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Commercial Shade Structures

Shade structure blocking the sun by Versatile Structures

About ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and shade sails

Research tells us that Australia is in the 5 top happiest countries on the planet. It offers carefree living, unrivalled natural beauty, a growing economy, and a diverse mix of cultures from all over the world. But there is a catch though: besides it being home to some of the deadliest animals like the box jellyfish, taipan snakes, saltwater crocodiles and redback spiders, the Australian sun also seems to be out to get us. The Australian sun is much harsher and with higher UV radiation levels than other continents and known for having the highest skin cancer rates in the world. This is specifically true for areas like Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast as we experience fantastic weather all year round and tend to spend more time outdoors. This article is not about educating you on sun protection but rather to highlight the importance of making smart decisions when choosing a shade sail, as not all shade sail fabrics are equal. Shade sail function Shade sails are a cost-effective way to increase a property’s footprint and its value. Besides the aesthetic, practical, and comfort providing qualities, a shade structure is of the best solutions for year-round protection against the harsh sun and its harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR). A shade sail’s design and exact positioning are vital as UVR rays vary in intensity, reaches us from various angles: directly from the sun, but also being reflected from the environment. Think about all the reflection from the snow when skiing. Shade sail fabrics are tested for how much ultraviolet radiation the materials transmit. If the shade cloth is over stretched during installation the UVR protection is impeded and reduces the effectiveness of a shade structure How much the shade fabric stretches depends on the type of shade cloth used, the support system as well as the installation itself. Owing to very little regulation in the shade structure industry you need to get an experienced installer to ensure the installation has the right amount of tension to ensure optimal UVR protection as well as ensure the best lifespan of the shade fabric. Knitted shade cloths do stretch and are generally transmit more UVR, while woven shade cloths do not stretch much at all and are therefore transmits less UVR. Sun position Installing a shade structure isn’t just about selecting the correct shade fabric but also understanding the movement of the sun’s changes between Winter and Summer. The incorrect orientation of the shade fabric may result in a shade structure that provides inadequate protection in Summer and turn your shaded area into a frigid zone in Winter. Sun protection classification As much as we would like there to be a grading of sun protection for shade structures there are numerous variables that make it challenging, like the design of the shade structure, the distance from the person sitting or standing under a shade structure as well as the reflection and diffused radiation that varies on the substrate used on the floor. For instance, grass has lower radiation than a tiled floor. Even though the authorities can’t agree the shade fabric itself can have up 99% UV blocking ability. The Cancer Council recommends to Choose fabric that is dark, closely woven and heavy, as it blocks or absorbs more UV radiation. Conduct a shade audit of the site where shade is required Confirm with your local council whether you need a permit to put up the shade cloth. Check the credentials of the shade installer and quality of the shade cloth, such as Does the company include a structural engineer’s report for the site and structure? What warranty applies? Do they provide ongoing services such as safety checks, maintenance, and cleaning? What are the specifications of the cloth used? Has it been independently tested to confirm the UV radiation protection level? What is the durability of the cloth? Conclusion The success of a shade fabric blocking ultraviolet radiation depends on the way it’s designed and installed. For these reasons, it is recommended you find a skilled and experienced designer and installer. Feel free to download a copy of our shade smart guide for more information.

