet radiation and shade sails, click here. Does polycarbonate block UV radiation? Polycarbonate nearly blocks the entire UV spectrum, does not allow any UVR transmission and absorbs UVA and UVB rays. Its UVR blocking characteristics makes polycarbonate an ideal shade solution to protect against the sun’s harmful rays and a popular choice for roofing in both commercial and residential construction. A great application for a polycarbonate roof structure would be for covering a swimming pool, allowing swimmers to enjoy the natural light without the harmful UV concerns and swim all day without having to apply sunscreen. Should polycarbonate itself be UV protected? If polycarbonate absorbs all UV radiation, do you need to treat or protect the polycarbonate? As polycarbonate absorbs all the harmful radiation it leads to yellowing or discoloration of the material over time, and eventually polycarbonate would lose its properties and break. It is therefore recommended to add a UV protection over polycarbonate to extend the lifespan of a polycarbonate structure. Reputable polycarbonate manufacturers apply a very thin UV protective layer to the sheets. This layer is invisible to the naked eye and does not impact the physical and optical characteristics of the material, while securing the performance of the sheet throughout its lifetime, even under harsh sunlight exposure conditions such as those found in Australia. When the polycarbonate is used in roofing a one-sided UV protection is enough. Polycarbonate benefits Polycarbonate is highly versatile in it is application and ideal for roofing, cladding, and skylights. Lightweight. Polycarbonate weighs half that of its glass equivalent which saves in shipping costs, handling, and installation. Durable. Polycarbonate is virtually indestructible, making it an ideal choice for protection from extreme weather conditions UVR protection. Polycarbonate does not allow any UVR transmission, while offering light transmission properties that are comparable to glass Warranty. Polycarbonate sheets are available with warranties for up to 15 years. Summary In summary, polycarbonate is an excellent material to protect people as well as non-organic items from UV exposure. However, when deciding to use polycarbonate as a shade structure solution it is recommended to have the polycarbonate sheets treated with a UV protection to extend its lifespan and save yourself money overall.

Shade structure on fire

Shade structures and 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 fabrics have not had the best reputation for being great flame retardants, but suppliers are now required to test fire resistant shade cloth and report their findings regarding flammability. It is important to know that shade cloth is fire retardant, but not fire resistant and that no textile in Australia is non-combustible. The Australian Standards specify shade cloth must be tested to AS1530 Parts 2 &3 that uses a fixed flame in contact with the fabric and measures radiant heat near a fabric to determine its flammability, ignition, spread of flame and smoke developed index ranges.   To compare the fire performance of different commercial shade fabrics, we looked at the four main tensile substrates namely Teflon coated glass fibre (PTFE), Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) used in transparent cladding applications, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or waterproof fabrics, and woven or high density polyethylene (HDPE) shade cloth.   Listed in the table below are example of results to illustrate the typical material fire-testing performance for each main shade fabric type, which can be used to determine the most appropriate material solution for your project.   The various shade fabrics Versatile Structures work with are subjected to Australian and International fire testing standards. Although polycarbonate isn’t a shade structure fabric it is brilliant at supressing flames and has fifty times the impact strength of float glass. Teflon coated glass fibre membranes provide the best fire hazard properties, followed by ETFE, PVC, and finally woven or HDPE shade cloth.   This is a guide only and within each product category there will be a range of different results and performance outcomes. Membrane Type HDPE PVC ETFE PTFE Example Brand Gale Pacific Commercial Heavy 430 Mehler FR900N AGC Fluon 200micron Chuckoh FGT600 Expected Lifespan 10+ years 20+ years 40+ years 50+ years Fire Performance Indices   Duration of Sustained Flaming¹ N/A N/A N/A 0 Flammability index²: 21 8 6 0 Spread of Flame Index³: 8 7 0 0 Heat Evolved Index³: 5 1 0 0 Ignitability Index³: 13 16 0 0 Smoke Developed Index³: 7 8 0-1 0-1 Observations Visible smoke, melting, flaming debris. Visible smoke and melting. Will not propagate flame spread. Self-expiring drops (will melt away from fire source but does not drip). Self-extinguishing immediately when fire source is gone. Will not propagate flame spread. Recommendation Usually not suitable for fire escape routes or adjoining buildings. May be suitable for connecting to existing buildings, but usually not suitable for Type-A constructions or fire escape routes. Often accepted for Type-A construction with performance solution from fire engineer, sometimes sprinklered and usually as an externally facing element. Usually accepted for Type-A construction with a performance solution from a fire engineer. ¹ AS 1530.1 Methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials, Components and Structures. Part 1: Combustibility test for materials. ² AS 1530.2 Methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials, Components and Structures. Part 2: Test for Flammability of Materials. ³ AS 1530.2 Methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials, Components and Structures Part 3: Simultaneous Determination of Ignitability, Flame Propagation, Heat Release and Smoke Release.     Top commercial shade fabrics Based on our decades of experience installing and fixing shade structures here are our top 5 shade structure fabrics, which are all fire retardant certified.    A Note on Non-Combustibility Before 2019 the Building Code of Australia (BCA) rated PTFE-coated glass fibre tension membrane materials were deemed non-combustible. This is owing to the code permitting composite materials to be classified as non-combustible, providing the structural elements passed AS 1530.1 and any coatings were sufficiently thin. The glass fibre woven structural base cloth within PTFE fabric is non-combustible to AS 1530.1, but the PTFE coating is not, and the change in wording in the 2019 BCA is interpreted by certifiers and fire engineers to now not allow this material to be considered non-combustible.

