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Welcome to our website! click for Home Page or click for Site Map
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High quality knitted outdoor shade sail fabric is UV stabilized to resist fading as pergola patio cover, lanai cover, shade sail, and playground shading, plus, our sun screen shade panels will never mold or mildew. This shade canopy material is also used for paintball field netting, privacy screen, windscreen and snow fencing. Cheaper, non-knitted, woven shadecloth is used in agricultural applications where longevity, appearance and sag resistance are not as highly valued. We sell only the finest desert tested, Knitted shade fabric with strong, durable lockstitching to resist tearing, fraying, stretching and sagging. Our Knitted sun screen material does not ravel when cut, like cheaper woven shadecloth. Shade netting is perfect for windscreen, shade tarp, sun screen, pergola patio cover, playground shading, shade sail, water treatment plant algae control, or paintball netting for paintball field fencing.
Please note these are three distinct and separate products. All three are heavy-duty lockstitched
knitted fabrics, but material appearance, color choices, prices and services are unique.
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6 foot wide colored shade cloth 
6 foot wide colored knitted fabric sold by the foot
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up to 32 foot wide custom size panels 
custom size knitted shade panels made to order!
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12 foot wide colored knit panels 
12 foot wide colored knitted fabric in custom sizes
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plastic locking clips and galvanized wood fasteners
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Panel installation & design information
in-stock right triangle shade sail panels
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grommeted pinch pleats GPP
open end pockets for pipe
odd shape knitted panels
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Shade canopies, pergola, deck, trellis or lanai covers not only provide sun screening to block excess solar heat gain, they create very favorable micro-climates alongside structures. The effect is under-rated ... outside ambient climate/temperature can be dropped more than fifteen degrees with effective shading and ventilation. Shade netting allows heated, rising air to pass through its open knit. Even at the highest density, shade fabric does not trap heat underneath like a rainproof tarp, metal roof or plastic pergola patio cover. Cut that heat on your deck and you will keep over-heated air out of the house. All three of the following products are higher quality, knitted shade fabrics and not some cheap woven, agricultural grade shadecloth. Woven shadecloth just doesn't stand up to the weather and abuse like our fully lockstitched, knitted sun screen material. A knitted shade panel does not ravel. Cheaper woven shadecloth will unravel like a screen door when cut or torn. Knitted shade fabric has a very high tensile strength, so you can stretch it very tight without affecting its appearance or performance. And tight shade panels are the key to protection in high wind situations. Our shade canopy plastic locking clips are specifically designed to further spread the strain over a larger surface area.
6 foot wide knitted shade fabric - plain cloth only - no hem or grommet
only size is 6 foot wide - no custom cuts - order by the running, lineal foot
- $2.75 per lineal foot delivered price free shipping with shopping cart below -
Saddle Tan 75%, Evergreen 75%, Black 75%, Brick Red 75%, and Chocolate color 75% shade factor
click here for plenty of shade panel details, installation photos, and design tips!
We do not provide any custom hemming or grommeting with these six foot wide premium colored materials - they are only sold by the foot (plain cloth).
Very fabric-like, it's easily cut with a razor knife and yardstick for straight line across the folded panel.
The two sides of 6 foot wide material are bound, not raw cut, with edges knitted back upon themselves for a bound factory hem.
The ends are normally folded over once or twice for a mock hem to hide the cut.
Some clients do reinforce by sewing solid 2-3/4 inch wide webbing folded over the edge.
Any home sewing machine is capable of sewing shade cloth.
We do not sell thread, but any local fabric shop can obtain it easily enough for you.
Just be sure to use a durable UV and rot resistant material.
Threads that are marketed for Marine Upholstery work are suggested for best quality.
Treatment to Resist UV is advertised for many threads, but generally speaking, cotton rots quicker and nylon gets brittle faster than the Polys like polypropylene.
Knitted shade materials are lockstitched fabric, so hemming the ends is not a functional necessity - merely for fashion.
The folded 'mock hem' makes for a very solid anchor point.