Shade structure installation by Versatile Structures

The complex world of a shade structure

There probably is not day that goes by that we don’t notice or utilise a shade structure of some sort: parking under cover at the mall, having coffee in an outside area protected by umbrellas or just protecting our children as they play on the park playground or at home. Shade structures are a highly effective at maximising health benefits when outdoors as they reduce immediate sun exposure and the effects of long-term sun exposure, and there are many steps to ensure they are the most effective solution, of excellent quality, installed correctly, designed to the highest building standards, meet council approval, provide protection, and compliment the aesthetics and environment they are in. Although the process may seem straight forward, do not underestimate the complexity of the design, manufacture and install a quality custom solution. If you ever wondered all goes into shade structure design and install before you see and enjoy the result, read on. Understand your need As with most services it is important to understand your need in relation to a shade structure and what you are wanting to achieve, both structurally and aesthetically. For instance, are you looking at providing an area for patrons to sit down and eat or protect them from the elements at a sporting event, keep their cars cool and protected while they are shopping, or giving an old building a fresh fresh look? It is important to be clear about the level of protection you are after for example is it only UVR, or it is privacy as well, and reducing utility bills, or protection from wind, rain, and hail? Also, think about whether you need the flexibility of to open and close the shade structure. Do your research Once your needs are clearly identified, do your research and look to find a reputable shade structure supplier. A skilled installer will act upon their own judgement, offer sound guidance, and not accept short cuts or direction from their clients no matter how well meaning. Ask questions like are they insured and licenced, do they offer a contract and written quote? Do they own and control the entire process/do they own factory facilities with access to specialist manufacturing equipment, what warranties do they offer, do they specialise in custom designs etc? Versatile Structures is proud to have won 12 national excellence awards which are testimony to our technical skills, design excellence, and innovation. Location and environment An experienced supplier will ensure they have a clear and accurate understanding of your needs by evaluating the shade structure environment, the orientation of the building, the variant in the sun’s path throughout the year to ensure the structure provides adequate shade and UVR protection, the wind strength, building requirements and approvals most suited to your area, for example a car park tarmac requires different considerations to a six-story apartment block. Furthermore, the supplier will consider access to the installation area, council approval, engineering requirements and of course, your budget. Our team is experienced in working with councils, so check in with us if you have questions. Safety and risk assessment Safety is primarily when it comes to the shade structure installation process. Each site is unique and presents its own set of risks to be managed. Excavations to install posts need to consider underground services such as power, gas, water, and fibre optic cables, while working at heights may require scaffolding, scissor lifts, or whether the project can be safely installed using a ladder. Other factors include adequate height clearance and fall zones for play parks, foundation types, wind speeds, structure supports, fixings and more. Design and Budget Once the shade structure requirements and the budget you have allocated to the project are finalised, the design and engineering team will get to work and present you with the most suitable designs. Shade structure solutions are extremely versatile and allow you to create a fully custom design that not only considers the aesthetics you’re after, but also offer the flexibility of an array of colours and substrates, to satisfy the most decerning of buyers. When it comes to budget, it is important to know that when decisions are made purely on price, there will always be cheaper shade options available. Shade structures are an investment you are making to your property and buying on price alone has its cost like lesser quality substrates and stitching, substandard services levels, workmanship and guarantees. At Versatile Structures we honour our word and ensure we deliver on price and on schedule. Production Once you approved the design, the next stage is doing a risk assessment if needed and getting the relevant council and engineering approvals for the shade structure before the project goes to into the manufacturing stage. Depending on the complexity of the project, it may require a lot of support documents like design plans, detailed drawings of the setup area, and workplace health and safety plans. A shade manufacturer that is worth his salt will ensure most of the manufacturing is done off site to limit the amount of disturbance to you and your patrons. Project management Having a dedicated project manager will ensure that you are updated every step of the process and made aware of any delays such as heavy rain that may push out the install date. Project management also takes care of external contractors like fabricators, electricians, demolition teams, excavators, site managers and architects. Versatile Structures takes full ownership of your project and deliver on what we promise, on time and on budget and our excellent quality control systems ensure you always get the highest possible standard. Installation The big day has arrived and all the decisions you have made are coming to fruition. A quality installer will ensure the structure is sound to maximise the structures’ lifespan and works from day one. As much as you would have seen renderings of the design beforehand, it is not until you are on-site and viewing the project, that it comes to life, and you fully experience the result. Fabric structures need to be tensioned correctly and need to

