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| Introduction | Sails vs. Frames | FAQ | ||
| Questions | ||
| 1. How much UV protection do your shade structures provide? | ||
| 2. How do your shade structures lower temperature? | ||
| 3. How does the cost compare with structures having roofs of hardened materials? | ||
| 4. How durable are your shade structures? | ||
| 5. What’s the difference between a frame structure and a shade sail structure? | ||
| 6. Can sails and canopies be removed? | ||
| 7. What maintenance is involved? | ||
| 8. What is a cantilever structure? | ||
| 9. How much area can your structures cover? | ||
| 10. What is “clear span?” | ||
| 11. Do your shade structures meet building codes? | ||
| 12. Is your fabric fire retardant? | ||
| 13. Are your shade structures waterproof? | ||
| 14. For what wind velocity are your shade structures designed? | ||
| Answers | ||
| 1. How much UV protection do your shade structures provide? | ||
| They provide up to 95% UV protection. | ||
| 2. How do your shade structures lower temperature? | ||
| Hot air escapes out the top because shade cloth is permeable. This draws outside air into the structure from the sides, creating continuous air movement. That’s why our shade structures reduce heat up to 15 degrees. In contrast, hardened materials (i.e. metal, wood, plastic, tile, stone, etc) and canvas trap hot air close to the ground. | ||
| 3. How does the cost compare with structures having roofs of hardened materials? | ||
| The purchase price of fabric structures is considerably less for equivalent size. Installation price is only a fraction and sites are distrupted for only a few days because structures arrive prefabricated. There are no maintenance costs because painting, washing, etc. isn't necessary. | ||
| 4. How durable are your shade structures? | ||
| Steel posts and frames are warranted for 20 years. Fabrics are warranted for 10 years against UV degradation. | ||
| 5. What’s the difference between a frame structure and a shade sail structure? | ||
| Frame structures have an upper steel frame over which the fabric is tensioned, thus shaping a canopy. A shade sail structure solely consists of posts with fabric (sails) tensioned between them. | ||
| 6. Can sails and canopies be removed? | ||
| Yes, quickly and easily, and re-attached | ||
| 7. What maintenance is involved? | ||
| None for frames, posts, or shadecloth. Water proof textiles should be cleaned at least every 6 months with detergent. | ||
| 8. What is a cantilever structure? | ||
| Cantilevers are frame structures with beams stretching over spaces where posts might present safety hazards (i.e. parking lots) or inhibit visibility (i.e. bleacher covers). We offer many cantilever designs. | ||
| 9. How much area can your shade structures cover? | ||
| As large as can be imagined. | ||
| 10. What is “clear span?” | ||
| The amount of area covered without posts. For example, a basketball court requires “clear spanning” the entire court. There’s a limit to how much area can be clear spanned. It‘s different for shade sail and frame structures…and depends upon design. | ||
| 11. Do your shade structures meet building codes? | ||
| Yes. They’re designed to the California Building Code. Any unique community building code requirements are incorporated as required. We also offer a full line of designs preapproved by California's Division of State Architect. Each structure is computer tested to ensure its wind-load capabilities. | ||
| 12. Are your fabrics fire retardant? | ||
| All of our fabrics meet national standards for flame retardancy. We also offer fabrics that are certified by the California Fire Marshal to meet California's unique standards for flame retardancy. | ||
| 13. Are your shade structures waterproof? | ||
| They can be with the appropriate fabric. | ||
| 14. For what wind velocity are your structures designed? | ||
| 80 MPH and greater with sails and fabric canopies attached. | ||
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