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The shade industry is seeing an increase in hospitality demand for outdoor shelter solutions as the tourism sector recovers from disruptions in travel over the past two years.

“Clients are looking for a high quality long lasting shade option that also fits the aesthetic brief,” explains Carman, sales manager at Skyspan Shade.

With a wide selection of sizes, shapes and colours, the Skyspan Shade range is impressive. However more importantly it is the details that really allow the product to stand out.

Skyspan Umbrellas are architecture designed and engineered wind rated to withstand stated wind conditions/speeds.

“This is crucial for commercial umbrellas. With our engineered wind rating, we are confident that the umbrellas are suitable for their purpose”, Carman said.

Skyspan umbrellas internal tensioning system involves a services of steel cables that run the perimeter seams and arms of the canopy with anticreep fixings. This delivers a cleaner finished look, eliminating the need for visible support cables under the canopy.

“Our shade solutions provide protection from a hot summer day, or shelter against the wind or rain. While Skyspan umbrellas are a long lasting shade and shelter solution, they are easily reskinned if the look is to be updated” says Carman.

Best in class canopy fabric is essential when selecting a commercial umbrella to provide both a shade and shelter solution.

Following years of testing fabrics in a multitude of commercial and industrial environments, the recommendation (of Skyspan Fabric Engineers) is to use an architectural grade PVC.

A high tensile PVC that is purposefully designed for umbrellas, and has been to be pretensioned in manufacture, so it is not compromised by the constant deploying and retraction of the canopy, will extend the life of the umbrella.

In addition, the architectural grade PVC range also offers both vibrant long lasting colour choice, with the additional benefit of waterproof, high heat reflection, UV Resistant, 50+ UV rated, fade resistance, anti-fungal and flame retardant qualities. This means the canopy is easy care and will last the distance.

For the very best in architectural grade shade canopy solutions we have partnered with Serge Ferrari. The unique satin finish of their specialist fabric offers a modern, high-end solution, in addition to the features referred to previously.

With confidence in the fabric quality, the decision of colour needs to be made. There are several key considerations when recommending the canopy colour for a project.

Colour choice offers the opportunity to further personalize the unit. There are 40 colours to select from, providing the opportunity to either align the colour pallet with that of the surrounding location, or to opt to make an impactful, contrasting statement.

Each colour option provides maximum UV protection, with 100% of UV rays (UPF 50+) blocked. In addition, the fabric technology resists UV damage due to high-quality pigment selection and thicker, more consistent protective coating than other traditional fabrics, ensuring a longer lasting consistent look.

However, what differs is the solar and light properties of the canopy based on the colour. Colour can be used to influence the shade properties and ambiance that the umbrella provides.

Each colour has a unique combination of Solar Transmission (ST); Solar Reflection (RS) and Solar Absorption (AS) properties.

Reconnecting with our local communities provides exciting opportunities for local hospitality businesses. Bringing to life your current or new outdoor dining space involves planning how to best use the area you have. In addition to outdoor seating, many hospitality operators will be wanting to ensure the space can be well used day and night, sun and drizzle.

Including a shade and shelter solution allows so much more than keeping people protected from the sun. The impact of a stunning looking canopy can bring attention to your location. The seated area can take on a resort like feel, ensuring your customers feel relaxed and keen to stay on for another round.

If you decide to invest in a shade and shelter solution, take the time to ensure you are getting a product that not only does the job required now, but will last, look good and allow flexibility to make changes in the future.

Commercial grade umbrellas are designed for use in hospitality with a combination of quality, strength and unique features, that takes them beyond the specifications of a domestic model.

Skyspan Shade umbrellas come with the recommendation of many hospitality providers. There are several models worth investigating, in particular take a look at the Sunset range, providing shade for up to 17m², or the smaller Alfresco portable Umbrella which can cover up to 12.2m².

Skyspan Shade thanks business owners for supporting Australian Made products.