commercial shade structure by Versatile Structures

A guide to shade structure styles

What is a shade structure? Shade structure means a roofed structure which can be either freestanding or fixed to a building for the purpose of providing shade or shelter from the weather. The shade structure can be over entrances to buildings, external entertaining areas, vehicles, loading/unloading areas, or the like, but does not include the use of land under that structure, which would otherwise require a separate development approval. Shade structure styles With so many diverse types of shade structures available, when it comes to choosing a shade structure for your business or residential project, it is important be clear about its function, the size, type of coverage and its focal point. Below is a range of shade structure styles to choose from. Screens and sunhoods A sunhood may not be the first shade structure that comes to mind; however, they are cost-effective and practical shade structure solutions to protect apartment and office building windows and doors from weather elements, as well as offering privacy. Sunhoods are exceptionally durable, and an attractive solution to revamp an old façade. Read more Umbrellas The humble umbrella has come a long way from the parasol used over 4,000 years ago by Chinese. With so many styles to choose from, from cantilever umbrellas, structural umbrellas, and café style umbrellas to permanent and movable solutions. Read more about umbrellas, their benefits and pricing. Awnings An awning is the ideal shade structure solution to create indoor-outdoor living areas. Awnings are an investment for any business or home as they add eye-catching aesthetic accents, as well as reduce energy bills by protecting interiors from heat gain. Businesses have an additional benefit of increasing their retail footprint and turnover, by creating protected outside areas for their customers to dine and relax at. Learn more about awnings here. Heavy duty sails When it comes to commercial applications such as large high tension shade structure sails or one-of-a-kind architectural shade structures that require high structural support, heavy duty sails are the perfect solution.  A 320 GSM (grams per square metre) is one of the heaviest shade cloths around and ideal for large spans as it offers great strength and durability. Read more about heavy duty shade structure stitching and protection. What shade structure is best There is not a straightforward answer to which is the best shade structure. The answer lies in what you need as well, as what will work best in the environment the shade structure will be living. There are so many factors to consider like the size of the structure, how much wind it needs to withstand, does it need to be waterproof or does it need to open and close at certain times of the day. Read more about deciding on which shade structure is best for you.

Australian Zoo commercial shade structure by Versatile Structures

Before you buy: things to know about commercial shade structures

The right commercial shade structure can transform your business premises by enlarging the usable space for you and your customers while providing adequate protection from rain and the sun’s high UV factors, as we are so well known for in Australian and especially in Brisbane. So, before investing in a new commercial shade structure for your business, here are some key thoughts to consider. The difference between commercial and residential shade structures As with most products, you will find the same holds true for shade structures. Not all shade structures are created equal. Installing a residential shade structure for your business is reasonable if you are on a tight budget. However, it can only work in your benefit to first read the below, so you are fully informed before deciding. Residential shade structures are often made to lower standards and tolerances as they do not have to cover as big an area and do not have to factor in batty customers running a chin-up competition on your shade structure. Shade structures purchased from Bunnings and the likes are best used in someone’s back garden. A case in point is that Versatile Structures have been contracted on a few occasions by Bunnings to install shade structures for them. For most commercial businesses servicing customers, a custom made commercial shade structure will be the best option. Irrespective of whether you are looking for awnings, umbrellas, car park shade structures, or canopies, commercial designs are made to withstand high winds, rain, direct sunlight, and even chemical interactions (particularly important for pools and resorts). Foundations are key Before investing in a shade structure, think about where it will be installed. What kind of soil is present or if there is already a substrate in place like tar, tiles, wooden deck, or concrete? Each substrate has different requirements to be considered for the foundation as well as the size of the structure. Larger structures have more wind lift and need to support more weight. All these elements need to be assessed by an engineer. The last thing you want is a shade structure collapsing on someone causing an injury. Most residential shade structures are designed in a way that allows the customer to change the position of the shade structure so that it is easy to move the structure around to cater for changing needs as the season changes throughout the year. Commercial structures require engineered footings or dedicated mounting points. The structures are designed to be kept in place for the long term, becoming a permanent fixture for your commercial property. Know the Building Codes Depending on where your business is located, you may have to meet specific building code requirements before installing a permanent or removable shade structure. Failing to meet these requirements could result in extensive fines and an order to remove your shade solution. The structure will need to be compliant with things like fire safety standards, designated building laws, work health and safety laws as well as competitions and consumer laws. For example, a code covered entity must not breach the cartel and anti-competitive provisions of the CCA. Receiving a fine or an order to remove the shade structure is not just costly for the business, it also takes time out of your day to deal with a problem that is not making your business money. It is worth researching the local building codes for your area and the rules governing structures. A good shade structure supplier and installer like Versatile Structures will do this for you. Choose the right shade supplier There are numerous shade structure options available including overseas suppliers specifically from China. You can find good deals on shade fabrics when buying internationally but you will need to know exactly what you are looking for or know of reputable suppliers. However, for total peace of mind work with a local supplier and installer that will give you some recourse if anything goes wrong. You should be able to get at least a fifteen years warranty on your shade structure. International suppliers may not meet the specific engineering requirements for your shade structure and may not honour the guarantee or warranty terms of the product purchased. If there are any issues, it could take months to resolve them with the international supplier specifically if they require the product to be sent back. The language barrier may not seem to be an issue when you are purchasing however when you are trying to resolve a problem or working to get a refund it becomes incredibly significant. Working with a domestic supplier will give you certain consumer protections as well as convenience. Installation times will be more reasonable, and warranties will be honoured. You will also deal with a sales department that understands your local weather, specific engineering requirements, and safety issues. Dealing with a local commercial shade manufacturer or an authorized distributor, is your best option. Factor lead times into your decision Lead times can vary depending on the type of shade structure you are ordering, its size, as well as any customization options that you have chosen. In many cases, awning canopies and standalone shade structures can be manufactured and delivered within three weeks. Installation can vary depending on weather, availability of cranes as well as whether the structure is constructed off site. Good shade structure installer will have a project manager that will constantly update you with the progress of your project. Consider branding for your shade canopies and awnings Shade structures provide protection from the sun, rain, and wind, and help reducing energy costs for cooling and ventilation. One thing that some business owners often do not consider is their branding potential. If you want your company to stand out in your local area why not have your logo or selling proposition included on your shade structure? This way branding your shade structure is a terrific way to gain an advantage. For street-facing awnings, you could include your company name, logo, or even the nature of your

