Commercial Shade Structures
Are retractable awnings worth it?
The return-on-investment for retractable awnings is good as the cost is minimal compared to constructing a deck or patio roof. Retractable awnings also provide shelter from the heat and sun, save costs on energy bills, and offer you the flexibility of how much time wish to spend outdoors. When considering installing an awning for your…
Read MoreShade structures and sustainability
Shade structures are essentially produced with the purpose of providing shade and reducing UV radiation. This means they have an underlying environmental purpose at their core. Shade structure specialists follow environmentally friendly practices like using water-based coatings, re-using waste products, and recycling shade substrates. In fact, it is possible to recycle the entire shade structure from…
Read MoreUsing high quality shade structure hardware is key
Fittings hardware are easily overlooked when it comes to shade structures as the colourful shade fabrics and architectural designs are always first to catch the eye. Some people may take note of the structural steelwork that supports the shade structure frame, but only a handful will notice what hardware and fittings are used from nuts,…
Read MorePolycarbonate, the ultimate UVR resistant shade structure solution
The use of lightweight polycarbonate in shade structures has become synonymous with sun protection as the material does not allow harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) rays to be transmitted. To better understand the value of polycarbonate as a protective substrate against UVR in shade structures we need to better understand ultraviolet radiation. What is ultraviolet radiation?…
Read MoreShade structures and fire performance
Fire resistant shade cloth is important to commercial industry as one of the biggest risks a business can face is fire. Not only is a fire debilitating to a business when damage and destruction bring trading to a standstill, but even more so when the lives and careers of employees being impacted. Older shade…
Read MoreTop 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…
Read MoreThe best shade sails under the sun
As with all products not all shade structures are created equal. There are however two distinct factors that makes for an excellent shade sail. The first and the most important is “fit for purpose” – is the quality of the individual elements that make up a shade structure like the fabric, metalwork, and the manufacturing…
Read MoreAbout ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and shade sails
Research tells us that Australia is in the 5 top happiest countries on the planet. It offers carefree living, unrivalled natural beauty, a growing economy, and a diverse mix of cultures from all over the world. But there is a catch though: besides it being home to some of the deadliest animals like the box…
Read MoreThe complex world of a shade structure
There probably is not day that goes by that we don’t notice or utilise a shade structure of some sort: parking under cover at the mall, having coffee in an outside area protected by umbrellas or just protecting our children as they play on the park playground or at home. Shade structures are a highly effective at maximising health benefits when…
Read MoreA guide to shade structure styles
What is a shade structure? Shade structure means a roofed structure which can be either freestanding or fixed to a building for the purpose of providing shade or shelter from the weather. The shade structure can be over entrances to buildings, external entertaining areas, vehicles, loading/unloading areas, or the like, but does not include the use…
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