Tag Archives | custom shade
Cafe Umbrellas For Pools, Parks, And Restaurants in Austin And Surrounding Texas

Cafe Umbrellas For Pools, Parks, And Restaurants in Austin And Surrounding Texas

post date May 15, 2012

The uses and styles of cafe umbrellas in Austin with modern materials and design

Austin Custom Shade Umbrellas around the pool

Cafe Umbrellas Provide Shade, Style, And Comfort For All Types Of Locations

Shade products are one of the top 3 most desired amenities by aquatics managers nationwide, as surveyed by Aquatics International. And 67% of NRPA members name shade products are their most needed purchase. Cafe umbrellas fit a wide variety of needs for a wide variety of clients. Around pool areas, picnic tables, and over lifeguard stations, even some cantilevered designs over kiddie pools.

Cafe umbrellas from Austin Custom Shade come in a center post or cantilevered design, and will  provide convenient shading for a variety of outdoor environments such as pools, skate parks, theme parks, concessions, restaurants, patios, and any other outdoor gathering places where people desire protection from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (U.V.) rays.

Reducing heat by as much as 32% while blocking 98% of harmful UV radiation, cafe umbrellas provide a stylish addition to any restaurant, park, or pool. Made with the best materials for a specific location, there are different colors and fabrics from which to choose. The all carbon steel structures are designed with strength and durability in mind. The cable is specifically determined based on calculated engineering load, and even the thread is high density, low shrinkage, abrasion resistant, unaffected by cleaning agents, acid rain, mildew, chlorine, saltwater and industrial pollutants. Absolutely nothing but the best of each and every cafe umbrella site and design.

Call us at (512) 271-9870 or email, or send us a message today. We’ll have you covered in no time!

Custom designed shade solutions for parks in Austin Texas

Custom designed shade solutions for parks in Austin Texas

post date May 11, 2012

Custom Designed Shade Solutions Should Be Provided In All Public Parks In Austin And Throughout Texas.

Austin Custom Shades custom shade solution for walkway in park.

A Custom Designed Shade Solution Protecting Park Goers

As with any outdoor recreational daytime activity, the need for shade at public skate parks is paramount, and Austin Custom Shades is the leading manufacturer of shade structures for public recreational areas.

Once a need for shade at public pools, parks, skate parks, and other public recreational areas was overlooked. Now, with the U.S. Environmental Agency and Centers For Disease Control And Prevention providing recommendations for the need for shade, making shade a health and safety matter, therefor a high priority, most parks and recreation facilities realize the need for providing shade to protect park goers.

It is estimated that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and possibly higher in states like Texas where higher levels of sun, and a greater number of outdoor activities are available. That number is rapidly growing in the child age group population. one serious burn could increase the risk by as much as 50%. Custom designed shade solutions can reduce harmful UV radiation by as much as 98%, while reducing temperatures by as much as 32%.

If your public pool, park, rec center, or skate park doesn’t provide shade, contact the city or organization responsible and make a recommendation. Austin Custom Shade has proved custom designed shade solutions for many cities and companies for their outdoor public areas, and can build one for your favorite park too.

For your city, county, state, church, business, or any other public need of a custom designed shade solutions call us at (512) 271-9870 or email, or send us a message today. We’ll have you covered in no time!

Other Uses For Custom Designed Shade Canopies

Other Uses For Custom Designed Shade Canopies

post date March 18, 2012

Think Of The Things You Can Cover With A Custom Designed Shade Canopy

Custom Designed Shade Canopy

A Custom Designed Shade Canopy Protecting Your Car, Boat, Or RV.

While the common uses for custom designed shade canopies like picnic tables, benches, playgrounds and decks or patios are well known and accepted, there are many other uses that could be very beneficial.

The sun and rain are both damaging to items kept outdoors. Having a custom designed shade canopy to protect those items will reduce damage due to exposure, extending their life.