Shade sails at Carina State School offer good protection from the sun as the fabrics used are coated with UV protective elements.

Shade structures – your questions answered

When it comes to choosing the shade structure that’s right for you, there are lots of things to consider. There’s cost, durability, colour and size to think about. And with the harsh Brisbane sun, material durability is crucial. Understanding more about shade structures will help you make an informed decision prior to purchase. Here are answers to the questions most asked. What do I need to think about before selecting a shade structure? The type of shade structure you need will be determined by what it’s going to be used for. So, before you start to explore the different types of structures available, think about some of the following. Will the structure be exposed to adverse weather conditions? Does the structure need to cover people or vehicles? Does the structure need to be waterproof? What is the size of the area that needs to be covered? Is this structure temporary or permanent? What are the different types of shade structure? The type of shade structure you need will depend on several things. The primary purpose of the shade structure, where it will be located and how you want it to look. Once you’ve considered these things you can start looking at the options. Waterproof shade structures These are the perfect practical option for outdoor settings including car parks, playground, and restaurants. Constructed using PVC waterproof fabric these shade structures maintain a clean appearance and can be custom designed for the perfect fit. Car park shade structures These are the most popular shade structures for car parks as they provide protection against the elements for people and vehicles. Like any shade they can be custom designed and can also include lighting for use both day and night.    External awning and blinds External awning and blinds are a great option for enclosing an area to maximise its use. Providing protection from the elements, these shade structures are perfect for cafes and restaurants. Being retractable means an area can be enjoyed rain, hail or shine. Shade sail structures Shade sail structures offer good protection from the sun as the fabrics used are coated with UV protective elements. These structures are generally layered in an attractive pattern with flexible design options. They’re best suited to smaller areas such as playgrounds, car ports or swimming pools. How much do shade structures cost? Shade structures vary in cost depending on several things. The size of the structure and project, the material and fabric used, the price for installation and whether the shade is custom made or ready-made. Ready-made options are generally cheaper but not always of superior quality. What you’re saving in money you may be paying for in material quality, durability, and protection. Things are different with a custom-made shade structure. Here’s where we can help. As specialists in custom-made shade structures, we can ensure you get exactly what you want when you want. We provide a full service and offer the best quality materials and workmanship. As part of our quote, we will conduct a site inspection and include a sketch of your proposed orientation. Our custom-made shade structures also have a typical lifespan of 10-30 years giving you peace of mind. What makes a good quality shade structure? Weather tolerant A quality shade will effectively offer protection from the elements. A dark, closely woven and heavy fabric is ideal for blocking or absorbing UV rays. For that harsh Brisbane sun in particular, shade structures should have as high a UVR block as possible, at least 94%. Well manufactured Quality shade structures should meet Australian standards which means that the materials and fittings are long lasting and durable. Product brands Product brands used should be the highest quality to ensure the shade structure is long lasting. Among these brands are Serge Ferrari, Rainbow Shade, Mehler Texnologies and Monotec 370. The lifespan and warranty of the product. A good quality shade structure will come with a warranty and have a lifespan of 10 – 30 years. All fixtures and fittings should be engineering to site specifications. If you’re looking to purchase a shade structure, get in touch with our experienced team today. We can offer advice and help you choose the right fit for you.

