RESTORING YOUR SHADE TO PERFECTION
Identifying Common Shade Structure Issues
Before diving into the repair process, it’s crucial to identify common problems that shade structures may encounter:
- Fabric tears and fading: Carports and parking shades, often made from durable fabrics, can be subject to tears and fading due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation and weather elements.
- Rust and corrosion: Metal frames of cantilevered shades, shade sails and canopies can corrode over time, compromising their structural integrity and appearance.
- Broken or bent components: Prolonged exposure to strong winds or heavy loads can cause shade structure components, such as poles and beams, to break or bend.
- Mold and mildew growth: Humid environments can promote the growth of mold and mildew on fabric surfaces, detracting from both aesthetics and health.
- Assessing the repair scope: Once you’ve identified the issues, assess the scope of repair needed. For minor tears in fabric, patching kits are available, but extensive damage may require replacing the entire fabric. For metal structures, rusted components may need to be sanded and treated with rust-resistant coatings.