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Commercial Shade Structures

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.

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

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