Nails used with fender washers are common (screws can snag and pull).
Atop a wood frame trellis, the folded hem is often sandwiched under a 1by2 batten board nailing/mounting strip of wood.
Silicone caulk is an excellent adhesive for unique designs, curves and pipe frames.
Up close in person, all five colors have the same basic knit appearance and openings for about 75% shade factor (sun blockage).
The Saddle Tan color is not any denser than the solid colors, it just doesn't contrast as well with the white background.
The white banding shown in sample swatches below runs full length of panel, not 6 foot side-to-side.
A factory hem is knitted along both sides of six foot material width, as shown on the bottom edge of the Brick Red and Chocolate (last two) swatches.
Larger custom size shade panels with hem and grommet are available, just not with these six colored fabrics.
These six fabrics are only sold six foot wide "off-the-bolt", for $2.75 per lineal/running foot.
Our 75% premium knit stretches VERY little, so no need to plan for that, but do anticipate folding the ends over at least once.
It will not unravel when cut or torn, but folding allows for a nicer, straighter appearance without requiring a perfect cut the first time.
Just in case, we always cut your order a little long and ship a few extra inches.
Saddle Tan . . . . . . . Evergreen . . . . . . . Black . . . . . . . Brick Red . . . . . . . Chocolate
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6 foot wide colored knitted shade cloth
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click here for discounted remnants, returns and wrinkled roll ends
click here for larger & custom panels available with hem and grommet
click here for plenty of shade panel details, installation photos, and design tips!
Need more than 100 feet? Save $100 on full 150 foot long rolls of shadecloth!
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150 foot rolls of colored shade cloth are $275*
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shade netting - plain cloth installation fasteners
plastic locking clips for cable, wire fencing, lashing or nailing
galvanized nailing plates for permanent installations on wood frames
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Plastic Locking Clips $14 per 36 bag
Commercial duty (heavier with longer barbs) UV stabilized plastic locking clips are 1-1/2" wide by 1" tall and will easily penetrate two layers of thick material for a nice strong folded hem.
Locking clips are not used with taped, reinforced sewn hems; they are typically used with folded-over plain cloth only.
Specifically designed for tying guy wires off or wrapping the fabric onto chain link fence, cable, or rope (up to 5/16 inch diameter), the large surface area ensures your material will not be damaged when pulled taut.
They have TWO front holes for maximum versatility: small 3/16" hole at top for hook (as pictured) or screw and a larger 5/16" hole in middle for lag bolt (as pictured).
The pass-through opening across top/center will hold up to 5/16" diameter cable or rope (as pictured with red bungee).
Shown at left is front and back of a clip and a clip being installed (bottom right).
Fold clip over edge of fabric and snap/lock into place (barbs lock into other side of fastener).
You can even put one on each side of fabric (instead of folding over the edge) for a center-mounted fastening point.
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Plastic locking clips for seasonal shade and
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Wood Fasteners $14 per 60 bag
Year-round installations over wooden trellis, lanai and pergolas are commonly "raw material" plain cloth stretched atop and held in place with these galvanized nailing plates. For a more polished look, you can add 1by2 wood (batten boards) around the edges, thus "sandwiching" it between the trellis and outer trim wood (the batten board). A unique spin on this idea is to literally roll the 1by2 up into the material, then nail it in place. This technique makes it very easy to apply lots of tension on the 1by2 rolled up into shade cloth ... and to easily let-out a little material by unrolling a bit. Our galvanized nailing plates have eight 3/8 inch long barbed points on their 1/2 inch by 2 inch galvanized surface. They are very effective at anchoring edges without tearing the fabric - holding tightly in place with or without a batten board. Just fold cut edge of material for a hem and hammer the wood fastener in place. Please note that you should use a flat metal bar or block of wood to hammer the 2 inch long fastener down evenly with a single stroke. A hammer alone, used directly on this long nailing plate, will just bend the middle and/or makes the other side jump out of the wood. Wood fasters and locking clips are not used with taped, reinforced sewn hems. These fasteners are used with plain cloth only. |
The 30% black knit awning pictured at left is bordered on all four sides with our plastic locking clips and 3/16 inch diameter galvanized braided steel cable. Material is simply folded over the cable and secured with one clip every foot. You can use fewer clips, but it helps to spread stress out more evenly. Turnbuckles are installed on two corners to tension for a tight look and allow panel to be removed seasonally. We do not sell any rope, bungees, S rings, cable, turnbuckles, lag screws or eyelets since they are so commonly found at local hardware stores. | 
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Heavy duty black hem "tape" solid webbing
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up to 32 foot wide custom-size knitted shade panels made to order
hem, grommet, grommeted pinch pleats, and double layer panels are available
- automatic custom quotes and shade panel ordering with the two forms below -
in 12 foot material: Light Grey 87% - Green 87% - Royal Blue 70% - Stucco Tan 65% - Really Red 65%
and up to 32 foot wide in: Black knit 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% along with a Green 60% and a White 50% knit shade factors
click here for plenty of shade panel details, installation photos, and design tips!
