Shadeport Specialist
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Sean Young
SINCE 1995
Carport & Shadeport Materials
What goes into a durable installation
Good materials and careful installation work together. Quotations for new shadeports include detailed specifications and relevant drawings, explaining the proposed materials, layout and installation.
Your quotation and drawings identify the dimensions, structural components, foundations and work included for your site. Solid-roof carports have a separate roofing specification.
For a new shadeport or replacement net, send your suburb, photos and approximate dimensions if available. We’ll confirm whether further information or a site inspection is needed.
Shade netting
We use Knittex Colourshade Z25 shade netting, manufactured from high-density polyethylene with UV stabilisers, in the colour agreed for your project.
Shade factor and UV block are separate measurements. Both vary by colour, with UV-block options up to 97%. Our colour guide shows the published ratings separately and identifies details that require confirmation.
Knittex's ten-year manufacturer cover relates to UV degradation of the fabric and is subject to its applicable written terms. This is separate from our five-year business guarantee.
Seams and stitching
Our current sewing thread is Serafil A320UV, M20, in natural colour. This continuous-filament polyester thread is supplied as a UV variant for outdoor applications.
We sew shade-net seams and joins on our industrial machine, with careful thread tension and consistent stitching. Existing nets can be assessed for washing and restitching where the fabric remains suitable for repair.
Perimeter cable and tensioning
The perimeter cable runs inside the shade net’s outer seam and helps maintain its tension.
Our updated specification uses 5 mm galvanised steel-core wire rope (WMC/WSC). Cable construction, condition, fittings and correct tensioning all matter; diameter alone does not describe the complete specification.
During repairs, we assess both the cable and the surrounding netting. Rust, fraying or loss of tension need attention, and damaged fabric must be assessed before a replacement cable is fitted.
Steel framework and foundations
We use round steel tubing from 42 mm to 165 mm, square and rectangular tubing, angle iron and lipped channel for our shadeport and carport work. Section sizes, wall thicknesses, connections and foundations are specified for the structure and site in your quotation and matching drawing.
Three-bend hoops and smoothly rolled hoops are different arrangements. Any welded centre join in a column is disclosed in the quotation. Foundation dimensions remain specific to each job.
Our standard minimum head clearance is 2.1 m from the ground to the lowest part of the structure. Additional clearance can be quoted. The image below illustrates the types of steel sections used.
Fasteners
For new shadeports, we use M6 × 65 mm galvanised bolts and nuts to assemble the framework, and M10 × 25 mm galvanised bolts and nuts to connect cantilevers to columns. We source these fasteners from JKM in Ferndale.
Connection details remain specific to the structure. Wall brackets, base plates and anchors are identified separately where included in your quotation and drawing. The image below is representative.
Steel-frame paint refurbishment and repainting
For existing structures, we remove loose paint and surface rust by sanding, scraping, chipping and wire brushing, then clean the steelwork. Structural repairs or replacement of badly deteriorated components are identified separately in the quotation.
Our standard finish uses two coats of Pro-Steel 2-in-1 solvent-based enamel on properly prepared mild steel. After sanding and cleaning, we apply Columbus Rust O Cure rust-converter primer treatment before repainting. Preparation, compatibility, coverage and recoating follow the applicable product instructions.
Choose your paint colour before purchase. The guide includes 18 approximate colour references, including Dark Battleship Grey, and marks supplier details still awaiting confirmation. Screens and printed charts can differ from the finished colour; agree a physical sample where a close match matters.
View steel paint colours and finish guide (PDF)
Discuss your project
For a quotation or advice about an existing structure, send photographs and your suburb. We serve northern Johannesburg and surrounding areas, including Randburg, Sandton, Fourways, Roodepoort and Midrand.
WhatsApp messages:
060 673 4126
Office calls (office hours):
011 568 4436