Transform Your Commercial Space Without A Build

Commercial shade structures don’t just provide sun protection. They can transform the outdoor areas of your business into comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces that add value to your property and boost your profits.  Plus, in today’s COVID-19 world, where lockdowns and social distancing restrictions continue to impact everyday life and business, increasing the amount of useable outdoor space you have can be a big competitive advantage. Interested to learn more? Here are some great ways you can use commercial shade structures to transform your space and make the most of your square footage. Add commercial umbrellas for space and style Setting up commercial umbrellas out the front or back of your business premises is a simple, effective way to make the most of your outdoor space.   Good quality commercial umbrellas will not only protect customers and employees from harsh Australian UV rays, but will also offer shelter from rain and hail, so your alfresco areas can be used all year round. Commercial umbrellas come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can even be custom-built to your exact specifications – enhancing your premises’ curb appeal and the potential for increased foot traffic. Match them to your brand colours and incorporate your name and/or logo to grow brand awareness and loyalty. Plus, fit them with speakers, lighting and heaters for increased functionality and ambience. Popular spaces for commercial umbrellas Cafés Restaurants Pubs Hotels Resorts Sportsfields Commercial buildings  Protect and enhance large areas with a shade sail Shade sails offer the same protection as umbrellas, but they have a different aesthetic and cover larger areas. They consist of a flexible permeable membrane tensioned between several anchor points. The best shade sail materials are high strength-knitted shade fabrics and waterproof PVC membranes. These materials ensure they provide protection from both UV rays and rain. Their permeability also keeps the shaded area cool. Shade sails come in a wide range of colours so they can be matched to your existing building, add a splash of colour, or even blend in with the natural surroundings. A quality supplier will install it at the correct angles to maximise the benefits. When installed close to your building, commercial shade sails can even keep your building cool, reducing air conditioning costs in the summer months. Popular spaces for commercial shade sails Playgrounds Council parks Schools Childcare centres Sporting clubs Offices Choose sun or shade with a retractable awning Retractable awnings are a great solution for transforming your commercial space. Not only do they look good, but they also offer privacy, protection from the elements and can be even better at reducing indoor temperatures. Awnings are roof-like structures that are fixed onto an existing building. They come in a wide range of materials, including aluminium, acrylic and fabric. They also come in a range of colours that can complement your building or brand. The benefit of a retractable commercial awning is that you have the option to open or recant it depending on the weather or whether your business is open or closed. This gives you more flexibility and helps protect it in severe conditions.   A good commercial awnings installer will make sure the slope and configurations are optimised and meet your requirements. Popular spaces for retractable commercial awnings Cafés Restaurants Retail Swimming centres Commercial construction Create functional space with a shade structure Commercial shade structures are a more permeant way to transform your business space. While shade sails are quicker and easier to install, shade structures are architecturally designed with steel members and can be a better choice if you’re looking to add more value to your premises. A commercial shade structure can not only transform your space visually, but it can provide additional protected space where you can work, store cars or stock, and engage in other business-related activities. It’s like adding an outdoor room. This allows you to be more efficient, offer more products and services and even of certain activities, such as outdoor play or BBQs, all year round. Popular uses for commercial shade structures Construction Council parks Schools Child care centres Car parks Warehouses Medical centres From umbrellas to shade systems, there are so many ways you can transform your space. How could you use them?  Want to transform your commercial space? Get in touch with our experienced team of commercial shade structure specialists today. We can guide you through the best options for your business.

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