click here for discounted remnants, returns and wrinkled roll ends
We custom cut, tape, hem and grommet sun screen awnings to your desired size and specific shade factor needs for a great lanai cover or shade canopy.
Our UV and heat resistant, polyethylene shade materials are available in colored Light Grey 87% knit, Green 87%, Royal Blue 70%, Stucco Tan 65% and Really Red 65% on the second quoting and ordering form.
Should you need a panel wider than 12 foot (or in 6, 8 or 10 foot), we offer up to 32 foot wide Black 30% to 90% knitted shade cloth, plus Green 60% and White 50% on the first quoting and ordering form below.
Cut the heat on your patio, keep leaves out of your Koi pond, slash your air conditioning bills, and also it also makes an excellent paintball netting for paintball field fencing.
This extremely durable knitted shade panel material will not fray when cut or torn, like cheaper woven shade screens and paintball fencing.
All stock widths have a closed, factory hem along the two edges - only the ends are cut as it comes off the roll.
The higher the shade factor, the denser the knit and the smaller the holes (87% has ~2mm holes).
ALL shade factors will allow water to pass through unless they are installed on an extremely steep pitch (45 degree plus slope).
Even then, only a small percentage of the rain will roll off the edge.
The open knit is what makes shade cloth work - it allows heat to pass up through, not trapping it like a solid tarp or roof.
You are energy-wise to install large shade canopies for a cooler microclimate along the south side of your home - even on the roof!
Click here for material engineering specifications and click here for MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet.
All custom panels are fully warranted by fabric manufacturer for one year under the Terms of Service Agreement and as produced within stated tolerances possible working with knitted materials.
In practice, you can expect 8-10 years of service with proper installation and removal in the winter months, when not needed for cooling.
Abrasion (rubbing against structure) is what degrades a panel in the long run, not simple exposure to sunlight, so always install taut.
Rinsing off your panel occasionally to remove accumulated grit is another life-extending tip.
Grommeted pinch pleats can be added to create a much stronger panel by keeping the center from lofting (sailing) in the wind and rubbing against the structure.
We do our best to represent the knit density properly, but actual size of openings, style, color and appearance of knit is always subject to change without notice.
Materials greater than 60% knit density stretch VERY little, so there is no need to plan for that.
They are pre-treated to stop shrinking from happening in the hot sun, but you should always store a knitted panel in a cool, dry shaded place until ready to install.
There is no test to determine actual shrinkage, but in practice it is limited to 1%-3% and typically offset by a certain amount of stretch in a knitted material.
While the fabric might stretch a bit, it will shrink a bit too, so there is normally a net-zero change when installed under tension properly.
All woven or knitted shade fabrics will allow water to pass through, but as you progress up to 90% density, some rain will run off the edge when installed on a steep slope.
The material will slow the rain down, but it will eventually pass through ... this is key with a shade panel versus solid tarp choice: these knit panels will let the heated air pass back up through.