That beautiful boat doesn’t get out on the lake every day. When it’s on it’s trailer, the sun and rain are trying to sink it. A custom designed shade canopy can keep it lake ready.

What about that RV? The sun and Rain are certainly not doing it any favors, and resealing the roof of an RV is not cheep. A custom designed shade canopy can save you those costly repairs.

A Custom Designed Shade Canopy

Here Is A Custom Designed Shade Canopy From Austin Custom Shade Protecting A Tropical Flower Garden.

Is it too hot and sunny out for that garden you’ve always wanted? A custom designed shade canopy can give the partial shade and cooler temperatures to build that tropical delight.

Think of that car restoration project, while your working on returning a car to it’s former glory, the sun and weather are trying to send it to it’s final resting place. A custom designed shade canopy can protect it.

Does your swimming pool get neglected during the hottest days of summer because it’s just to sunny and hot to really enjoy? A custom designed shade canopy can get you back out enjoying your pool. Think of the different ways, cover the whole pool for best sun protection it you have sun sensitive skin, cover just a portion of the pool for the best of both worlds, cover a portion of the decking or patio for lounging in the sun or shade. The options are almost endless.

Thinking of adding on a big expensive carport? Look at the styles of custom designed shade canopies that would look fantastic, protect your cars and save you money, and still have an open ans airy feel

Think of all the uses i didn’t think of! Call today with your idea of how a custom designed shade canopy can help you.

Call us at (512) 271-9870 or email, or send us a message today. We’ll have you covered in no time!

It’s Time For Some Shade! Custom Shade!

It’s Time For Some Shade! Custom Shade!

post date March 11, 2012

Summer Is Coming, Custom Shade Is The Word Of The Day

Custom Shade Canopy

Enjoy Your Pool, Playground, And Patio More This Summer With A Custom Shade Canopy

With the summer heat upon us early this year, it looks like we’re in for a scorcher this summer. Austin Custom Shades has the perfect custom solution for you. Whether for  a  public pool, playground, patio, or just a favorite relaxing spot outside, adding a custom shade canopy will help you stay cooler so you can enjoy your time outdoors longer.

Austin Custom Shades builds the best custom designed, professionally engineered shade canopies. We have eighteen years experience in commercial shade design and installation. We insure proper placement, eave height, and dimensions to insure shade where it is needed through out the day.

With many design options on our shade canopies like: Hypar Sails, Cantilevered Umbrellas, Multi Hip Roofs, Hexagonal, and Multi Sail Configuration, to name but a few, your sure to find some shade that will fit your location and your lifestyle.

Don’t let the sun ruin your summer, with highly competitive pricing, and an unequaled reputation for quality, a custom shade canopy from Austin Custom Shades is all you need to stay out and enjoy this coming summer.

Call us at (512) 271-9870 or email, or send us a message today. We’ll have you covered in no time!

Shade Conopies and Your Health

Shade Conopies and Your Health

post date March 3, 2012

Shade Canopies Can Reduce Health Risks Of Sun Exposure

Shade Canopies Protection From UV Rays

Protection From UV Rays With Shade Canopies From Austin Custom Shade.

As spring is here, and summer is around the corner, we all are spending more and more time outdoors. There are many health concerns with extended or prolonged exposure to the sun. Even on overcast days the ozone layer depletion decreases our atmosphere’s natural protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Austin Custom Shades builds shade canopies to protect you, your children, friends, employees, and students.

Sun related health issues include: skin cancer (one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime) ,Melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer), basal cell carcinomas (the most common type of skin cancer tumors), squamous cell carcinomas(tumors that may appear as nodules or as red, scaly patches), and other UV-related skin disorders include actinic keratoses and premature aging of the skin. Research has shown that UV radiation increases the likelihood of certain cataracts. Scientists have also found that overexposure to UV radiation may suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses.

