Tag Archives | shade solutions

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.

commercial-shade-sail-180978

Fabric Shade Solutions

post date February 16, 2012

Offering shade has become a progressively crucial concern across the U.S. Attributed to continually transforming and indeterminate weather conditions in addition to the growing awareness of skin cancer brought on by the damaging Ultra-Violet rays from sunlight. Austin Custom Shades‘ cost-effective and visually attractive fabric shade structures are utilized to shade Parks & Play areas, Schools and Childcare Facilities, Swimming pools and Water-parks, Sports and Athletic Facilities, Stadiums as well as Amphitheaters, Hotels and Resorts, Retail and Community Centers and much more.

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.

Shade for School Playgrounds

post date January 11, 2012

Austin Custom Shades offers top quality shade structures to give shade protection for children at school playgrounds and childcare centers, and also at home.

Features and Benefits:

  • Provide shade for extended and safer playtime
  • Block nearly 98% Ultra-violet rays, guarding kids from increased Ultra-violet subjection
  • Prevent playground equipment from getting so hot
  • Protect playground equipment from Ultra-violet damage
  • Maintenance-free
  • Designed to meet up with local building codes
  • Class A fire rating (the best)
  • Numerous colors accessible to enhance a play area
  • Shade fabric won’t fade or even sag over time
  • Shade cloth will not rot or mildew
  • Austin Custom Shades quality product

Skin cancer is considered an epidemic. Schools and daycare providers hold the responsibility to defend the kids in their care. This importantly includes protecting them from the harmful effects of Ultra violet rays of the sun. Sun exposure and sunburn are the primary causes of skin cancer. 80% of the sun exposure that we get in our entire life comes in our first eighteen years. Our shade structures are made and created to provide up to 98% UV protection and provide a cool atmosphere for outdoor activities.

We offer the best quality shade structures, awnings, shade canopies and shade sails on the market..

To buy one of our shade products, or to explore how we can improve your school or daycare center by providing shade for playground areas, please contact us.

commercial-shade-sail-180978

Shade Sails

post date January 4, 2012

The sun is essential for our existence. Regardless, during summer time, we might get just a bit too much from the sun. A Shade Sail is the ultimate solution for any shade-need that may arise. It provides up to 90% UV block and reduces temperatures underneath up to 32%. The unique fabric resists mold and mildew and is easy to clean. You are sure to enjoy a nice cool spot no matter how hot it gets.

One of the nicest features this unique item has is the ability to have it in the shape of your choice for the perfect fit. You can have it as a triangle or a square, in different sizes and a variety of colors – this is your choice to have the perfect shade all set and ready for you to enjoy. Maybe it is the unique fabric, maybe it’s the special shape, could be the different colors or even the cool breeze – there’s nothing as inviting as a nice cool spot in the summer heat.

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.

canopy-gazebo

5 Patio Shade Canopy Options

post date November 23, 2011

A patio shade canopy is a valuable addition in the height of summer by helping to keep you cool and reducing the glare from the sun. The following will take a closer look at five popular varieties of patio shade canopies.

Umbrellas

The most basic of all patio shades are umbrellas. These can be as large as a ten foot patio umbrella or as small and delicate as a parasol. They can be free standing on a tripod base, set in a socket in the patio floor, or held up by a patio table.

Retractable Patio Canopies

Canopies that can be wound onto a roller are very popular. These canopies give a wider range of shade than an umbrella and do not need to be fully extended. The roller is controlled by a worm screw that operates upon a toothed gear wheel connected to the roller core. A handle is used to turn the worm screw and the canopy extends or retracts. Because the roller is wall mounted and the canopy requires no support, retractable canopies do not take up any valuable patio space.

Draw String Canopies

Draw string canopies (often referred to as toldos) are built onto frames over the patio. The frame does not take up any patio space and is usually made of angle iron or metal tubing. The canopy is suspended from steel wires stretched the length of the frame and is fitted with a draw string. The draw string is threaded through pulleys and can pull the awning along the wires to open it or close it. For a wide patio, there can be two awnings each with their own draw string so that they can operate independently.

Venetian or Persian Curtains

Venetian or Persian curtains are made up of strips of stiff material or plastic. They work in a very similar manner to venetian blinds. The strips can be raised out of the way so that they block the minimum amount of light. An advantage of Persian curtains is that they do not have to be joined at the bottom so people can have free access through the curtain, even if it covers a door.

