Frequently Asked Questions

Is the fabric waterproof?
The fabric is a mesh shade cloth and while it keeps off 80%of the water, a heavy rain will come through as a fine mist. The advantages of a good shade cloth over a waterproof fabric is that it breathes and is much cooler underneath.  It is much easier to clean and will last longer.

Do all colors give the same shade and UV protection?
The amount of shade and UV protection varies with the color, with the darker colors giving more. However, all colors provide an adequate amount of protection and this should not really be a factor when deciding on the color.

Will grass and other plants grow underneath the shade?
Yes, grasses and other plants will continue to grow.

What are the sizes?
The structures are custom built to any size to the nearest inch. This is extremely convenient when you want to put a structure in a confined space.

How high are the structures?
They can be any height but we recommend keeping them as low as possible to keep the shade where you want it and thus make them more effective. Keep in mind that there is a 3'- 5' pitch of the roof which gives more height inside.

What are the advantages of the shade sails?
Shade sails can be made in irregular shapes and with any amount of high and low posts to provide an aesthetically pleasing structure. There is a small sacrifice in the amount of shade compared to a regular 4 post structure because of the necessary high posts.

What size are the umbrellas?
Umbrellas are available as a square shape in 3 sizes; 12' x 12', 15' x 15' or 18' x 18'.

Can the structure be moved?
If the structure may have to be moved at a later stage, it can be made with base plated posts, which are then bolted to concrete footings. It could be unbolted and moved later. This does not apply to structures where the posts are buried directly into the ground.

Is the structure permanent?
The structure is permanent which makes it very strong and safe in high winds. A very important safety feature compared to portable or collapsible units.

Fabric

The Innovative fabric used is a world class product suitable for a variety of applications. It has been specifically developed to be extremely strong and stable for use in tension shade products while providing up to 98% UV protection.

The fabric contains literally millions of tiny spaces that allow air to flow freely through. This "breathing" effect reduces temperatures beneath by up to 32% when compared to direct sunlight. These fabrics are suitable for numerous different outdoor applications in a wide range of different colors and shapes.

Through ongoing research our fabrics meet stringent criteria to ensure uncompromising strength, integrity and performance in virtually any weather extreme no matter where in the world the product is used.

Colors


DSA - California Division of State Architects


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