Shade panels may not stop the rain, but they do a much better job of keeping an area cooler and fresher underneath.
The size shade panel you request, is the FINISH size - we cut down from larger stock width panel, as per your finish dimension ordered.
The ONLY time to anticipate a variance is when you order a single layer panel with hem in stock width of 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 26 or 32 foot.
Then the Finish Width, after hem is folded and reinforcing tape webbing is sewn will likely be 2-3 inches less.
For instance: order a hemmed 12 foot width panel and the finish width is likely to be 11 foot 9-10 inch.
ALL other times, the finish dimension you request is the size we ship, within stated tolerances possible working with knitted materials.
So, if you want a panel 11 foot 9 inch wide, order your panel 11 foot 9 inch wide.
Don't assume that if you order a stock width panel you will get something different, but when we start with stock 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 26 or 32 foot width of material, it usually does lose 2-3 inches in the fold of perimeter hem.
The Length specified on the form is always the finish size we do our best to produce - no variances should ever be expected on length (with or without grommeted pinch pleats).
Discounts for larger panels are automatically calculated by the ordering form below: 1000 sq ft discount is 10%, 2000 sq ft is 15%, 3500 - 20%, 5500 - 25%, 8000 - 30%, 11,000 - 35% and 15,000+ square feet is discounted 40% by the automatic quoting and ordering form.
Please note that discounts are per panel, not cumulative.
We can fold the fabric over for a heavy-duty double layer panel - the automated form below is easy to use for an instant quote.
Production lead time to make your panel is +/- 5 business days this time of year and then they ship via UPS Ground with automatic email tracking notification.
Material choices for up to 12 foot wide custom panels are: Light Grey 87% - Green 87% - Royal Blue 70% - Stucco Tan 65% - Really Red 65% - Green 60% - White 50% knit shade factors.
And up to 32 foot wide on the first quoting form are: Black knit 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 90% along with a Green 60% and a White 50% knit shade factors
The following knit density (shade factor) sun block percentages are commonly used:
Color does not affect performance - for instance: 70% Blue (knit density) provides the same shade as 70% Black
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Three color choices in larger panels are Black 30% to 90% sun block, a 50% only White knit density and a 60% only Green color knit.
click here for installation and design tips! | 
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up to 32 foot wide - Automatic Quoting and Ordering Form
Scripts must be enabled on your internet browser to run this program and see pricing
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Custom size shade panel options include:
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Light Grey 87% - Green 87% - Royal Blue 70% - Stucco Tan 65% - Really Red 65%
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up to 12 foot wide - Automatic Quoting and Ordering Form
Scripts must be enabled on your internet browser to run this program and see pricing
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Custom size shade panel options include:
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Grommeted pinch pleats GPP are $1.25 per foot and commonly added on panels longer/wider than 20 feet
 
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Open end pockets are also available, although not pictured. We fold the material over and sew an "open hem" into a side to allow insertion of a pipe or cable. Cost is the same as normal rectangle plus $1.25 per foot for the pockets. Please note that open hem pockets are simply folded over and stitched; it is not possible to create pockets with reinforced hem tape webbing. For a quote, email natural@colorado.net or fax 720-293-1705 an 8-1/2" by 11" boldly labeled drawing in feet and inches. Be sure to make the lines and numbers VERY bold and specify the shade factor desired along with postioning of the open end pockets and their inside net width (flat measurement, not diameter). Fractional inches are not possible to specify. For instance, if you wish to slide a 2-1/2 inch diameter pipe, it has a circumference of 7.85 inch, so order a 5 inch pocket. If you are sliding a 2by4 through (1.5 & 1.5 & 3.5 & 3.5 is at least 10), so order a 6 inch pocket. We always do our best to produce to tight specs, but only offer free replacement outside tolerances. |
images above and below are grommeted pinch pleat GPP
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click here for discounted remnants, returns, and wrinkled roll ends
20, 26 and 32 foot Right-Triangle shade sail panels
double layered for heavy sun protection and long-term durability
reinforced heavy-duty sewn perimeter hem with grommets every foot
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Made in the U.S.A., our stock size triangular shade sails are DOUBLE LAYERED for long-term durability and maximum sun screen protection. The white 50% knit and green 60% knit double layers equate to 80% to 90% sun protection with the double layer 90% black at least 95% shade. Please note that knited fabrics are open to allow air to pass through, so they do not trap heat underneath like a solid tarp. All three sides are fully reinforced with black hem tape webbing (only color available) sewn around the edge and large brass grommets (1/2 inch hole diameter) every foot with double corners standard. While it is certainly possible to pull a panel from the corners only, you are wise to run a rope or galvanized cable through all the grommets on each side. This allow the cable along sides to carry the stress, not just the corners. Custom size triangular shade sail panels are available, but only with fabrics shown above. We do not provide any hem and grommet work with the saddle tan, evergreen, brick red, and chocolate color materials. |
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** Finish dimensions may vary slightly with some shade sails up to full 20, 26 and 32 foot sides A/B
Our double layer triangular shade sails leave our warehouse the same or next business day!
