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Heavy Duty shade cloth – Rainbow Shade

Creating Cool Comfort: Car Park Shade Structures

When you think about a car park, the image that often comes to mind is a vast expanse of asphalt under the sweltering sun. However, in recent years, car park shade structures have become a welcome addition to parking lots, transforming these once mundane spaces into cool, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing areas. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of car park shade structures, exploring various fabric options, different designs, and the advantages they bring, particularly for shopping centres and their valued customers. The Fabric of Shade Car park shade structures come in various designs and sizes, but one of the most critical elements is the fabric used for shading. These fabrics not only provide respite from the sun but also play a significant role in the overall design and functionality of the structure. Here are some common fabrics used: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): High-density polyethylene fabric is a popular choice for car park shade structures. It’s known for its durability and UV resistance. HDPE comes in various shade percentages, allowing for customization based on the level of shade required. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC fabric is a heavy-duty option known for its strength and waterproof properties. While it provides excellent shade, it is often used in areas with high rainfall or where waterproofing is essential. PVC Mesh: PVC mesh combines the durability of PVC with perforations that allow some natural light to filter through. This can be an excellent choice for car parks where some degree of visibility is desired. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): PTFE is a high-performance fabric that offers exceptional durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. It’s often used in architecturally striking designs. Acrylic: Acrylic fabrics are known for their vibrant colours and aesthetic appeal. They are often used in car park shade structures where aesthetics are a priority. Designing for Shade and Style Car park shade structures aren’t just functional; they can also be aesthetically pleasing additions to any parking lot. Different designs cater to various needs and preferences: Single Bay: This is the most basic car park shade structure, consisting of a single row of columns and a fabric canopy. It provides shade to one row of parked cars and is a cost-effective solution for smaller parking lots. Double Bay: Double bay structures are an extension of the single bay design, covering two rows of parked cars. They are more space-efficient than single bays and are commonly used in medium-sized lots. Double Bay with Walkway: For larger parking areas, double bay structures with a central walkway are a popular choice. They provide shade for parked cars while also creating a pedestrian-friendly pathway. Full Cover: As the name suggests, full cover structures provide complete shade coverage for the entire parking lot. These are ideal for large parking areas, such as those found at shopping canters, airports, or event venues. Advantages for Shopping Centres Car park shade structures offer numerous advantages for shopping centres, making them a valuable investment for both the centre and its customers: Enhanced Customer Experience: A well-shaded parking lot ensures that customers can comfortably enter and exit their vehicles, even on the hottest days. This leads to a more positive shopping experience and encourages repeat visits. Protection for Vehicles: Shade structures protect cars from the harsh effects of prolonged sun exposure, such as interior damage and paint fading. Customers appreciate knowing their vehicles are safe while they shop. Extended Stay: Shaded parking lots encourage shoppers to spend more time at the shopping centre, exploring more stores and spending more money. Green Initiative: Some car park shade structures are designed with solar panels, contributing to the shopping centre’s sustainability efforts by generating renewable energy. Aesthetic Appeal: A well-designed shade structure can add to the overall aesthetics of the shopping centre, creating a visually appealing entry point and improving the overall ambiance. In conclusion, car park shade structures are more than just practical solutions for keeping vehicles cool; they are essential elements for creating comfortable and inviting parking spaces. With a variety of fabric choices and design options available, these structures can be tailored to suit the unique needs and style preferences of shopping centres. By investing in car park shade structures, shopping centres enhance the shopping experience, protect customers’ vehicles, and demonstrate a commitment to their comfort and well-being. As more shopping centres recognize these benefits, we can expect to see an increasing number of shaded and stylish parking lots in the future.

Canterbury College waterproof shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

