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Commercial Shade Structures

Different types of commercial shade systems explained

Commercial shade systems are everywhere – from cafes and restaurants to playgrounds, shopping centres, footie stadiums and high-rises.   As well as providing protection from the elements, including sun, rain and wind, they can maximise outdoor space, enhance the visual look of a building or landscape, and even offer energy efficiencies and savings. But, with so many commercial shade systems on the market, you might be wondering which is best for your commercial space or project. We’ve broken down each in detail to help you make the right decision. Commercial shade sails Commercial shade sails are outdoor structures that are based on the same principle as a ship’s sail. They’re made up of a flexible fabric or PVC membrane, free-spanned and tensioned between anchor points. They can be very cost-effective. Recommended commercial applications Council parks and playgrounds School playgrounds Landscaping projects (hotels, sports courts, zoos, airports) Child care centres Considerations when choosing commercial shade sails Custom design or pre-fab Shade efficiencies (UV, rain) Site-specific engineering (wind rating) Warranty (10-15+ is ideal) Quality of materials (Australian approved recommended) Commercial shade structures Commercial shade structures are different to shade sails. They include an architecturally designed frame with structural steel members and a shade fabric. They can be used in various commercial settings and have a fixed shape.   Recommended commercial applications Construction projects Council parks and playgrounds School playgrounds Landscaping projects (hotels, sports courts, zoos, airports) Considerations when choosing commercial shade structures Custom design Shade efficiencies (UV, rain) Wind rating (including cyclonic) Site-specific engineering Lifespan (10-15+ is ideal) Quality of materials ( Australian approved recommended) Commercial car park shade structures Commercial car park shade structures are a type of commercial shade structure specifically designed to protect vehicles from the elements. They can range from covering just a few bays to rows and rows designed to house hundreds of cars. Recommended commercial applications Corporate office parking Public space parking Shopping centre car parks Hotel and club car parks Considerations when choosing commercial car park shade structures Custom design Wind rating (including cyclonic) Steel coating for site-specific conditions Lifespan (10-30 years is ideal) Electrical fittings (lights, sound) Quality of materials ( Australian approved recommended) Commercial waterproof shade structures Commercial waterproof shade structures include commercial shade structures and car park shade structures. However, not all waterproof shade structures are fully waterproof – so make sure you check the fabric/material. They’re very robust. Recommended commercial applications Commercial construction projects Corporate office parking Shopping centre car parks Sporting club grandstands Considerations when choosing waterproof shade structures Custom design Wind rating (including cyclonic) Steel coating for site-specific conditions Lifespan (10-30 years is ideal) Electrical fittings (lights, sound) Quality of materials (Australian approved recommended) Commercial umbrellas Commercial umbrellas are a type of umbrella that’s stronger than a standard sun or patio umbrella but are still lightweight and flexible. They come in various shapes and sizes and are great for maximising your useable outdoor space.  Recommended commercial applications Cafes and restaurants Pubs and hotels Resorts Sporting clubs Commercial buildings Considerations when choosing commercial umbrellas Custom design Branded colours Minimum design wind speed 145KPH 100% UV stabilised Collapsable or fixed Cantilever or centre post Waterproof or non-waterproof Coated steel for added protection Electrical fittings (lights, sound) Quality of materials ( Australian approved recommended) Commercial awnings and blinds Commercial awnings and blinds are more robust than their non-commercial counterparts and an excellent choice for enclosing an area and increasing usability in adverse weather conditions. Being retractable they allow the user to adapt to the changes of the day Blinds and louvres are fixed to the window and pulled up or down or open and shut; awnings are roof-like structure that extend out. Recommended commercial applications Commercial construction projects Cafes, dining and retail Swimming or sports centre Corporate offices Considerations when choosing commercial blinds and awnings Custom design Branded colours Wind speed of 40km/h or above Lifespan (typically 5-10+ years) Motorised or manual Wind sensors Fixed or retractable (awnings only) Quality of materials (Australian approved recommended) Commercial polycarbonate roofing Polycarbonate is a strong thermoplastic material that’s lightweight, shatterproof and can withstand very low and high temperatures. Polycarbonate roofing can be used for a wide variety for solutions, including roofing, cladding, skylights, façade, and shading. Recommended commercial applications Commercial construction projects Cafes, dining and retail External architectural structures Nurseries and plant shops Hotels and resorts Considerations when choosing commercial polycarbonate roofing Custom design Light requirements UV stabilised materials Extruded colour options Lifespan of 5-10+ years Quality of materials (Australian approved recommended) Commercial insulated panel roofing Insulated panel roofing offers a durable ceiling, insulation, and roof sheet all in one. A typical sandwich pane includes a low density, thermal insulating and sound reducing core with a thin skin layer (metal or polymer) bonded to each side. Recommended commercial applications Construction projects Cafes, dining and retail School roofing structures Outdoor public seating areas Commercial aluminium screens and sunhoods Commercial aluminium screens and sunhoods are an aesthetic, durable and highly- functional addition to any commercial building.  Screens sit flush against the exterior while sunhoods protrude. Both provide sun control and energy savings. Recommended commercial applications Construction projects Low, medium and high-rise Residential and townhouse developments Considerations when choosing commercial aluminium screens and sunhoods Custom design Range of colours and finishes (including Timber look) Colourbond colour options Standard or recyclable Lifespan (20+ years is ideal) Quality of materials (Australian approved recommended) Commercial shade systems – choose the best investment Commercial shade systems are an investment, so make sure you make the right choice for your space or project. While there’s a lot to consider, hopefully this has made your decision a little easier.   If you’re looking for a quality commercial shade system, get in touch with our experienced team today. We can help you select and design the perfect solution for your space or project. Plus, we’ll install it quickly and safely.