Mobile Screens

Concertina screens made up of three or five panels are excellent for giving shade in particular areas. The concertina design means that they can be opened as wide or as little as required. The screens can be quite elaborate or made of simple rattan woven panels. An advantage of the screens is that they’re very light. Unfortunately, this lightness is also a disadvantage because it does not take much of an impact or breeze to make them fall over.

1313-Canopy-Green-small

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.

Pond Shading Options For Limiting Green Water Algae

post date October 31, 2011

I have to admit, sunny days make me happier.

But everything comes with a price they say, and sometimes the price you pay for ample sunlight is pond algae.

In the case of green water, which is caused by numerous single cell algae, the sun can play a major role in it’s growth.

After visiting with many pond owners over the years, when we get calls about green water, one of the common questions we’ll ask is, “does the pond get a lot of sun exposure?” The inevitable answer is almost always, “yes”. Other pond owners that had several ponds were often quick to point out that the ponds in some shade, were often clearer, and the pond’s in the sun were quite green.

Now don’t get me wrong, you want your pond to be exposed to a bit of sun…that’s just a good thing for desirable plants and your fish too, but too much of a good thing can often cause some problems.

Shading A Large Pond

In reality, green water (and sun exposure) can affect any size of pond. Large ponds that have the problem tend to be a bit more shallow, and they may have some stagnant water conditions. Large bodies of water can obviously be more challenging to shade than a small one, and about the best tool we have for that is pond dyes or tints.

Pond dye for large ponds usually comes in quart bottles which are concentrated formulas. Each quart will treat up to about an acre area that is four to six feet deep. Colors vary from blue, black, to a black/blue combination. The latter two colors tend to provide a bit more natural appearance in most ponds.

Pond dye may or may not be enough to clear a pond up of various problems but it does work well in conjunction with things like beneficial bacteria, aeration, or ultrasound, as well as many chemicals. In the end, it’s the best way to help limit sun exposure on big waters.

Shading Options For Water Gardens

When it comes to a small backyard pond, there are more options for providing shade.

Pond dye can be used in smaller ponds as well, but be advised, you’ll want to find a product specifically suited to smaller ponds. Don’t use a large pond product in a small pond as they’re often too concentrated.

Plants are probably my #1 favorite addition to a pond to provide some shading, namely because they also provide the added benefit of nutrient reduction too. Anything that can help out-compete the algae in some way is a good thing. Look for floating plants like lilies and lotus, or anything that can cover some of the surface.

And finally, physical structures can be a nice addition for shading a pond if you use a bit of creativity. For years I’ve suggested possibly using large umbrellas over very small ponds, or building a structure like a pergola or gazebo near the pond where doing so might provide some shade.

In recent weeks though, I’ve had several friends mention something called Shade Sails. Shade Sails provide a really attractive and relatively easy way to shade a pond or pool from the sun’s rays. Used as a single shade or in combination, these “tensioned fabric canopies” as they are called will block a reported 90 to 95% of the UV rays while remaining somewhat porous to rain.

You’ll find that Shade Sails come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.

shade canopy

The Benefits of Shade Canopies

post date October 28, 2011

There are many reasons to use shade canopies around the home of most people. The shade canopies provide protection from the elements year-round. They can be purchased as portable units or stationary fixtures depending on the needs of the individual buying that product.

A portable shade canopy is valuable for individuals that do a decent amount of outdoor entertaining. This is one way to be sure that the elements of the weather will not ruin special occasions. The canopy can be placed in the middle of the yard to provide shade for visitors.

They can also block out the heat on exceptionally warm day. Many people who are going to have a wedding in their backyard will consider renting or buying this type of item. This way they are guaranteed that the bride will not have any complications due to the weather.

Stationary canopies can be used to protect larger items. Sometimes a person will choose to place their car or other vehicle under a canopy to avoid it becoming overheated. This is beneficial for people that do not have access to a garage or other storage facility in their vehicle.

Some people like to have a shade for their camper so that the vehicle does not rust. A shade canopy can protect even the largest of vehicles if the person gets the proper size canopy.

The shade canopies serve many different purposes. Most of them are for protection from the weather and the changes in climate. They can also protect large machines from the erosion of paint as well as rusting. Both of these are valuable benefits, and canopies usually last for quite a while. This makes them a positive investment in both the short and long-term aspects. These canopies can be used anywhere in the world for protection from external elements.