FREE UPS shipping! Sorry ... no delivery available to APO/FPO, HI, AK, PR, US VI, Mexico or Canada
rectangles are purchased with the automatic quoting and ordering form above
odd shape custom panels are available - email sketch for a quote
During the busy season, odd shape production is limited in availability. As long as the shape is two dimensional (no pyramids) and has at least one 90 degree starting corner, we can take a look at your production sketch for quoting. Triangles do not need a right angle starting corner, but we must have base to inside apex measurement (interior altitude) to determine overall width unless it is a right triangle (with 90 degree base corner). We can create just about any odd shaped sun screen panel, lanai, trellis or pergola patio cover, just email natural@colorado.net (or fax 720-293-1705) with an 8-1/2" by 11" boldly labeled drawing with feet and inches (i.e.: 8' 4" not 100 inches) of each side. Be sure to make the lines and numbers VERY bold and specify the shade factor desired along with postioning of any GPP and inside net width (flat measurement, not diameter) of any pocket. Round off to the nearest inch and note that we always do our very best to be precise, but we do not warrant odd shape custom panels since knitted materials are inherently difficult to work with. Please note that custom work is only available with materials shown above. We do not provide any hem and grommet work with the saddle tan, evergreen, brick red, and chocolate color materials. As per the project example below, many commercial installers specify their panels up to a foot smaller than the trellis overall (trampoline style). This "trampoline" effect (lacing with a gap around the perimeter) allows you to install very taut and keep it that way, with room to adjust as need be.
click here for discounted remnants, returns, and wrinkled roll ends
shade panel installation guidelines, suggestions and examples ...
Wind can whip a loose lanai cover or shade canopy, causing damage. That's why we install grommets on one foot centers with double grommeted corners standard at no extra charge. The more evenly stretched and supported, the stronger the panel and structure it is attached to. Shade panels are typically laced to a frame: tie rope or galvanized cable to corner post and run it through a grommet, around the trellis or pipe frame, back through the next grommet, and back around the structure ... all the way to the corner, where you pull it tight and secure (often with a turnbuckle to tighten as need be). When not lacing around the structure itself, a pipe, board or fasteners (eyelet screws) can be installed on structure and then the panel laced to it. Instead of eyelet screws, it is common to simply install deck screws at an angle into top of wood pergola (leave about an inch exposed) and then lace panel from grommets to exposed, angled screw shanks. And keep in mind that the anchor points atop trellis do not have to line up exactly with the grommets ... nice, but not necessary. Grommeted pinch pleats can be added to create a much stronger panel by keeping the center from lofting (sailing) in the wind and rubbing against the structure. In practice, you can expect 8-10 years of service with proper installation and removal in the winter months, when not needed for cooling. Abrasion (rubbing against structure) is what degrades a panel in the long run, not simple exposure to sunlight, so always install taut. Rinsing off your panel occasionally to remove accumulated grit is another life-extending tip. We do not sell the pipe, rope, cable, turnbuckles or eyelet screws, as these items are commonly available at any building supply center. The installation below is a classic example of lacing a shade canopy onto a metal pipe framework.