Westfield North Lakes commercial shade structure replacement by Versatile Structures

The cheapest supplier isn’t always the best choice

Do a quick Google search for ‘commercial shade structure suppliers’, and around 4,400,000 results pop up. Narrow this down by where you are, for example, Brisbane, and you’re still left with about 170,000 results. With so many companies to choose from, how do you know which commercial shade system supplier to pick? Like any type of shopping these days, it pays to do your research. But what should you be looking for in a reputable supplier? Here are some key questions you need to answer to ensure you get a quality, compliant shade sail system delivered on time and to the agreed budget. How many years of experience do they have? It takes years to understand the technical properties of shade sail fabric materials and master the unique design challenges of commercial shade systems. Because of this, avoid putting your trust in a company that’s just starting out or one with only a few years behind them. Instead, choose one with no less than 10 year’s commercial experience – if they have 15 or 20 years, even better. What types of projects have they worked on? The best commercial shade sail suppliers will be the ones trusted to complete big projects. So, if a company has a proven track record of working on larger scale commercial projects, you can be more confident in their capabilities. As well as browsing their website to check for projects completed, make sure they have testimonials from satisfied customers to back up their work. If this information isn’t readily available, ask them to provide it – a good supplier will be happy to.   Do they own and control the entire process? Direct responsibility from the design, fabric, steelwork fabrication through to the installation is a must. The benefit of this is that they have tighter control over the quality of the product, materials and workmanship. In addition, if anything goes wrong with your commercial shade system down the line, they’re accountable to rectify it and can’t ‘pass the buck’. Dealing with a commercial shade sail one-stop-shop also benefits production efficiency, meaning you get your product faster. Plus, by cutting out the middleman, you’re also cutting out middleman margins for more competitive pricing. Do they offer commercial shade sail builds? Off the shelf commercial shade sail products offer a quick solution, but they may not be the best solution for your business or intended location. Custom commercial shade sails, on the other hand, are designed and built to fit your exact specifications, meet all of your use requirements, and suit the specific weather and environmental conditions of the area. As well as criteria such as size, shade area and waterproofing, custom-built shade sails can be designed to consider things like day-to-day wind conditions, pollutants, contaminants and airborne debris – factors that prolong structure life. What fabrics and materials do they use?  Commercial shade structures and sails are built in a wide variety of fabrics and materials, with some being more desirable than others. Some suppliers may claim a fabric or material is UV resistant or able to withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions, but many cheaper second-tier fabrics and materials just won’t cut it with prolonged sun, wind or rain exposure. Quality commercial shade system suppliers use high spec European and Australian materials, including knitted shade sail fabrics, waterproof PVC membrane, acrylic canvases and protective coated steel. These give a far better finish and offer long-term performance. Do they have specialist manufacturing equipment and factory facilities?  A good tradesperson is only as good as their tools, so they say, and this can definitely be applied to commercial shade structure specialists. Companies that use sophisticated equipment, such as computerised fabric plotter cutters, high-power radio frequency welders and high productivity installation equipment will produce a better-finished product. If they have their own factory facilities, it can also reduce installation time as most of the pre-assembly and preparation work takes place in the factory, not at your property. This means less disruption for your business. What warranties do they offer?  Many commercial shade sail warranties only cover replacement of the fabric and not the labour and repair costs. Don’t be caught out with nasty surprises. Instead, look for an iron-clad warranty package over the entire system, not just the fabric skin, and ask what product and backup servicing are included. Some warranties from reputable commercial shade structure suppliers last 15+ years. One final word of advice: don’t only pick a provider because of a good price. What may seem like good value upfront could end up costing you in the long term. If you’re looking for a reputable commercial shade sail supplier, get in touch with our team today. We have over 40 years’ experience and have worked on many large-scale commercial projects.

