Frequently Asked Question

Is Pattons licenced and accredited?

Is shade cloth waterproof?
How long will it take for Pattons to manufacture and install my sail?
How often do I clean my sail?
What do I do if my sail is collecting water?
How long does a shade cloth last?
Is there anything Pattons can not make?
Why does a waterproof sail cost more than a shade only sail?

Is Pattons licenced and accredited?

Yes and yes.

Pattons is one of only 17 companies in Australia that has gained Specialised Textiles Association Acceditation  

(more about the STA accreditation) 

Pattons Contractor Licence (NSW) Number 240451C

Is shade cloth waterproof?

No. Shade cloth is not waterproof as it is a mesh. Pattons operate along two schools of thought. Shade cloth provides shade only. Waterproof fabric, such as PVC, provides both shade and protection from the rain or even snow.

In saying that, shade cloth does provide a small degree of protection from the rain under light precipitation as the ‘gaps’ in the shade cloth close with water under surface tension and you can see the rain move across the fabric towards the lowest point. 

Water movement off shade cloth is highly dependant upon fabric choice, age, location, angle of installation, method of installation, shape, tension, proximity to other structures etc etc. If you want to stop the water hitting a particular area, then select only waterproof materials. Contact our sales team for advice. Contact the sales team now

 

How long will it take for Pattons to manufacture and install my sail?

Pattons ‘normal’ turn around time is stated as four to six weeks (4-6 weeks). However, we specialise in quick turn around from idea to completeion. We have worked in the movie and event market for many years which has enabled us to develop solid systems for providing what our clients need quicker than anyone else. It all comes down to the individual project and what we have to work with. Contact the sales team now to talk through your timeframe options. If you have a party you need an awning installed for, product launch or a massive stage show that is happening soon- chances are we can help.

 

How often do I clean my sail?

As often as you clean your car is our standard answer to this question. If you think it looks dirty then clean it. You are the best judge of how often you should clean any of your assets. If you see mould on your bathroom tiles, you clean it. The same applies for your fabric awning or shade sail.

Make sure you use our care guides for your particular product to maximise longevity and so as not to cause damage to the fabric. You will be supplied with the care guides at the completion of your project or anytime after at your request. Contact the sales team now

 

What do I do if my sail is collecting water?

Call Pattons and or send a text to our mobiles for assessment. A sail should not collect water. If it does something has gone wrong. Call Pattons the minute you notice your sail not preforming as it was when installed. We get many calls from people whom have had another supplier install a sail for them and it is damaged in some way. It does not matter who put it up, we can help fix it. Contact the sales team now

 

How long does a shade cloth last?

Shade cloth generally last about 10-20 years. It varies dramatically dependant upon many factors. Factors such as fabric choice, age, location, angle of installation, method of installation, shape, tension, proximity to other structures etc etc all impact on the longevity and return on investment of a shade sail.

Pattons design sails to last. We use thread that is guaranteed for 10 years and our construction techniques and installation methods maximise the life of your sail. We have seen sails that were install over 25 years ago still operating effectively- they are a little less attractive than when first put in, but still working.

It is like anything; you get what you pay for. If you have Pattons design, manufacture and install your sail you are increasing the return of your investment right from the start. Contact the sales team now to see what is possible.

 

Is there anything Pattons can not make?

Pattons can make anything out of fabric…well pretty much anything. We specialise is doing what other can not. We have helped many designers, directors and arcitects over the years achieve what they thought impossible with fabric. Our back cateloge is packed with weird and unusual fabric creations. Why not try us out. Contact the sales team now to see what is possible.

 

Why does a waterproof sail cost more than a shade only sail?

Shade cloth is generally less expensive than waterproof fabrics when measured by the lineal metre. The construction of these two products is similar except in general, waterproof fabric has additional layers of treatment that make it waterproof. In addition to this, the fixings required to tension a waterproof sail are generally a more solid arrangement and this increase the investment required.

Contact the sales team now to see what is the difference between shade and waterproof is on your project. You might find that the advantages of a waterproof sail has is within your budget.