Companies use cable tensioned structures for a variety of reasons including customer attraction, inventory and equipment protection, employee comfort, and/or work productivity.

Properly constructed outdoor shelters and canopies shield people and equipment from the impact of UV rays and heat from a summer sun and virtually eliminate the likelihood of significant hail damage.

The following pages are intended to provide a variety of information to you about the technical aspects of a cable tension structure, also known as a shade structure, shade cover, hailport, sunport, shadeport, or tension fabric structures.

The words "canopy" and "cover" are often used to describe the same item generally recognized as a free-standing, permanent building structure consisting of foundations, structural columns and beams, and a fabric membrane top.

The structure may provide limited weather protection from UV rays, heat from direct or reflected sunlight, and hail stones or full protection including misting rain or falling snow.

Shade covers are available in a variety of configurations, sizes, and the colors, the choice of which is dependent upon the purchaser's purpose and applicable building codes.

Construction Elements of Interest

You can view specific information about the design, engineering, and construction of cable tension structures a.k.a. shade covers, by clicking on one of the following categories: