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Waterproof 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.

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.    

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