Waterproof Shade Structures vs Shade Sail Structures

Waterproof shade structures and shade sail structures are a great investment. Both offer additional space shaded from harmful UV rays and keep your adjoining home or business cooler, reducing your energy bills. They also add value to your property – and, aesthetically, they look great. Waterproof Shade Sails also offer the added bonus of being an effective rain shield, protecting you and your property from all types of weather – even heavy downpours. But what are the main differences between a waterproof shade structure and a shade sail structure? And which should you spend your money on?     The difference is in the material… One of the major differences between waterproof shade structures and shade sail structures is the specialist material or fabric used overhead. Some of the best materials used in shade sail in Brisbane include:     High-density polyethylene (HDPE) – Not waterproof High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a permeable material with tiny holes that allow hot air to escape.  It’s chemical, mould, rot, and sun resistant, with high water run-off.       Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane fabric – Waterproof Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polyester membrane fabric is strong, versatile, and flexible with 100 per cent waterproof properties.       Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) – Waterproof PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene is a woven fibreglass membrane. It’s extremely durable, waterproof, wind-resistant, and UV ray resistant.       Both waterproof and shade sail materials come in a range of colours, allowing you to select one that matches your design and aesthetic. It’s important to note that high water run-off is not the same as being waterproof.  The first is shower-proof, offering protection only from light rain. The second is fully leak-proof, even in torrential downpours.   …and in the design, installation and price Unlike shade sail structures, Waterproof shade Sails require unique design features such as cross bracing structural supports and angling to ensure water doesn’t pool on the top and create too much weight. Because of this, hiring an expert who can design and install your shade structure is recommended. They’ll consider your usage needs, the local weather conditions and help you apply for council approval if required. Waterproof shade structure material is also pricier than standard fabric shade sail fabric. Importantly, waterproof shade structure fabrics aren’t as stretchy as standard fabric ones. This means you need to ensure your measurements for the structure are correct as you won’t have much leeway.   Waterproof or shade sail – Which should you choose? Whether a waterproof shade structure or shade sail structure is best depends on your needs and what you want your shade structure to do. If you’re looking for a simple shade you can sit under in the summer months or protection for playground equipment, a shade sail structure should be fine. However, if you’re after something more premium or want a car park shade sail or another type of commercial shade sails, a durable waterproof shade structure is your best option. Waterproof shade structures are lower maintenance. In fact, many are self-cleaning, using the rainwater to clean themselves.   Waterproof shade structures are always a good option in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and other tropical cities and regions as they offer protection from the extremes of both sun and rain.   What are the best waterproof shade structures? If you decide to opt for a waterproof shade structure, it’s important you look for quality brands engineered and proven to withstand all weather conditions. Select brands that meet all Australian quality standards, including ones that meet the wind ratings set out in Australian Standards AS/NZS 1170:2:2002.  Some of the top waterproof shade structure brands in the market include: Serge Ferrari – PVC shade fabrics Mehler Texnologies – Coated fabrics Verseidag – Coating and composite Don’t forget to also look for lifespan and warranties assurances. A good quality shade structure should last between 10-30 years. Still unsure whether to get a standard or waterproof shade Sails or ready to take the next step? Get in touch with our experienced team today, who can talk you through your options and provide you with a free quote.    

Commercial Waterproof Shade Sails

Actualising Architectural Design Intent

Versatile Structures were contracted to manufacture and install a unique curved commercial shade structure for the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The custom shade structure sports a collage of aluminium butterflies and dragonflies for Pine Rivers Park and the unique design is intended to be repurposed for multiple new playgrounds over the coming years. Buildability on the architectural design was a challenge due to the curved, offset intent of the steel columns at substantial heights, combined with a weighty load from the swaged wire grid purposed to sustain 46 units of routed 3mm aluminium decorative butterfly panels. The elevated curved steel columns had to be measured precisely to ensure the structure is safe to carry the heavy load of the wire grid. We were asked to assist with engineering detailing to allow buildability of the structure and rigorous testing in our fabrication facility by our expert team guaranteed the true tensile capability of the swaged wire system while maintaining a beautiful, streamlined finish. Our team had 10 weeks to turn this eye-catching structural piece around; from ensuring buildability, to fabricating the steelwork, creating the aluminium decorative panels, digging the footing, managing the install, and doing the paint finishes. We hope the children at Pine Rivers Park enjoy playing under the structure as much as we enjoyed building it.   Custom Shade Structure Considerations Not all shade solutions are equal, especially in Australia’s harsh climate. Custom shade structures ensure that cover is casted in the right areas, using substrates with high UV protection and quality materials that offer excellent return on your investment. With many suppliers to choose from, ensure your working with a company that has at least 10 years’ experience as it takes time to understand the technical properties of shade sail fabrics and master exclusive designs. Also look for a company that use advanced equipment like computerised fabric plotter cutters, high-power radio frequency welders and high productivity installation equipment as these produce a better result. Early collaboration between the client, design team and contractors are critical when designing custom fabric structures, as they require advanced design development, engineering, and council approval. Planning permission is needed if the shade structure will cover an area that is bigger than 10 m2 and/or reaches within 1.8 meter of a building fence line. Non-compliance is regarded as a severe offence that is met with a considerable fine and immediate compulsory removal of the structure. Ensure the warranty package cover the entire system and not just the material.

