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Shade Sail

Some Useful Tips for Maintaining Your Shade Sails

Shade sails or sun sails are versatile structures that can make your outdoor areas useful and more comfortable in any weather. They add to the visual appeal and increase the value of your property, too. These characteristics make them practical for various applications including playgrounds, large outdoor dining areas, outdoor commercial centres, childcare facilities, and parks.  If you’ve invested in high-quality custom shade sail structures for your business, it makes sense to ensure that they’ll last long and continue enhancing your property’s function and aesthetics for years to come. That means taking steps to maintain them. Although commercial sun sails are designed to be low-maintenance and durable, they still deserve some TLC from time to time. After all, they’re constantly exposed to environmental stressors round-the-clock, making them susceptible to wear and tear. Here are some tips on maintaining your custom shade sails: It starts with proper installation  Prolonging the lifespan of any custom shade sail should start from the time it’s installed. A professional should do the job to avoid improper installation, which can result in various issues like premature damage or worse, the structure collapsing unexpectedly. Clean routinely High-quality commercial sun sails don’t require extensive maintenance. However, it’s important to not let fallen leaves, debris, or animal droppings accumulate on them. Make it a point to have them cleaned every few weeks using mild cleaning agents. Take them down Shade sails may be strong but they are not strong enough to withstand very strong winds, rains, or cyclones. Regularly check weather reports and take down your sun sails when necessary. Store them properly Make sure the sails are completely dry before storage. Any dampness can make them susceptible to mould growth, which can rot the fabric. Visually inspect the shade sails Check the posts, the edges, and the fabric regularly. Better yet, hire a professional. Ask the supplier and installer of your custom shade sail structures if they offer maintenance and repair services. They should also give you preventative advice and maintenance tips!

Trinity College shade sail designed, manufactured and installed by Versatile Structures

What’s the difference between shade sails and shade structures?

If you’re not familiar with the world of outdoor shade constructions, you may think that a shade sail and shade structure are one and the same. Don’t worry; it’s a common misconception. The terminology in our industry can be confusing, and these aren’t the only two names out there. While shade sails and shade structures are similar in what they do, there are some distinct differences that are important to know if you’re planning on investing in one for your home, workplace or construction project. Shade sails What is a shade sail? A shade sail is an outdoor structure designed to offer shade from the sun – and the rain. Their design is based on the same principles as a ship’s sail. A shade sail is made up of two parts: a flexible fabric or PVC membrane, which is free-spanned and tensioned between several anchor points. This tension is designed to make it more efficient at shedding water and help it stand up to strong winds.   The anchor points can take the form of vertical columns, posts or building brackets. After the posts are inserted into the ground, the shade sail fabric or membrane is attached to each post using special connections built into its corners. What is a shade sail best used for? Shade sails are recommended for use in playgrounds, council parks, child care centres, commercial applications, domestic applications and sporting clubs. Benefits of shade sails Come in a wide range of colours, sizes and materials Protect from both sun and rain Affordable option for many homes and businesses Low maintenance and require little cleaning A good quality shade sail will have a 10-15 lifespan Shade structures What is a shade structure? A shade structure is also an outdoor structure designed to offer protection from the sun and rain. However, it’s built differently from a shade sail. Unlike a shade sail, which comprises posts and a free-spanned fabric, a shade structure is an architecturally designed frame with structural steel members and a shade fabric attached. Because it’s architecturally designed, it gives the fabric a more specific shape, such as the central post curved rafter car park shade structure below. The materials used and design process make shade structures costlier than shade sails.  What is a shade structure used for? Shade structures are best recommended for commercial construction projects, corporate office parking, shopping centre car parks, sporting club grandstands and industrial spaces. Benefits of shade structures Custom designed to your exact specifications Engineered to site-specific conditions Steel coated for durability Wind ratings up to cyclone level A good quality shade structure will have a 10-30 year lifespan What about sun sail, sun shade sails and sunshades? As well as shade sails and shade structures, you may also have heard other terms being used, including sun sails, sun shade sails and sunshades. So what are they? Sun sails and sun shade sails Sun sails and sun shade sails are exactly the same as a shade sail. They’re material free-spanned and tensioned between posts or brackets. They can be waterproof or made from a standard fabric. Sunshades Sunshades are often used generically to apply to any device used as protection from the sun rays. They’re also an architectural feature used to reduce heat in a building by deflecting the sun. Types of sunshades include: Residential sun umbrellas Commercial umbrellas External awnings and blinds Aluminium screens and sun hoods All types fall under the shade system umbrella Whatever their exact design are features, shade sails, shade structures and every other type of sunshade are installed to provide shade and offer protection from harmful UV rays. Waterproof shade sails and sunshades, and shade structures, also have the added benefit of rain protection, and many stand up to strong winds. Some also include additional features such as lighting and sound. Ultimately, they all fall under the same type of product, or product umbrella (!) often referred to as shade systems. Which shade system should you choose? So, now you know the difference, which should you choose? Ultimately, it comes down to what you intend to use it for, where it will be used, and your budget. Whichever option you go for, make sure you select a reputable shade system supplier to ensure you get the most from your investment and a product that performs as it should. Also, check what council permissions you may need. [CTA] If you’re looking for a quality residential or commercial shade sail, shade structure or sunshade supplier, get in touch with our team today. We can help you select the best shade system option for your project.