Protection from exposure by use of commercial shade canopies at playgrounds, benches, picnic tables, parking areas, and swimming pools can greatly reduce risks of these health issues. We at Austin Custom Shades have over eighteen years experience building shade canopies for commercial applications. We have lots of design options for each of our custom shade canopies.

Contact us about your needs for a custom shade canopy at (512) 271-9870 or email, or send us a message today. We’ll have you covered in no time!

Preparing for the Spring with Shade Canopies

post date February 22, 2012

February is almost over, but for event planners and organizers everywhere, it is never too early to plan for the spring. Whether it’s an outdoor wedding reception, or an awards banquet.

This spring, throw away that old torn up canopy you bought at the hardware store. You know – the one with the rip in the corner that doesn’t even pop up all the way. At Austin Custom Shades, we’ve been making canopies for over 25 years. That means we know just what it takes to make a shade canopy capable of handling weekly use for the next ten years.

With our shade canopies, you get reliability and ease-of-use. Featuring four elegant arches, and a tension structure design, our shade canopies stand out in a crowd. Once set up, our shade canopies provide shade and comfort.

Shade

Shade Sails & Sun Shades

post date February 8, 2012

Shade Sails guard and shade your outdoor locations. Also referred to as Sun Sails, shade sails help to make gorgeous improvements to your outdoor patio, backyard, or perhaps different outdoor areas, and they will supply superb defense from the sunlight and its dangerous Ultra-violet radiation.

Sail Shades are incredibly adaptable; they may become connected to households, trees, or even patio columns.

Shade Sails are the epitome of elegant sun defense. Courtyards, swimming areas, gardens, children’s play areas, car spaces, and even entry ways can all benefit from the cool appearance of a Shade Sail resolution.

Easily obtainable in a number of shapes, colors, and materials, Shade Sails are a attractive and economical way to produce shade that will keep you more relaxed in hot weather. These advanced materials block the sun’s harmful UV rays yet remain totally unaffected by moisture and temperature extremes. Some shade sail fabrics provide waterproof / water resistant attributes.

Custom Shade Sails

post date December 21, 2011

Do you need a Shade Sail that is not available in a standard size or shape? Austin Custom Shades is proud to offer Custom Shade Sails to fit almost any size and shape in a variety of colors and materials. Also known as Sun Sails, shade sails make beautiful additions to your patio, backyard, or other outdoor areas. A shade sail is the perfect alternative to a traditional pergola or covered porch. Floating and curvaceous, Shade Sails make an attractive addition to any property, and with the right design can enhance the existing property with artistic or architectural flair and style.

Shade Sails are a decorative and affordable way to create shade that will provide protection form the sun and keep you more comfortable in hot weather. The state of the art fabrics used in Shade Sails block the sun’s harmful UV rays, yet they remain totally unaffected by moisture and natural temperature extremes. Some sail shade fabrics even offer waterproof / water resistant properties.

The Benefits of Shade Sails

post date December 14, 2011

Shade Structures enjoy UV resistant safety from the sun and heat without compromising eye appealing style. Shade Sail Structures combine modern architectural engineering with durable tensile strength material. The fabric canopy shade structures provide a safe and effective alternative to traditional wood, steel and metal framed modular structures.

Our custom awnings and shade sail structures are built out of customized fabric canopy that is perfect for playgrounds, outdoor recreational areas such as lakes and parks, especially during the extremely hot summer months when modular facilities heat up and become dangerous for our children to play.

Our awnings and outdoor shade sail structures block 95% of damage causing UV rays, making them ideal choices for any community facility. Providing cool shade for employees, patrons and children during the hot summer months makes custom built awnings and shade sail structures a perfect solution for any development or project.

Commercial shade structures are customized to fit any need. Contact us today to receive cost estimates for your project.