Canterbury school pool shade structure erected by Versatile Structures

Top five shade sail fabrics and how to get the perfect cover

Shade cloths, shade fabrics, and also referred to as shade sails, are not just about transforming a sunny spot into a shaded area, they are also great for providing shade over pools (like the Canterbury School pool featured above), car parks and can even be motorized like these awnings.    Regrettably not all shade cloths are created equal. When it comes to commercial grade shade fabrics, check that good quality raw materials were used as this will prevent stretching, tearing and how well the fabric endures Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast’s harsh weather conditions, while the quality of the knit design regulates the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) block capacity.   Follow our tips to ensure you get the perfect quality cover you are after: Shade cloth planning How to choose a shade sail Shopping around for a shade sail Cost of shade cloth Top 5 shade sails fabrics Shade cloth planning The sun moves as the day progresses and follows a different path as the seasons change, which means the area you are wanting to shade also fluctuates. To ensure effective coverage, the shade cloth needs to be made of quality materials that are designed for Australian weather conditions, cast shade in the right place at the right time, while the shade structure also needs to be the right size to protect from direct and indirect UVR. An effective way to start planning is thinking why you need the area to be shaded. Are you wanting to protect your customers from a downpour (learn more about waterproof options)? Or are you needing to protect valuables like a car or caravan? Or are you just needing to increase the serviceable area for a bar or coffee spot? It is also worth considering the time of day you’ll use the space and how that might vary during the year, as a cool spot in summer may be too cold in winter so a motorized awning may be the solution so you can decided on when you want coverage or not. Other questions to consider is whether you want all-day shade, or just coverage from the searing afternoon sun and are there reflective surfaces nearby such as concrete paving or light-coloured walls that could reflect UVR into the shaded area you are trying to create? How to choose a shade sail There are two types of shade cloths: knitted and woven. For optimum UVR protection, shade structures should also have as high a UVR block as possible – at least 94%.  The Cancer Council suggests choosing fabric that is dark, closely woven and heavy, as it blocks or absorbs more UV radiation. Most shade cloths sold for commercial or domestic use are knitted fabric and available in several grades from light weight to extra heavy. Domestic-grade shade cloths are generally sold at hardware stores and offer between 50% and 99% UVR protection, while Commercial-grade fabrics offer superior protection in terms of UVR block and strength and are used for larger areas. Shopping around for a shade sail The shade cloth installation industry in Australia is unregulated which means the provider may have little knowledge about the best method of design and installation to ensure proper protection and longevity of the shade structure. It is important to keep this in mind when having a shade structure custom designed, as lower quality fabrics deteriorates faster over time and are more susceptible to stretching which reduces the UVR protection, while incorrect install methods and poor tensioning will result in the sail being slack and compromising the structure during stormy conditions. When getting quotes for a shade sail structure, check the credentials of the shade installer and quality of the shade sail by asking these key questions: Does the company include a structural engineer’s report for the site and structure? Will they do a shade audit to assess where and when shade is needed on the site? What warranty applies? Do they provide ongoing services such as safety checks, maintenance, and cleaning? What are the specifications of the cloth used? What is the durability of the cloth? Has it been independently tested to confirm the UV radiation protection level? It is also a good idea to check with your local council whether you need a permit to put up a shade sail. Cost of shade cloth Typically, we either buy an item or we invest our money. A shade structure must be viewed as an investment in your property and a real asset in transforming your outdoor area into a source of pride, functionality, and enjoyment. So, ask yourself if the shade solution you are after is merely an item you buy or a return on your investment? When value is greater than price and the return on investment can be justified, price is not an issue. Also, the cost of having a shade structure will vary owing to materials, size, and complexity of the job. Here are our five preferred shade fabrics Monotec 370 Developed as a maintenance free shade cloth that withstands Australia’s harsh climate. Strongest shade fabric Maintenance free – the round monofilament yarns are resistant to dirt and debris build up Long lasting – the strength of round monofilament yarn, combined with the close lock-stitch construction makes it difficult to penetrate the fabric with damaging objects Fire retardant certified 95% UV effectiveness 16 colours 15-year Warranty Rainbow eXtreme 32 A strong heavy-duty shade cloth designed for large commercial spans. Heavy-duty shade fabric High tear resistance Ideal for large structure spans Fire rated fabric – AS-1530.3 95.8% UVR effectiveness 14 colours 15-year warranty Rainbow Z16 A quality and durable shade cloth that offer the ultimate UVR protection Popular solution for Schools and Childcare centres Fire rated fabric AS-1530.3 99% UVR protection 24 colours 10-year limited warranty Dual Shade 350 A revolutionary new architectural shade fabric using a patented knit pattern designed Dual colour: a single colour on one side and complementary colour on the opposite side Designed and engineered in Australia Fire rated fabric –

