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Waterproof Shade Structures

Mecca Bah restaurant commercial shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

The top five things to consider when buying a waterproof shade structure in Brisbane

When it comes to buying a commercial waterproof structure in Brisbane, there are a few key things to consider ensuring that you get the best value for your money and that the structure meets your needs. Here are the top five things to keep in mind: Purpose: The first thing to consider is what you will be using the waterproof structure for. Will it be a storage area for equipment or inventory, a workshop or production area, or something else? Knowing the intended purpose of the structure will help you determine the size, features, and materials you need. Size: It’s important to choose a structure that is the right size for your needs. Consider the amount of space you have available, as well as the dimensions of the items you will be storing or working with. It’s better to err on the side of caution and get a slightly larger structure than you think you need, rather than one that is too small and cramped. Materials: The materials used in the construction of the waterproof structure are an important factor to consider. You’ll want to choose a structure that is made from high-quality materials that are able to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection. Look for structures made from durable materials like steel, aluminium, or polycarbonate, which are known for their strength and durability. Location: Another important factor to consider is where you will be placing the waterproof structure. Is the location prone to flooding or high winds? If so, you’ll want to choose a structure that is designed to withstand these conditions. You’ll also want to consider access to utilities like electricity and water, as well as the proximity to your business or other areas you’ll need to access frequently. Budget: Of course, your budget is an important consideration when buying a waterproof structure. Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to your budget, but also keep in mind that it’s usually better to invest in a higher-quality structure that will last longer and require fewer repairs. In addition to these five key factors, there are a few other things to consider when buying a commercial waterproof structure in Brisbane. These include the manufacturer’s reputation and warranty, the structure’s appearance and how it will fit in with your business’s aesthetic, and any additional features or customization options that may be available. By considering these factors and doing your research, you can be confident that you are making an informed decision when it comes to buying a commercial waterproof structure in Brisbane. Whether you are using it for storage, production, or something else, the right structure can provide valuable protection for your business’s assets and equipment, as well as a convenient and functional workspace.

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.

The Royal George Hotel waterproof shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

The Royal George Hotel Waterproof Shade Structure

Decked out in rainbow fences, sky high street art and a fairy-light donned hills hoist, Ric’s is not only one of Brisbane’s most reliable watering holes but one of the most identifiable too. The Royal George Hotel was established in 1854, five years before Queensland separated from NSW.  Queen Victoria signed the letters patent which enabled Queensland to become a self-governing colony on 6 June 1859.  With such a long history and being such an integral part of Brisbane’s culture, it is a real honour being part of creating a waterproof shade structure solution to cover their designated outdoor smoking area. Without any architectural plans or an existing building plan, they wanted to work with a shade company who could design a solution that would fit within all their parameters, and who could engineer, supply, and install the entire job. The Royal George Hotel also needed to be able to open the structure for natural light during winter months and close the roof to protect their patrons during unpleasant weather. We ensured the solution was completely automated. We chose Bochini Tensile Structure Fabric – Type 0 for this project because it is 100% impermeable, translucent, and it is a very suitable fabric for a retractable roofing system Bochini is a type 0 tensile structure fabric and is ideal for lightweight tensioned structures, retractable roofing systems, marquees and tents. Available in 11 colours with 4 inspired by Colorbond® there is an option to suit everyone. Also available in blockout white. Features & Benefits 10 year warranty 11 colours Waterproof UV stabilised Lightweight Low maintenance Weldable PVDF lacquer on both sides Fire Retardant B1 (AS 1530.2-1999 & AS 1530.3-1999) Fungicide treated Reach Compliant Anti-mildew Click here to view other Waterproof shade structures

Canterbury waterproof shade structure installed by Versatile Structures

Everything You Need To Know About Commercial Waterproof Shade Structures

Knowing the weather of Brisbane and the surrounding areas like Sunshine and Gold Coast it can be a bit moody and quite extreme. The current Brisbane record for highest temperature sands at 43 degrees, while in March 2022, Brisbane saw 3 days of consecutive rain with 677mm of rain. Extreme weather can significantly impact your business. If your retail store doesn’t have rain cover you may see a dip in foot traffic, if you have an outdoor dining or beer garden you are definitely not seeing any patrons sitting in the rain. You may have already though about putting up a shade structure to accommodate your patrons on those hot days however it may be worth considering upgrading to a waterproof shade structure.    A good commercial grade waterproof shade structure will provide you and your patrons with shade for the bright and sunny days and good waterproofing for those unexpectedly rainy summer days. Waterproof shade sails function in much the same way as outdoor shade sails, but with the added use of PVC materials to improve the weatherproof capabilities of the sail. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a resin coated polyester waterproof fabric that’s designed for use in architectural membranes, fabric structures, and carpark shelters. UV Radiation Australia is currently ranked as the number 2 highest  UV country in the world with a PAF (population attributable fraction) of Melanoma sitting at 96.1% just slightly behind New Zealand at 96.3%.  Waterproof material is treated with specific chemical formulas to protect it against UV radiation, weather degradation, and staining. If you want to read more about ultaraviolet radiation (UVR) and shade sails read this article. The Precontaint 902 S2 range from Serge Ferrari offers a PVDF fabric that is great for mobile or permanent structures as well as being weldable with 0% UV Transmission. Just as important as getting a shade structure that blocks out the UV it is also important that the shade structure be fire resistance. Read more about shade structures and fire performance here. Colours Waterproof shade fabric doesn’t have quite the range of colours that pure shade fabric has however there are still options. Check out the Valmex FR 580 colour range. Valmex FR 580 is a lightweight, strong and versatile PVC that has a PVDF lacquer on the top side combined with fungicide and offers a low-wick finish. Where to use waterproof shade structures Waterproof shade sails are great for use around swimming pools, playgrounds, schools, or even outside your office building to create a great lunch spot or provide some protection to your shoppers as they walk to and from their cars.   Warranty Depending on your fabric selection for your structure you should get around 15 years against UV degradation and could get up to 20 years on the structure itself. It just depends on who your installer is and the combination of materials you choose. Length of install Each project varies and there are some unknown factors like weather and council approvals that can throw out a timeline however on average you can work on 12 weeks. To get a better idea of a project process and time frames read this article. Questions If you have more questions that haven’t been answered in this article. Have a read through our most asked questions article that may have the answer you are looking for.

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.

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.

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