Shade Structures from Austin Custom Shades to Protect People and Property

post date December 7, 2011

The heat and light from the sun is important to our survival, but sometimes too much sun can harm both people and property. If you own a business that has an outdoor area, you will need some shade structures in order to keep patrons from getting too hot or sunburned and property from experiencing fading and other types of damage. UV rays are also known to cause trouble. Shade structures from Austin Custom Shades are the very thing that will provide shade from the sun and protect your assets.

Austin Custom Shades makes shade canopy coverings that provide shade for all kinds of outdoor areas. They can used for commercial or residential purposes. The shade structures also come with durable shade cloth that will hold up under intense weather conditions. Not only can they provide shade, but they can also protect you and your property from the rain, snow and high winds.

Typically, their shade structures are used by businesses ranging from medium-sized to large. Sometimes all that is needed is a simple four-post structure and other times a complex superstructure is needed. Regardless of the size of the job, the designers at Austin Custom Shades are experienced and talented enough to meet the demands of any project handed to them. They can design shade structures in traditional designs which are perfect for covered parking areas or playgrounds. Their functionality and aesthetic appeal will work for just about any landscape. They can be made in the Pyramid style with four posts and four rafters. Or the traditional shade structures can be designed in the Hip & Ridge style which almost the same as the Pyramid except it includes two spider joints and has one ridge down the middle.

Some other shade structures available at Austin Custom Shades are the cantilever styles. They offer the in full and semi styles. These are great shade structures for covered parking lots, bleacher covers, pools and many other options. Shade sails are another type of shade structure available at Austin Custom Shades that have a more artistic flair to it. Dress up your restaurant or playground with it and reap the benefits of having good shade with a bit of creativity.

Commercial awnings are another type of shade structure available at Austin Custom Shades. They are great for entryways and windows. Not only can these structures provide shade, they also help reduce cooling costs dramatically. In hotter places, like Austin, canopies and awnings can help prevent your air conditioning unit from working overtime and that cuts down on high energy costs.

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Shade Canopies and Shade Structures

post date November 16, 2011

If bright sun and sweltering heat keep you regretfully indoors during much of the day, you can begin to enjoy your garden, patio, or deck to the fullest again with a Backyard Shade Canopy. With a shade canopy, you can relax in the shade on even the sunniest days, define an outdoor living room in which to entertain guests, protect children from the harsh rays of the sun while they play in the sandbox, and take pleasure in an afternoon snooze by the pool.

In addition, you can bring your own sun and wind protection to the beach or park with one of our lightweight, Portable Shade Canopy structures. Our shade canopies set up in mere minutes, fit in the trunk of most small cars, and are adjustable to maximize your shade all day long. They come in a variety of sizes to fit just about everyone’s space requirements, and the selection of available colors will satisfy any taste and existing color schemes.

From Portable Shade Canopies and a Retractable Shade Canopy to Shade Sails, we have a variety of shade structures to help shield you and your family from the effects of the sun throughout the day at home or beyond.

Make Mine Fabric: A Look at Materials for Fabric Structures

post date November 9, 2011

The most important quality in choosing a material for a fabric structure is its fire resistance. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701 is the most common fire test for textiles and films. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is another recognized standard for a wide range of materials, and ASTM E-84, 108, and 136 are common tests related to fabrics for membrane structures.
The latest architectural fabrics used for a building envelope respond to heat and light much differently than previous generations of fabric; they also offer features and benefits different than conventional construction materials. Architectural fabrics can be manufactured to vary in translucency from 1 to 95 percent and, in thermal resistance, from a single pane of glass to that of a conventionally insulated structure, while still maintaining adequate daylighting. A fabric roof can be a source of interior light at night if artificial light is directed onto its highly reflective surface.