Custom Shade Sails

Custom Is The Way to Go

Are you considering custom shade sails for your commercial operation? Versatile Structures provide the perfect solution. Custom Shade Sails are an investment Cheaper, second-tier fabrics are proven ineffective against the harsh Australian weather conditions. Thanks to the advancements in fabric manufacturing, our fabric structures are custom-built using high spec International, European, and Australian materials that offer long-lasting durability and performance. A regular maintenance program including visual inspections, annual re-tensioning, and repairs caught early adds to the maximum lifespan of your investment. With application across sport, leisure, retail, residential, industrial, and commercial sectors, here is how to ensure you get the most out of our custom fabric structures.   Why Would You Choose Custom Fabric Structures?   We highly recommend that you invest in custom fabric structures not to keep us in business, but because it is a return on your investment. Therefore, understanding why you are investing in a custom shade solution is the critical first step in this process. Custom fabric structures require advanced design development, engineering and early collaboration between the client, contractor, subcontractors, and the design team. The goal is to create a form with sufficient tension, cast cover in the right areas and utilise substrates that withstand the harsh Australian climate. While pre-engineered generic fabric structures bought off the shelf offer convenience, they provide little to no creative flexibility and freedom and cannot be adapted to suit any situation.   Maybe you are looking to create a sheltered outside space for your sporting practice? Or perhaps you require efficient protection from harsh weather conditions affecting your industrial operation? Knowing what you plan to use the space for can assist you in making an informed decision in terms of which of our custom fabric structures is most suited to your requirements. Regardless of the need, all our shade solutions are custom-built and installed on-site, tailored to your specific project requirements.   Which Custom Fabric Structure are Right for You? We have a few different shade solutions to choose from, each suited for a particular application. Your requirements and a detailed site inspection will determine the best option for you Some of our custom fabric structures include: External Awnings & Blinds Commercial Umbrellas Shade Sails All our shade solutions are manufactured and designed in-house with the finest quality architectural fabric materials and have highly durable steel at their core. We select coatings based on what is best suited for your site-specific requirements. Custom fabric structures for project sites that experience high humidity and regular exposure to moisture, for example, will require a different coating than a custom fabric structure designed for shade and sun protection. Our shade solutions come with warranties ranging from ten to 20 years, ensuring your investment has long-term protection. We maintain all the necessary checks and insurance policies to deliver an efficient build designed for maximum safety.   Does Your Custom Fabric Structure Require Council Permission? Do you require council approval or planning permission before commencing with your installation? In Brisbane, this depends on various factors, such as the design, size, and placement of your custom fabric structure. You may need planning permission if: If your shade solution is waterproof/made from any non-permeable material If your building is a listed local or state heritage site. If your shade solution is going to cover more than 10m2. If any part of your shade solution reaches within 1.8m of the building fence line in front of your home or perimeter   Other considerations: If you propose to remove or prune any existing trees or vegetation when installing your custom fabrics structure, you should contact your council first to make sure you don’t need approval for this. Your custom fabric structure must be structurally adequate, installed following the agreed-upon specifications and comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Non-compliance is a severe offence and gets met with a substantial fine and the immediate forced removal of your shade solution. Planning permission is not the only kind of council approval you might need. Your council might have different local requirements; fortunately, Versatile Structures can acquire all the necessary council permissions for you before your installation.   What To Look For In A Reputable Custom Fabric Structure Provider? Deciding on the right company that manufactures, supplies and installs custom fabric structures is crucial as it ensures consistency in the future, guaranteeing your project is delivered on time, every time. We also own and control the entire process which means direct accountability from the design, fabric, steel work fabrication, through to the installation, which is key, should anything go wrong down the line. Dealing with a one-stop solution also cuts out middleman margins. Choosing a well-known company with a strong brand and an outstanding industry reputation is a step in the right direction.

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.

Five red flags not to ignore

Five red flags not to ignore

Keep an eye out for these red flags when sourcing a domestic or commercial shade sail provider. Does not produce the entire shade structure. A supplier who takes care of everything from the design, fabric, steelwork, manufacturing, install and support can do a much better job with overall quality control and provide a better price due to production efficiencies and the elimination of the middleman. Working with a commercial or domestic shade structure provider who did not build the sail or frame can be risky. If something goes wrong, it is easy for the installer to avoid sorting the problem out nd pass the buck to the business that built the shade sail or structure. The installer does not have much control over how an outsourced sail or steelwork is built, or have the ability to keep an eye on the materials used and the quality of the workmanship. It’s also not good if they have been cutting corners or failing to take care of the finer details. Lack of scale and proven commercial experience. This includes the investment in hi-tech equipment such as computerised plotter cutters and powerful radio frequency radio welders, the development of safe and efficient installation systems, and Workcover compliance. Look for a company with proven domestic and/or commercial shade structure experience and the skills and resources to deliver your job on time and within the budget. No testimonies or website. If you only have their word and a cell phone contact, you could be setting yourself up for trouble. Look for at least a website and be wary of anyone who cannot provide written evidence of happy customers. Making decisions purely on price. Of course, you want a good deal, but a cheaper price can also mean cheaper unproven materials, inexperienced install processes, underwhelming design, poor finishing details, and a vague warranty. Think of the real cost in terms of maximising the working life of your shade sail and enhancing the value of your property. Not comparing apples with apples. As you can see, not all sails are created equal. You want a beautiful result that enhances the value of your property as you will be looking at it every day. Be mindful of how you compare quotes. A quote for a shade solution that uses cheap imported fabric compared to another with high-spec European or Australian fabric and fittings will vary in price, durability and cost you more in the long run. The Versatile Structures team specialises in custom design shade solutions so send us an email or give us a call on 07 3271 4519.

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