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GOOD, BETTER, BEST installation details ... just like any project
There are more ways to install a shade panel than there are installers, so installation tips are always presented with Good, Better, Best options.
For instance, the Best ropes are marine grade, used for sail rigging, but any rope is Good enough.
Better ropes will advertise product as UV Stabilized for outdoor use.
Lacing from grommet to structure (or cable) with cordage is a Best case scenario, with large 3/8 inch diameter rope displacing "loft and sail wind-load" most effectively onto grommets.
Good enough is to simply run your cable through grommet holes on each side.
Corners-only attachment directly to the shade sail or panel is not a good idea - why stress the fabric by pulling on only four points?
With grommets every foot on center around the perimeter, the cable or structure receives all the stress, abrasion, and tension from the rope, while keeping the panel taut without abrasion.
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Please note that we do not sell shade structures, just shade panels
rather than retail flimsy shade structure kits (and they are all flimsy)
we suggest hiring a local welder to construct you a galvanized frame
- ten foot is a common pipe length for basing the structure grid upon -
Larger shade panels are typically installed over trellis frames, utilizing multiple "bays" to lend even more support to the shade netting when spanning greater widths and lengths. The standard specification is for a series of ten, twelve, or twenty foot wide panels versus a single large one. Weight of the material is not an engineering issue (less than 1/2 ounce per square foot), but sail effect can be great in a heavy wind. The material will handle the wind fine ... the structure needs to be solid and secure, though. The additional lacing offered by a series of smaller width panels (and/or grommeted pinch pleats) creates a much stronger structure and keeps the panels from lofting (sailing) in the wind. Depending upon bay/stall size (span of pipe), 1-1/2" to 2" diameter schedule 40 galvanized pipe should be ample. Any local plumbing supply store will have everything you need - and be able to thread the straight pipe sections for you. Avoid using plastic PVC pipe as it gets brittle very quickly in the sun.
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Once the structure is in place, lace the panels taut as possible. When you can not lace directly to/around structure with rope, install eyelet screws on beams or screw, nail, etc to lace to/through. Use good quality UV resistant sleeved or polypropylene rope. Parachute cord, for instance, has a silk outer sleeve for extra UV protection and is available at any Army Surplus store. Avoid bungee cords, bungee balls, cotton, and nylon as they degrade in the sun and weather much faster. As a general buying rule of thumb, any supple cordage (versus stiff) will have much better longevity. |
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Pictured below, courtesy of a client in Canon City, is one of our 90 percent black knit panels over a wood frame pergola. On this particular panel, the client laced from grommeted panel to eyelet screws in top of the wood pergola. Rope and fastener are hidden, yet it is relatively easy to unlace in the winter and store for next season. Shade canopies, pergola or lanai covers not only provide sun screening to block excess solar heat gain, they create very favorable micro-climates next to structure. The effect is under-rated ... outside ambient climate/temperature can be dropped more than fifteen degrees with effective shading and ventilation. The secret is shade netting allows heated, rising air to pass through its open knit. Even at the highest density, shade fabric does not trap heat like a rainproof tarp, metal roof, or plastic pergola patio cover.