Selecting the right fabric

The performance of today’s architectural fabrics depends upon the weaving pattern, choice of substrate, and coating. Each composite has unique properties and characteristics that suit it to different applications. Most materials presented have a minimum of stretch and shrinkage in a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions, and coatings that prevent mildew, staining, and streaking. Choice of a material calls for understanding of its light reflectivity and light transmission. Reflectivity is the amount of light the surface of the material reflects; transmission is the amount of light that penetrates the material. Most fabrics allow some amount of light transmission, but some materials come with a blackout scrim between layers and allow no light to penetrate, so light and heat from the sun can be controlled.
All the materials come in some shade of white; some are also available in a limited range of colors, depending on supply and demand. The proper selection of membrane material will be based on the proposed size, form, function, and desired longevity of the structure and the economics of the project.

How are these membranes fabricated?

The covering of a tensioned fabric structure is referred to as the membrane. It can be fabricated a number of ways based on the material chosen and the orientation of the seams. All aspects of a fabric structure should be derived from the same computer model or full-scale mockup. Computer-generated patterns are the most widely accepted template for fabrication; smaller structures, such as awnings, are patterned directly off a full-scale mockup.
Seams determine the appearance of joined panels. The seams can be sewn, glued, electronically welded, or heat-sealed. Seam styles can be parallel or radial to a mast. Butt seams are joints produced by placing two adjacent pieces directly beside one other and covering the join with a strip of material; lap seams are joints made by overlapping the edges of the material. Reinforcements—multiple layers of material applied to specific areas of a membrane to strengthen it where concentrated tension loads exist—are also a part of the fabrication process and differ from project to project.

What’s available Today?

  • Architectural fabrics in common use today include:
  • PTFE (polytetrafluorethylene)-coated fiberglass
  • Silicone-coated fiberglass
  • Woven PTFE by Gore called Tenara
  • PVC (polyvinylchloride)-coated polyester
  • PVC-laminated polyester
  • Theatrical draperies
  • Stretch fabrics (spandex)
  • High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
  • ETFE (ethylenetetrafluorethylene) foil

PTFE-coated fiberglass is the worldwide preferred material for large-scale permanent structures or structures requiring long life and specific construction code compliance (IN-9). PTFE has excellent weather, temperature, and chemical resistance, as well as durability and strength. Its life span is over thirty years, and it is manufactured in accordance with such standards as ASTM E-108 and E-84, meaning that it is noncombustible. PTFE varies in translucence from 7 to 15 percent, and reflects between 68 and 75 percent of incident sunlight. The transmitted is evenly dispersed and free of shadows and glare.
Before installation, PTFE has an irregular off white or slightly brown color, which is the result of the manufacturing and fabrication process. Once exposed to direct sunlight, its external surface bleaches to a milky white within a matter of days. PTFE comes in colors, but manufacturers require a minimum order. The material requires heat-sealing of FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) between layers at the seams to join fabric pattern sections. PTFE comes 10 to 12 feet wide depending on the manufacturer. It is considerably more expensive than PVC and is not very flexible. Manufacturers include Saint Gobain, Verseidag, and Fibertech.

Silicone-coated fiberglass is an inexpensive alternative to PTFE fiberglass with many of its attributes. It has very high tensile and tear strength and is more flexible than most other materials. Silicone has had a reputation for years of getting dirty rather quickly and being problematic at the seams; however, the topcoat has been improved and fabricators are willing to use the material. The seaming process requires an adhesive that takes less time to cure completely than PTFE, which reduces labor cost. The seaming process is more efficient and the quality of the seam strength more consistent. Silicone coated fiberglass does not generate any toxic fumes while burning, which makes it safer than PTFE or PVC. It is long lasting, flame resistant, dimensionally stable, and available in a range of colors and translucence. The material comes 6 to 10 feet wide, depending on the manufacturer. Manufacturers include Fabrimax and P-D Interglas.

Woven PTFE is a 100-percent fluoropolymer fabric made with high-strength PTFE. It offers durability, strength, and flexibility. It transmits up to 40 percent of light. It combines good light- and water resistance with the ability to withstand repeated flexing and folding, an advantage coated fiberglass fabrics. The material is pliable enough for retractable and deployable structures. It is rather expensive and is not as strong as either PTFE or polyester. This material comes 6 to 8 feet wide and has a 25-year life span. For colors, a minimum order is required. The manufacturer is W. L. Gore.

