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Shade Canopy Materials


The design, engineering, and construction of a tensioned cable shade/canopy structure is complex and dependent upon the use, design, site and weather conditions, applicable building codes, and budget. The following sections explain the typical materials used in the construction of a permanent canopy system. Contact us today for a FREE no obligation estimate.

Membranes

For at least 5,000 years humans have been using membrane (skins or fabrics) to protect themselves and their property from the elements. However membranes were not maximized for their performance. This was partly due to the fact that skins are inherently small, and that the materials available to them were not of high tensile strength. Tension cable structures use fabrics as the primary protection, fitting the membrane to a steel and cable structure to provide shelter and aesthetic appeal.

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tension fabric structures

Thread

Outdoor fabric products are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, cleaning agents, pollution, saltwater, air, rain and snow. While these elements affect both fabric and seam thread, the thread usually fails first. Traditionally, polyester thread has been used, requiring re-stitching every few years.

GORETM TENARA® sewing thread offers the highest UV resistance of any fiber or textile product in the world. All TENARA products are made from a unique polymer that withstands UV sunlight, aggressive cleaning chemicals and extreme temperature conditions.

tension fabric structures

Steel Elements

Long-span tension cable structures, inspired by 19th-century suspension bridge, use steel rods and cables in tension to support horizontal roof surfaces. Many structures literally mirror the form of conventional suspension bridges to create clear span spaces below its suspended roof. In tensioned cable structures, steel cables are combined with fabric membranes to create extremely light-weight, long-span structures.

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tension fabric structures

Paint

Consider the many different types of environments that coatings must withstand. Companies that build tension cable structures or shade covers generally use either a powder coating or a wet paint system. The former is ideally suited for small parts as the process requires a curing oven, the size of the parts being limited by the size of the oven. As a consequence, powder coating is typically used by manufacturers who fabricate their structures in the factory and assemble them on site with nuts and bolts. Powder coating provides a uniform, durable, high-quality, and attractive finish.

Wet Paint systems typically include multiple coats including a primer and coats of epoxy and urethane and have an expected life of 25 years. The coating can be applied in the field.

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