angle iron bracing is often used to construct engineered commercial shade trellis structures
this is 20 foot wide 60% Green knit - a second structure attaches for a 40 foot overall bay depth
80% or 90% black knit is always recommended to drop heat, but this client desired better lighting
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SOLID TARPS and a MYTH ABOUT SHADE FACTOR / KNIT DENSITY / SUN BLOCKAGE Shade factor is a rating of knit density with the percentage of sun blockage measured with a spectrometer. A 50% shade factor White blocks 50% of direct sunlight - a 60% Green blocks 60% sunlight - a 70% Black density blocks 70%. There is a myth circulating that a lower percentage white shade material would have the same cooling effect as a higher density green or black. This is absolutely false. Lighter colors reflect more ambient light underneath (make a patio brighter) while darker colors absorb rather than reflect light/heat, but the material is too light weight (low thermal mass) to RETAIN excess heat/energy. At less than 1/2 ounce per square foot, there is not enough thermal mass to store a large amount of radiant heat/energy. Heat is quickly dissipated by cooler air moving up through the open netting (even 90% density has ~1.5mm holes). A solid roof or waterproof canvas tarp would function differently, trapping heated air underneath. With an open netting, lighter colors of less density are not functionally cooler than a darker color with a higher shade factor rating. When dropping heat on your pergola or deck is key, our 80% and 90% black knits are the most commonly specified patio shade. |
Tried and True do-it-yourself project plans for manual roll-up shade screen
*** we do not sell any roll-up shade mechanisms or special systems ***
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PRIVACY SCREEN
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Up close, you can see through any density/color of shade cloth, but as you move farther away (20 plus feet) and at an angle, it becomes much more difficult to see objects on the other side clearly. The image above is looking out through our 70% black knit (above the stunt dog). Mind you, the intense backlighting with sunny day, super white snow foreground exaggerates the clarity, but this 70% black knit is a good compromise between preserving view from inside and creating a sense of privacy from outside. Looking in from across the yard about 20 feet away, the view is very nearly opaque, as shown in image below. Refraction off glass is a good part of the effect, but the key is lack of back lighting. At night with a light behind you (back lit), the shade material would naturally provide much less privacy. Direct natural light can overpower, washing interior rooms with glare on a sunny winter day. Knitted shade material drapes, sheer or curtain are an easy way to control the indoor environment passively. The shade netting catches a large percentage of direct solar gain, dissipating the heat, and stratifying the energy to best radiant benefit (always hottest around material).
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BLACK COLOR KNITS versus WHITE and GREEN Hot climate residential and commercial patios almost always install 80% or 90% black knit to drop the temperature (and sunlight) underneath as much as possible. You still get lots of natural light in from the sides, so it is not too dark. The only reason to install 70% or lower knit density is to ensure ample heat gain in the spring and fall months, where blocking 80% might make the patio a little too cool. It is common to have two shade panels in a hot climate: one high-density for peak summer months and one lower-density for when it cools in the fall. Functionally, black is the preferred color for a patio (see message box above). Patios are a place of relaxation and the black color absorbs more ambient light (not reflecting it), dilating your pupils, and generally creating a much calmer atmosphere. Heated air readily passes through any knit density, so the question of black absorbing more heat and radiating it back onto you is largely irrelevant to your personal comfort level underneath. Excess ambient light bouncing off a white panel adds heat gain and makes it much more of an active area, rather than a relaxation spot. The Black 70%, White 50% and Green 60% shade materials are very nearly the same knit pattern. The darker black absorbs more light, allowing only 30 percent to pass through. Green 60% knit is a compromise between blocking heat gain while still allowing 40% sunlight to pass through for plant growth and is very popular with greenhouse growers. White 50% knit is an excellent agricultural product too, reflecting maximum ambient light underneath, while allowing only 50% of direct sunlight to pass through from above. Any of the materials can be ordered as a double layer panel, where fabric is folded over for a heavy-duty two-layer panel. |
Our built-tough commercial grade knitted shadecloth panels carry a one year manufacturer's replacement warranty against material defects and workmanship.
You should expect at least 3 years of service (permanent installation in harsh desert climate) with eight years or more when installed seasonally in a more temperate climate.
Keeping the panel taut/tight with proper installation is the key to longevity - wind damage from rubbing against the structure and whipping in the wind is much more relevant than sun damage.
Wind can whip a loose shade canopy or paintball netting, causing damage - that's why we install grommets on one foot centers.
Shade panels are typically laced to the structure: tie rope or galvanized cable to one corner of the structure, run it through a grommet, around the trellis or pipe frame, back through the next grommet, and back around the frame ... all the way to the corner, where you pull it tight and tie it off.