Waterproof Shade Sail Questions you may have

Having just had another bout of heavy rain and the La Niña and El Niño declarations about periods of 9 to 12 month, can make it seem as though they are black and white, but the predictions are messy, the natural processes play out a bit differently every time with events occurring every 2 to 7 years.  “The forecasts aren’t perfect. It is not that easy to forecast the progression of La Niña and El Niño events,” according to climate scientist Andrew King from the University of Melbourne. “We don’t have a really complete understanding of the dynamics of them, which limits our ability to really forecast them very well,” he said. If you feel you have not had value from your current shade structure with all the wet weather or if you are deciding between a waterproof and regular shade structure, it may be time to upgrade to a waterproof shade solution and this article may help you decide which is best for you. Versatile Structures offers waterproof shade sails that provide reliable protection from the elements, ensuring outdoor comfort regardless of the weather. A quality shade solution can add a significant functional and aesthetic improvement to an outdoor space especially as there is a wide range colours, shapes, designs to meet the most fastidious check list. Custom Shade sails are an ideal option for creating shade for the following areas: Car parks Grandstands Swimming pools Outdoor entertaining areas Shopping centres Business or residential Gardening (Horticultural and Agricultural applications) Waterproof shade sails need to be installed specifically to avoid pooling of water, which ultimately can lead to failure of the supporting structure and/or the product itself and for this reason are they generally more expensive to install owing to higher quality materials involved as well as much stronger structures that are required to cope with the extra weight and strain placed on the product in high winds. Are waterproof shade sails worth it? Both fabric and waterproof shade sails are excellent at offering sun protection, but waterproof sails also offer all-weather protection. Both types of shade sails are available in a range of designer colours and are supported by warranties. The key to deciding whether or not the extra investment in a waterproof shade sail is worth it, lies in how you or your clients and patrons are going to use the area. If you want to protect them from rain, or you are looking for a shade sail for all-weather protection, go with a waterproof shade sail. The next time we are having a 3-day nonstop rain event you will thank yourself for going waterproof. How long do waterproof shade sails last? A waterproof shade sail will last longer if you take care of it properly. However, a shade sail is expected to last up to 15 years and can be more, depending on the material and how you maintain it. Is there a waterproof shade cloth? Waterproof shade cloth has many uses around the home and in commercial situations. It is a 90% grade shade fabric which has been treated with a UV stabilised resin to form a waterproof barrier. It can be used to create a waterproof layer in many situations including pergolas, vertical blinds, and outdoor areas. What is the best colour for a shade sail? Darker shades offer more UV shields than lighter hue shade sails which are best if you are located in a sunny area like the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. If you want to be specific, dark blue colour is the one that absorbs most of the heat while yellow absorbs the least. Our recommendation though is to also take your building aesthetics as well as your brand colours into account when deciding. How much does it cost to have a shade sail installed? Shade sails cost around $6,000 to $8,000 each for an average-sized sail. Most residential installations use two or three sails to get good shade coverage and a crisp, modern look. However, for large areas or commercial installations requiring larger sails, you will need to involve an engineer to create a custom solution for your area which can start from $10,000. How do you keep shade sails from sagging? Sagging is common on structures that have not been maintained. By retentioning the wire rope on the structure will remove all sagging. Another method to fix the issue is through height variation, where the sails are installed at alternating high and low anchor points. This creates something called a hyperbolic parabola. Does rain go through shade cloth? Shade cloth is usually made of loosely woven polyester or even aluminium and can be found in varying densities or degrees of shade from approximately 5% to 95%. All shade cloth is water permeable. What does GSM mean for shade sails? GSM stands for grams per square metre. The higher the GSM weight the higher the shade rating, or the tighter the knit, the heavier and stronger the fabric. For example, A GSM of 80 is the sign of low tensile strength (and should be avoided), while a GSM of 200 indicates high tensile strength. Is 160 GSM waterproof? Thanks to some technical features and sealed seams, a 160 GSM polyester fabric with double PU (Polyurethane) coating offers good waterproofing and tension. It is certainly a reliable fabric for the entry level range, which performs its rain protection functions well. For a commercial structure we would recommend a much higher GSM of over 500 GSM. We have fabrics that go up to 950 GSM like Precontraint 902 S2 In conclusion It comes down to what your need and what is going to offer the best return on your investment. However, a waterproof shade structure will be used in rain and sunshine and if you live in or near Brisbane with an average of 178 rainfall days (665 mm of rain) a year then going for a waterproof option makes sense.

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 –

Networking Be Afraid - Versatile Structures

Networking Be Afraid

Why building a strong network is important and Versatile Structures are strong here. Networks are a sign of Strength With a strong network the difficult becomes easy Most Companies are afraid to Network. This is usually due to some pretty common fears. Afraid of losing IP Afraid of losing tips of the trade Afraid of others stealing their “customers” Afraid of sharing ideas, for the betterment of the industry as a whole Our Strong Network Helps Us Deliver. Our network helps us deliver projects all across Australia. The project above “pictured” was a joint project between Versatile Structures and Pattons from NSW. They needed a local company in Queensland that could execute a difficult installation on a tight deadline, this is proof that our network is strong and can achieve remarkable results!  We only network with like minded companies. We are very critical of anyone we do work with, customers and alliances included. We only work with alliances that are bound by the same code of ethics we are bound by, Specialised Textiles Association, also we know them personally and appreciate the work they do. To put it simply, if we would be proud to install the shade sails, membrane sails, shade structures etc. that they do, we will be happy to work with them on joint projects.  Our reach is your reward. Fortunately for you, if you are a potential customer browsing our site, we have a strong network throughout Australia and also in New Zealand, this means our reach is broad. So if you are thinking of a National Rollout, but don’t know where  to start, contact us, as we are full of experience her, for shade solutions, sign solutions, corporate branding and pretty well anything that comes to mind. See a cool video of this project at the following link www.facebook.com/versatilestructures/videos/556482011200300 Stay Versatile! Jamie Howard

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