Flame-retardant shade sails

May 1, 2022  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

As the world continues to call for commercial fabrics that can withstand ever-greater environmental challenges, shade sail vendors are waiting to see whether that will translate into greater demand for flame-retardant (FR) shade sails.
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How are industry codes and standards developed?

September 1, 2021  |  Awnings & Canopies, Fabric Structures, Inflatables, Markets, Tents

When tent, awning and fabric structure installers think of codes and standards, they often envision the building and fire departments of local and state jurisdictions that enforce such regulations on their projects. Enforcement is the very end of the process—the result of many years of code develo…
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A winning canopy in Atlantic City

June 1, 2021  |  Awards, Awnings & Canopies, IAA, Markets

What started as a photo contest in 1946 among canvas goods manufacturers has become a prestigious international awards competition honoring excellence in awnings and canopies, shade sails, marine fabrication, geosynthetic projects, tent rental and manufacturing, tensile structures, fabric graphics, …
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Portico shade structure opens up new possibilities

May 1, 2021  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

When a client requested a cover for the entry of a workshop/studio, Schafbock Design Workshop of Gujarat, India, took on several challenges, according to Schafbock’s Shehzad Irani. These included the timeline, which was just 45 days from concept design to installation, and the site, a fully functi…
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Keeping up the shade market momentum

April 1, 2021  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Shade is on everyone’s mind, according to Margueritte Ramos, owner and sales manager of ShadeFLA. The Miami, Fla.-based company designs and installs shade products ranging from awnings and canopies to retractable roofs and tension sails. Lately, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing.
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Shade around the world: custom canopy projects

January 1, 2021  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Custom canopy projects can present unique challenges to their creators, but that’s a reason many designers, fabricators and installers enjoy them. These projects give them a chance to flex their creative muscles while solving problems.
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Wholesale Shade introduces Shade Sail University

May 10, 2019  |  Awnings & Canopies, News

Wholesale Shade, a premier shade sail fabricator, has developed a comprehensive guide for the shade sail industry. Covering design, selling, installation and more, this guide is a must-have for anyone looking to get into the shade business or to train new employees. It includes standard industry for…
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Canopy protects New Zealand kindergarten from UV rays

June 1, 2016  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Mid-century kindergarten in New Zealand gains a contemporary facelift and enhanced enrollment—and a healthy dose of shade. Of all the roles that shade structures fulfill—from aesthetic appeal to space expansion— their most critical function is weather protection. Few places require as much pro…
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Framework for success

March 1, 2016  |  Awnings & Canopies, Features, Markets

Companies with in-house metal shops enjoy advantages in quality control and customer service, plus increased opportunities for expanding operations. Like the stars of box-office hits, fabric usually gets all the glory as the most noticeable player (especially when emblazoned with colors and custom g…
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Envision, build, repeat

March 1, 2016  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Features, Management, Markets, Perspective

Michael Catalano treats his clients as strategic partners—and that keeps them coming back. “We have a saying here: It’s not about the first job. It’s about the next job,” says Michael Catalano, CEO of Capitol Awning Co., Jamaica, N.Y. “And probably 90 percent or more of our work ends…
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