Your local hardware store will stock ± 3/16 inch galvanized cable, eyelet bolts, cable clamps and turnbuckles to tension it.
If you use rope, we suggest army surplus parachute cord, polypropylene or similar UV resistant product.
We do not sell any rope, cable, or turnbuckles since these supplies are common to any local hardware store.
Terms of Service, Measurement Tolerances, and Specification Disclaimers:
Should you not have ordered a custom panel in the past, please be aware of the following trade-standard non-valid reasons to warrant requesting return, refund, remake or repair of any shade panel purchased.
There is no up-down, right-left, top-bottom or front-back to a panel.
The only dimension of note is Width and Length as shown on the automated quoting form and your automated email receipt afterwards.
The finish Length will be as per the measurement specified on order (spec).
The only time to expect deviation in finish meaurement is when Width spec is identical to one of our stock material widths of 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 26 and 32 foot.
Finish width will then be two to three inches less than spec to folding of material edge into sewn taped hem (5' 9-10", 7' 9-10", 9' 9-10", 11' 9-10", 19' 9-10", etc).
ALL other times, the size panel you request is the size panel we ship.
So, if you want a panel 5 foot 9 inch wide, order your panel 5 foot 9 inch wide.
Don't assume that if you order 6 foot wide you will get something different, but when we start with 6 feet of material, it usually does lose 2-3 inches in the fold of perimeter hem.
We have always done our best and have always had very satisfied clients over the years, but due to the very nature of working with knitted shade nettings, exact measurements are not guaranteed (warranted).
Should the error be in excess of four inches (as measured across the taped hem), we will have the unit picked up for inspection.
At no charge to you, we will either refund in full, once inspected, or remake the panel at our option.
Just email and we will have it picked up by UPS within a day or two.
This four inch tolerance is the trade standard for refund/remake and the only guarantee provided.
This guarantee does not apply to shapes other than rectangles and panels over 32 foot long or wide.
Hem tape webbing color is black only (no other option) and grommets are number four (1/2 inch) brass only (no options).
We start at one corner and then proceed punching them in around/along all four sides in-turn.
Grommets on one side of panel are unlikely to line up with grommets on the opposite side.
Exact one foot on-center grommet spacing and/or placement is not warranted.
Any size shade panel may have a factory knitted seam splice without notice in advance.
While quite unlikely in a panel twelve foot or less in width, all panels over twelve foot wide will most likely have knitted factory seam splice from manufacture on dual looms.
It is important to note that this is not a weak sewn seam where two separate panels are sewn together.
We do not sew panels together to get larger sizes, but the dual loom production process does present a visible knitted splice.
This knitted splice on larger panels is not a weakness, only aesthetic, and is not valid grounds for requesting a refund or remake.
The white color knitted shade material can sometimes arrive with patches of orange discoloration spotting as a result of the manufacturing process.
This discoloration will dissipate after installation in the sunlight - no need to worry.
Shade material may always be slightly wrinkled from roll or shipping and knit appearance can vary from sample swatches presented and may also vary between various stock widths.
Minor flaws in knit appearance, stitching, and snags are not a structural panel failure problem, only aesthetic.
Shade material is lockstitch knitted to prevent unraveling, so the material around any flaw takes up the stress.
Longevity is the same regardless of aesthetic appearance flaws in the knit panel.
You can use needle and thread to pull small flaws together and Super-Glue, if you wish to improve the aesthetic, but we do not consider it a defect unless it affects panel performance.
Special fire resistant certified shade materials are not available.
Shade material, shade sails, and custom shade panels are non-returnable for refund since they can not be resold as new merchandise.
Fabric is knitted polyolefin, usually high density polyethylene plastic (HDPE), specially treated for durability and UV resistance.
Click here for material engineering specifications and click here for MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet.
All custom panels are fully warranted by fabric manufacturer for one year under the Terms of Service Agreement and as produced within stated tolerances possible working with knitted materials.
click here for discounted remnants, returns, and wrinkled roll ends
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