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FAQ |
- 1. Why are fabric shade structures a better option than canvas, wood or metal shade systems?
The fabrics we utilize are porous which allow air to pass through keeping it far cooler and more comfortable under a fabric shade structure. Solid fabrics and many other materials simply trap the heat and don’t allow for cool air circulation. Metal structures, for instance, heat up and radiate heat down which creates an oven effect. Wood structures require a lot of maintenance such as re-painting and/or water sealant treatment on a regular basis.
- 2. Why choose Shade Structures for my shade and weather protection needs?
Our specially trained consultants will meet with you one-on-one to help you solve your shade structure needs. We will offer you the best solution from our over 140 pre-engineered modular structures and, if we cant find a solution for you utilizing our pre-engineered structures, we will bring in an expert from one of our custom brands.
Once we have found the best solution to meet your needs, your product will be manufactured in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. We are the only shade structure manufacturing company that has AIS Certification. When the manufacturing is complete, one of our over 40 nationwide construction crews will install the structure you ordered on time and on budget. Shade Structures is backed by USA Shade & Fabric Structures, Inc. the largest and most capable shade structure company in the world with over 150,000 successful installations nationwide in an unparalleled diversity of market segments.
- 3. Are the Fabrics Waterproof? Fireproof?
Shade Structures have a number of fabrics available. The most popular fabric is HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). This fabric is a shade cloth fabric which provides up to 84% shade, 92% UV Protection, and approximately 60 to 70% water run-off. Our weather protector series has a Teflon coated PVC Membrane stretched over the frame to provide a dry environment under the structure and is available in varying degrees of thickness
The Colorshade and Teflon-coated PVC fabric has a flame retardant which is inherent in the fabric. This fabric meets the NFPA701-B fire rating as a flame retardant fabric. “Class A” fire-rated fabrics are also available. Talk to your Sales consultant about what fabrics work best for you.
- 4. If I need to, can the fabrics be quickly and easily removed from the structures?
There is very little need to ever remove the fabrics on a Shade Structure. All our structures are engineered to at least 90 MPH Wind Loads and can be designed to withstand up to150 MPH if required. In addition, the fabrics have a UV Stabilizer which is inherent in the material to prevent breakdown. Our fabrics are stretched over the support frames using a patented compression / tension system with a steel cable in a pocket on the perimeter of the fabric and fastened with malleable u-bolts at one corner.
If you do ever need to remove the fabrics for any reason, this can be quickly done by unfastening the u-bolts with a wrench which releases the tension in the fabric and allows you to easily remove the top.
- 5. How long do the shade fabrics last?
The shade fabric is Rachel-knitted (knitted with a lock stitch in two directions) for strength and the panels are sewn together using a Teflon-coated gortex thread which gives the fabric its strength and long-term durability.
Our fabrics carry a 10-year limited manufacturers warranty from the date of installation against failure from significant fading, deterioration, breakdown, mildew, outdoor heat, cold, or discoloration with the exception of Red and Coolbrella fabrics which carry a 3-year limited warranty. The life expectancy of the fabric is 10 to 12 years.
- 6. Do shade structures need to be cleaned?
Our HDPE fabric tops require very little maintenance, but should be kept clean to ensure they look bright and attractive all year long. To clean our tops, use a power washer or water hose with a light [diluted] detergent. Spray the cloth from the underside by starting at the top, or peak, working down each side of the structure so the debris, dust, bird droppings, etc., will be washed off.
- 7. How are Shade Structures anchored?
Due to building code requirements and, more importantly for your safety, all shade structures are permanently anchored. There are a number of different anchoring methods, some of which allow for an easy take down of the structure or move:
- 8. Do I need special building permits to install a shade structure?
This depends on the city and county in which you are planning to have a structure installed. Some cities do require a building permit for the shade structures. All our structures are fully engineered to meet, and in most cases exceed, the local building code requirements. Sealed Engineering drawings and calculations are available. Your shade consultant will assist you in obtaining the necessary documents for you to pull your permit.
- 9. Can Shade Structures help me with everything from design to installation?
As a brand of USA Shade & Fabric Structures, Inc., Shade Structures is a comprehensive, vertically integrated company. We have our own in–house experts in Risk Assessment/Feasibility Studies, Proposal and Contract Review, Conceptual Design, 3D CAD Rendering, Engineering, Scheduling, Steel and Fabric Fabrication, Manufacturing, Project Management and Construction. We handle everything from concept to completion – we are the “one stop shop” for all your shade needs.
- 10. I live in California and need to comply with the Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements – do you have DSA Approved products?
Shade Structures has a number of pre-checked “PC” Approved DSA Structures available. These structures have had their materials and engineering reviewed by DSA and approved for use. However, you will still need to have your site approved directly by DSA.
- 11. Do you have offices and sales people that I can easily contact? What is the best way to reach you?
We have branch offices throughout the United States and Mexico, staffed with the best trained, most experienced and professional salespeople in the shade industry. Call us toll-free at 800-507-4233, or send us an email at info@shadestructures.net. We are ready to assist you with all of your shade needs!
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