PVC-coated polyester is the most cost-effective membrane material and, therefore, an ideal choice for both temporary and permanent tension structures. The material is soft, pliable, and less expensive than PTFE. It is available in a variety of weights to meet a wide range of structural requirements. This material is sealed with a radio-frequency (RF) welder or hot air sealer. A number of different topcoats allow panels to be RF welded easily; however, PVC with topcoats of polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which provide the base material with a much cleaner and maintenance free surface, require additional work in the shop. Both top-of-the-line PVF and PVDF require that the topcoat or film where two panels are to meet be ground off in order for them to be RF welded. This is time consuming and requires great care in order to keep the seams clear of dirt, mold, and mildew. PVC material has a life span range between 15 to 20 years depending on the topcoat chosen. It comes in a variety of colors and translucence. The material be found as a perforated mesh. PVC is subject to creep—stretching under load—an can also d thus requires periodic retensioning. The material comes in widths of 54 to 98 inches. Manufacturers include Ferrari, Mehler, Naizil, Seaman, and Verseidag.

PVC-laminated polyester is used primarily for temporary structures and stationary and retractable awnings and canopies. Vinyl laminates are two or more layers of fabric or film joined together by heat, pressure, and a water-based adhesive to form a single ply. These materials are lower in cost and have a shorter life span than coated materials. They come in a variety of colors and in stripes and patterns. Fabric comes 54 to 98 inches wide; the life span is 8 to 10 years. Manufacturers include Herculite and Snyder.

Theatrical draperies are used for interior applications only. These are fabrics used primarily in theaters and places of public assembly where fire resistance is required. The materials available vary in quality, texture, width, and cost. Some have very short life spans, while others are manufactured to last a lifetime. Theatrical drapery project do not necessarily need to be in tension. Recommended distributors of theatrical draperies include Rose Brand and Dazian.

Stretch fabrics such as spandex are materials that stretch rather easily in multiple directions. They are used for both temporary and interior projects. The material can be dyed or silk screened, and are used often at trade shows and special events. The life span varies depending on the application.

HDPE is manufactured and used in a variety of ways. The material can be made for shading only or engineered and woven for complete water protection. Shade mesh comes in a variety of styles, colors, and shade factors from 50 to 95 percent. A high-density polyethylene fabric provides high tensile strength, ultraviolet (UV) stability, and high UV absorption. Coated polyethylene produces higher strength-to-weight properties than many traditional membrane fabrics. HDPE is 100-percent recyclable since it is a combination of high- and low-density polyethylene. Expected life of the fabric is 10 to 12 years. The shade cloth comes 8 to 12 feet wide. It is especially well suited to dry and hot climates and where protection from sun and hail is desired. Manufacturers include Sunports, Interwrap, and ECP.

ETFE foil is a polymer resin from the same family as PTFE. It is produced in very thin sheets and is manufactured to be installed as inflated pillows, also referred to as cushions or foils. It is an alternative to structural glass for long-span structures and, because of its light weight, is a way of reducing the size of the primary structural system. ETFE foils are supported by a constant air flow supplied by an inflation system consisting of a centrifugal fan unit and emergency backup, with humidity controls and filters to prevent moisture and dirt from getting inside the pillows. The material has low tear propagation, is UV resistant, inert to chemicals, and 100-percent recyclable. Multiple layers of ETFE can provide an effective thermal enclosure. ETFE can be designed with unique patterns on the film, providing a range of light transmission. It can be used in a single layer for smaller structures such as awnings and canopies. Because ETFE requires both fabricating experience and specialized equipment for joining panels, it is best purchased directly through a specialty contractor.

The best way to determine the most appropriate material for your application is by contacting the manufacturers and requesting a fabric sample.