We use the best materials available including HDPE, a high-density polyethylene mesh which can block out up to 96% of the sun's harmful UV-A and UV-B rays. Fabrics are selected to meet the specific project requirements as well as our clients’ individual needs and desires. We offer a variety of materials with varying degrees of translucency, light reflectivity, UV and weather protection, fire retardancy, and non-combustibility. All of our fabrics are easy to maintain, providing protective shade and vibrant color over a long life.

UV Shade Fabric is made of UV-stabilized high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This mesh fabric must be Rachel-knitted with monofilament and tape yarn filler (weighted at 195g per square meter) to ensure that the material will not unravel if cut. Panels are to be ten (10) feet wide. Fabric shall conform to, and pass, the ASTM E-84 testing standard, as well as the NFPA701 Test Method 2 Standard. The fabric properties are:

• -Life expectancy 8 year minimum with continuous sun exposure
• -Fading Minimal after 5 years (3 years for red)
• -Stretch Stentored
• -Tear Tests Warp, 220.5 lbs/ Weft, 462,9707 lbs
• -Burst Tests 37.7 (psia)
• -Fabric Mass 2.43-2.58 oz./sqft (190-200gsm)
• -Fabric Width 9.8425 feet (3 meters)
• -Roll Length 164.04 feet (50 meters)
• -Roll Dimensions 62.99” x 16.5354” (160 cm x 42 cm)
• -Roll Weight + or – 66lbs (+ or - 30kg)
• -Minimum Temp -13 degrees F (-25 degrees C)
• -Maximum Temp +176 degrees F (80 degrees C)

Stitching and Thread All sewing threads are to be double-stitched, with no sewing/stitching allowed on-site. Perimeters of the fabric top are to be double lockstitched. All corners shall be reinforced with extra non-tear fabric and strapping to properly distribute load(s). Thread shall be GORE TENARA sewing thread, manufactured from 100% expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This mildew-resistant, exterior-approved thread shall meet or exceed the following:

• -Flexible temperature range, with a low shrinkage factor
• -Extremely high strength; durable in outdoor climates, resists flex and abrasion of fabric
• -Unaffected by cleaning agents, as well as acid rain, mildew, saltwater
• -Rot-resistant, and unaffected by most industrial pollutants
• -Specially treated for prolonged exposure to the sun
• -Lockstitch thread-1200 Denier or approved equal
• -Chainstitch thread-2400 Denier or approved equal

Structure specs

As a minimum and/or when no specific building code information is delineated in the client’s specifications or requirements, our structures are designed to meet or exceed requirements set forth in the 2003 International Building Code (IBC). Our structures are covered by a 10-year warranty against failure of the structure, with the powder coated surface carrying a 1-year warranty. The fabric top(s) is covered by a 10-year (pro-rated) warranty against significant fading, tearing, ripping, and/or discoloration (red is covered by a 3-year fade warranty.) Should the fabric need to be replaced under warranty, Sunshade Factory Co will manufacture and ship a new fabric at no charge for the first 3 years.

Design Loads (minimum)

Snow Load 10psf
Wind Load 60mph
Live Load 10psf

Steel, Finish, Fabric
Steel

All steel members of the shade structure shall be designed in strict accordance with the requirements of the “American Institute of Steel Construction” (AISC) Specifications, and the “American Iron and Steel Institute” (AISI) Specifications, for cold-formed members. All connections shall have a maximum internal sleeving tolerance of 0.0625 inches, using high-tensile strength steel sections, with a minimum sleeve length of 6 inches. All non-hollow structural steel members shall comply to ASTM A-36. All hollow structural steel members shall be cold-formed, high-strength steel, and comply with ASTM-A500, Grade C. All steel plates shall comply to ASTM A -572, Grade 50. All galvanized steel tubing shall be triple-coated for rust protection using an in-line electroplating coat process. All galvanized steel tubing shall be internally coated with zinc and organic coatings to prevent corrosion.

Bolts

All structural field connections of the shade structure shall be designed and made with high-strength bolted connections using ASTM A-354, Grade B or SAE J249, Grade 8. All stainless steel bolts shall comply with ASTM F-593, Alloy Group 1 or 2. All bolt fittings shall include rubber washers for water-tight seals at joints. All nuts shall comply with ASTM F-594, Alloy Group 1 or 2.

Welding

All shop-welded connections of the shade structure shall be designed and performed in strict accordance with the requirement of the "American Welding Society" (AWS) Specifications. Structural welds shall be made in compliance with the requirement of the "Prequalified" welded joints, where applicable, and by certified welders. No onsite or field welding shall be permitted.

Powder Coating

Galvanized steel tubing preparation prior to powder coating shall be executed in accordance to solvent cleaning SSPC-SP1. Solvents such as water, mineral spirits, xylol, toluol, are to be used to remove foreign matter from the surface. A mechanical method prior to solvent cleaning, and prior to surface preparation, shall be executed according to Power Tool Cleaning SSPC-SP3, and utilizing wire brushes , abrasive wheels, needle gun, etc. Carbon structural steel tubing preparation prior to powder coating shall be executed in accordance to commercial blast cleaning SSPC-SP6 OR NACE #3. A commercial blast-cleaned surface, when viewed without magnification, shall be free of all visible oil, grease, dirt, mill scale, rust, coating, oxides, corrosion, as well as other products or foreign material. Powder coating shall be sufficiently applied, with a minimum 3 mils thickness, and cured at the recommended temperature to provide proper adhesion and stability to meet salt-spray and adhesion tests, as defined by ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials. Powder used in the powder coat process shall have the following characteristics:

• Specific gravity: 1.68+/- 0.05
• Theoretical coverage: 114+/-4ft sq./lb/mil
• Mass loss during cure: <1%
• Maximum storage temperature 75 degrees F

Tension Cable

Steel cable is determined based on calculated engineering loads. For light and medium loads, ¼” (nominal) galvanized 7 x 19 strand cable is to be used. For heavy loads, 3/8” (nominal) galvanized 7 x 19 cable is to be used.

Concrete work shall be executed in accordance with the latest edition of the American Concrete Building Code, AC1 318. Concrete specifications shall comply as per plans, and as follows:

• 28-day strength F’c 2,500psi
• Aggregate HR (shall conform to ASTM C-33)
• Slump 3-5

All reinforcement shall conform to ASTM A-615, Grade 60, with reinforcing steel detailed, fabricated, and placed in accordance with the latest ACI Detailing and Standard Practice manuals. Whenever daily ambient temperatures are below 80 degrees F, the Contractor may have mix accelerators and hot water added at the batch plant (see below). Temperature Range Acceleration Acceleration Type

• 75-80 degrees F 1% High Early (non-calcium)
• 70-75 degrees F 2% High Early (non-calcium)
• Below 70 degrees F 3% High Early (non-calcium)

Note: Contractor shall not pour any concrete when daily ambient temperatures are below 55 degrees F.