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Frequently Asked Questions

Our specially trained consultants will meet with you one-on-one to discuss the right shade structure solutions for your project. With over 140 pre-engineered modular structures, we have shade solutions designed to meet the strict requirements for a wide range of areas and venues. Once we’ve decided upon the best solution to meet your needs, your product will be manufactured in our state-of-the-art fabrication facility. USA SHADE is the only shade structure manufacturer certified by the International Accreditation Service, which speaks to our commitment to quality and structural integrity. When manufacturing is complete, one of our fully-trained and equipped construction crews will install your structure, on time and on budget. USA SHADE & Fabric Structures is the largest and most capable fabric shade structure company in the world, with over 250,000 successful installations around the world and in an unparalleled diversity of market segments.

USA SHADE 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 & Fabric Fabrication, Project Management, and Construction. We handle everything from concept to completion, and we are the “one stop shop” for all of your shade requirements.

This depends on the municipality in which you are planning to have your structure installed. Some cities/counties do require a building permit for shade structures. Not to worry; all of our structures are fully engineered to meet, and in most cases exceed, local building code requirements. Sealed design/engineering sets are available; your Shade Consultant will assist you in obtaining the necessary documents for you to acquire a building permit.

USA SHADE has a variety of available fabric choices. Our most popular fabric is Shadesure™ HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). This fabric provides up to 95% shade, 97% UV protection, and approximately 60%~70% water run-off. Our Weather Protector series utilizes a Teflon™-coated PVC membrane stretched over a steel frame to provide a dry environment under the structure. Additionally, both our Colourshade FR and PVC fabrics feature flame retardant designs, meet the NFPA-701B fire rating, and are certified by the California State Fire Marshal. Ask your Shade Consultant about the best fabric to meet your needs.

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.

Due to building code requirements and, more importantly for your safety, all of our shade structures are permanently anchored. There are a number of different anchoring methods we can utilize for your project, some of which allow for easy disassembly and removal.

The Division of the State Architect (DSA) provides design and construction oversight for K–12 schools, community colleges, and various other state-owned and leased facilities.

USA SHADE has the widest range of pre-checked, “PC”-approved DSA Structures available anywhere in the shade industry. Our DSA products have had their materials and engineering reviewed by DSA and approved for use. Clients purchasing DSA-approved structures must still have their site approved directly by DSA.

Yes! The flexibility of our solutions means they adapt to your business needs, and USA SHADE makes it easy to change or update your look. Each sunshade replacement we craft is precisely engineered to fit your existing USA SHADE structure for peace of mind.

We proudly offer numerous options to customize your sunshade cloth replacement. Our solutions offer varying weather resistance, fire retardancy, UV protection and other qualities to meet your location-specific needs.

USA SHADE carries a large color selection to harmonize with your business’s aesthetic or create a bold statement that intrigues passers-by. The variety of hues allows you to transform your property with a cloth that echoes your branding. We can also collaborate with you to add your logo to the fabric.

We provide two fabric types — Shadesure® and Colourshade®. The textural difference provides additional visual appeal and allows you to create unique looks.

Our skilled construction crews can also help you change or refresh your shade structure’s steel framework. We have numerous powder coating hues and offer custom color help. Regardless of your choices, we offer a free design consultation to help you visualize your structure so that you can order confidently.

  • Replacement fabric only available for USA Shade installed structures

Our shade fabric is Rachel-knitted (with a lockstitch in two directions) for strength, and the panels are sewn together using a GORE® TENARA® expanded PTFE thread, giving the fabric its strength and long-term durability. Our fabrics carry a 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty from the date of installation against failure from significant fading, deterioration, breakdown, mildew, outdoor heat, cold, or discoloration; this excludes Red and Coolbrella fabrics, which carry a 3-year limited warranty. The life expectancy of our HDPE fabrics is up to 12 years, assuming they are properly maintained.

Our HDPE fabrics require very little maintenance, but should be kept clean to ensure they look bright and attractive throughout their service life. To clean our fabrics, use a power washer or water hose with a light (diluted) detergent. Spray the fabric from the underside, starting at the top or peak, and then working down each side of the structure so the debris, dust, bird droppings, etc., will be washed off. If using a power washer, take care not to get the spray head too close to the fabric.

Very little is needed to remove our fabrics from the steel structure. All of our structures are engineered to wind loads of at least 90mph and the steel structure can be designed to withstand speeds up to 150mph, if required. In addition, our fabrics have UV stabilizers inherent in the material to prevent breakdown. Our fabrics are stretched over the support frames using a patented compression/tension system, utilizing steel aircraft cable sewn into a pocket around the perimeter of the fabric and then fastened with U-bolts at one corner. If you ever need to remove the fabrics, this can be quickly accomplished by unfastening the U-bolts with a wrench, which releases the tension in the fabric and allows easy removal of the fabric.

Wind, rain and the sun’s rays can all contribute to a shade’s wear and tear over time. USA SHADE provides generous warranties on our sunshade fabric, which means it has likely withstood substantial exposure to those elements by the time the coverage expires.

Consider that the UV rays your business’s shade structures block lead to fading as the years go on, as well. Color loss can indicate that more light is now penetrating the fabric, leading to more exposure for those beneath it. Fading also impacts the visual appeal of your project, which is crucial for attracting customers and creating a positive business image. The same applies to other fabric damage, such as holes and tears.

If this is the case for you, then shade sail repairs may not be the best approach — instead, you may want to consider replacement. A sunshade replacement restores peace of mind about UV protection and helps maintain your property value.

Costs are another factor to consider when determining whether to repair or replace your sunshade fabric. Ongoing deterioration frequently means recurring repairs, so investing in a new sunshade may be more cost-effective in the long term.

USA SHADE can help determine if shade sail repairs are the best solution for you. We’ll also work with you to complete them to ensure structural integrity preservation.

*Shade repairs only available for USA Shade installed structures