Wellington Point Park shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

The best shade sails under the sun

As with all products not all shade structures are created equal. There are however two distinct factors that makes for an excellent shade sail. The first and the most important is “fit for purpose” – is the quality of the individual elements that make up a shade structure like the fabric, metalwork, and the manufacturing of a high standard to withstand Queensland’s harsh weather conditions for years to come Secondly, when it comes to selecting the best shade structure, it needs to be well designed to meet the needs of the people using the space and aesthetically enhance the surroundings. Read more on the value of a custom shade sail. Here is a quick check list of what to consider for the best shade sail under the sun. Durability Great shade structures have steelwork with coating options of either hot dipped galvanisation, which is the process of coating steel with zinc, or powder coating or 2 Pack Paint which includes a secondary hardener known as poly-isocyanate resin. The best shade structure should come with a structural warranty of up to 15 years, and up to 10-years for the fabric and a thread. Design With a vast selection of shade structure designs to choose from, a design will be influenced by its function, the size, the type of coverage required, as well as its focal point. A sail that is built with the incorrect shape and orientation will fail to cast shade in the correct place or provide sufficient rain cover. Great shade structure installation specialists have designers that collaborate with you to create a solution that considers both the visual and functional elements to create a shade sail that is best for you. Here is a guide to shade structure styles Fabric The fabric used in a shade structure dictates whether the shade structure is waterproof, how much UV radiation it allows through or reflects, as well as how strong the structure is to resist fierce winds. Cheaper second tier fabrics are not proven to work in Australian conditions. High spec European and Australian materials are more expensive upfront but give a far better finish and much better long-term performance. Versatile Structures is a national multi-award winner since 2017 making them experts in selecting the right fabric that meets the needs of the user and withstands the environmental challenges. UVR protection Australia has one of the top highest UVR (ultra-violet radiation) ratings on the planet which makes choosing the best shade structure even more important. Not only do you want the best quality fabric, but you also need a team of shade structure designers and installers that understand the movement of the sun in Winter and Summer. Learn more about ultra-radiation and shade sails. Supplier It takes years to understand the technical properties of fabric materials and master design challenges. Avoid paying someone to learn on your job, so no less than 10 years’ commercial experience will do. Also, look for a proven history on larger scale projects, and testimonies from satisfied customers. Direct accountability from the design, fabric, steel work fabrication, through to the installation is key, should anything go wrong down the line. Dealing with a one-stop solution also cuts out go-between margins. Manufacture Sophisticated tools like computerised fabric plotter cutters, high- power radio frequency welders and high productivity installation equipment make all the difference in the finished product and factory facilities also mean installation time is minimised as most of the pre-assembly and preparation work takes place in the factory, not at your property. Conclusion As you can see there are multiple variables to consider when it comes to selecting the best shade sail under the sun. At the end of the day, it comes down to what the needs are of the people using the shade structure as well as if the design enhances the environment, it is in. Questions When choosing a shade structure that is right for you there are many things to consider like cost durability, colour, and size. Learn more about shade structures from these answers to frequently asked questions.

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