Shade sails designed, constructed, and installed by Versatile Structures for Bunnings Bundamba

Why Bunnings prefer custom designed shade sail solutions

Working with Woollam Constructions, the Versatile Structures team were commissioned to fabricate and install a custom shade structure of 1,230 m2 at Bunnings Bundamba in Ipswich, in the outer western suburbs of Brisbane. As Australia and New Zealand’s retail leader of consumer and commercial home and lifestyle products, this may then pose the question why Bunnings, who supply to project builders, commercial tradespeople, and the housing industry, choose to outsource this project to a specialist shade sail provider instead of using the shade sails they stock? The answer is easy: not all shade cloths are made equal and even though Bunnings sails may suit most homeowners’ budgets, they are not made from the same quality shade cloth as professional commercial shade solutions and will therefore not perform as well in the great Australian outdoors in the long run. Commercial Shade Structures when designed and installed correctly, should go up first time and last forever, irrespective of UV and weather impacts. Some suppliers claim a fabric is UV resistant and able to withstand Australia’s harsh weather conditions, but it’s a proven fact that many cheaper second-tier fabrics and materials just do not cut it with prolonged sun, wind, or rain exposure, especially in Australia. Bunnings Plainlands Shade sails need to be viewed as an investment in your property and therefore deliver a return on your investment. And therefore, the leader in lifestyle products chooses to outsource their shade solutions to a quality commercial shade system supplier like Versatile Structures, who not only meets stringent Australian exterior standards but also specialises in using high spec European and Australian materials that give a better-quality finish and guarantee long-term performance. Thanks to advancements in fabric manufacturing, materials available, and R&D progression, fabrics now come with longer lifespans of up to 15 years minimum. Good quality fabric, combined with a regular maintenance program that includes visual inspections, annual re-tensioning, and repairs caught early will maximise the lifespan of any shade structure investment. But it’s not only in the fabric. You also need to consider the quality of seam threads and manufacturing process that are used. Conventional seam threads on shade sails and other outdoor fabric products suffer from exposure to UV, wind, and weather. After a few years they become brittle and break. We prefer to use Gore Tenara sewing thread for our double locking stitch process, as it is UV protected and long-lasting. It does not deteriorate from exposure to elements – not even when exposed to UV radiation! – and greatly enhances outdoor and marine solutions. Some manufacturers even offer lifetime warranties to match the life of the shade cloth. As for the manufacturing, we use the latest computerized cutting technology that results in 100% high frequency welded seams, edges, and reinforcing and all our structural designs meet AS/NZS1170.0, AS/NZ1170.1, AS/NZ1170.2, AS4100, AS3600 and AS1170.4 standards. Another benefit working with an expert shade supplier like Versatile Structures, is that they can offer a complete end to end design, construct, management, and installation service that cover all areas of the project, from functionality consideration, initial design concepts, site specific requirements and shading efficiencies, wind regions, engineering, building approvals, structurally sound installations, as well as the commissioning of electrical aspects. Equally important is the access to their understanding and expertise of how to deliver aesthetic results that ensure a visually bold and appealing structure that ensures you are noticed for the right reasons. The design specifications for the Bunnings Bundamba project install consisted of six individual shade sails that overlap to cover a total area of 1,230 m2. (Our award-winning shade structure at Noosa Botanical gardens which you can read about here had a similar approach.) Measurements had to be 100% accurate to ensure the design would create adequate tension to withstand imposed loads. Using 3D modelling enabled us to pattern the shade cloth to exact specifications and we utilised stainless steel 316 grade cables to pattern the shade cloth correctly. We are proud to say the installation were completed ahead of time and on budget, which is a reputation we live by. For the Bunnings Bundamba project we chose Premium Hortshade shade cloth – an extremely high-quality, knitted shade cloth that provides optimum performance in any climate and making it ideal for horticultural, agricultural, and commercial applications, as well as car park covers, gazebo and pergola covers, privacy screens and wind break protections. Made from UV-stabilised High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with sun block factors of up to 77%, this recyclable fabric is highly resistant to sun damage water absorption and rotting, while providing good weather and pest protection, and overall a more efficient growth environment for plants. Premium Hortshade cloth also does not tear or fray when cut. In addition to Bunnings Bundamba, Versatile Structures also designed, manufactured, and installed shade sails for their other Bunnings outlets in Underwood, Kingaroy, Lawnton, and Plainlands. Contact our team if you have a commercial shade structure project that you would like to discuss.

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