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Commercial Shade Structures

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.

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.

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