What are the best shade sail companies? 6 options for corporate campuses

6 best shade sail companies

Adding shade sails around campuses and industry headquarters is about more than keeping the sun out. These structures can increase the safety of a building, protecting it from burning embers and hot ash during nearby fire events. Fire-resistant tarps and canvas sails can make all the difference in providing a safer work environment for business owners and employees while reducing the cost of cooling equipment. 

USA SHADE

USA SHADE is a leader among shade sail companies in North America, providing predesigned and custom solutions. The readily available options offer effective sun evasion and fabric structures for any sector, from domestic to business. The full-service option includes every step, from design and engineering to manufacturing and installation, by a team of qualified professionals. 

If you’re looking for an extra budget-friendly option, the company’s quick-ship products include pickleball courts and replacement shade fabric, a quick solution to urgent UV-resistance needs. The business manufactures all shape structures, including square, rectangle, multi-sided, 3-point, cantilever, single post, and specialty or custom designs. 

USA SHADE has full accreditation with IAS and is DSA certified, giving customers peace of mind that its products meet stringent quality testing. 

Key features:

• Compliant with  legislative requirements in various states and insurance policy stipulations
• Fireproof and waterproof options — a plus in California, where wildfires can spread damaging ash and cinders 
• A shade builder tool to help owners design corporate campus awnings or structures
• Local permit assistant in areas where a building permit is required
• Permanent anchoring for better structural integrity in winds 90-150 miles per hour
• A 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty for discoloration, failure or deterioration
• Repair services for out-of-warranty USA SHADE-installed structures 

Cali Shade Sails

Cali Shade Sails is a full-service canopy company offering design and installation services for California-based commercial properties. The business’s products are featured in agricultural areas, playgrounds and public spaces. The industrial installations cover parking and gathering spaces. 

Quoted prices include heavy-duty sail material, installation, labor, poles and all necessary hardware. The installed products carry a 10-year warranty, though most last up to 20 years. Cali Shade Sails is bonded, licensed and insured, and it meets local building codes and insurance stipulations. 

Key features:

• Custom designs with an on-site measuring service 
• Specialization in parking lot, pool, livestock and patio covers
• Large project installation in under a month
• Extremely weather-resistant sail materials 
• Temporary structures that can easily be moved 

Tarps Now

Tarps Now offers excellent prices on fabric per yard and custom-cut and edged tarps and covers. The commercial manufacturer has over a decade of tarp-making experience and focuses on customer satisfaction with durable solutions. 

All products are guaranteed defect-free, though clients must file claims within 30 days. Tarps come in various colors, making them ideal for branding. Choose insulated coverings, heavy-duty options, waterproof tarps and canvas sails. Tarps Now offers custom cutting and delivery. However, the company does not provide installation services. 

Key features:

• Customized products like shade sails, industrial curtains and partitions, gym flooring, and clear vinyl coverings
• A tarp builder app for creating customized, unique designs
• UV-, tear-, rot- and mildew-resistant canvas products suitable for industrial applications 
• Custom cutting and delivery 
• Limited defect-free warranty 

Industrial Shade Ports

Since its inception in 1993, Industrial Shade Ports has pioneered sail fitment and replacement. The company’s client list includes the U.S. government and various private and commercial customers. It offers fabricated custom sunshade structures using steel, aluminum and high-quality sail materials. 

Industrial Shade Ports is accredited and certified by various industry authorities, including the National Playground Contractors Association, and is a recreational installation specialist-certified business. The range of solutions is impressive and easily customized to any space. 

Applications for the dynamic sun solutions and sails include sports arenas, parks, marinas, outdoor amphitheaters, parking lots and corporate headquarters. 

Key features:

• Top-of-the-line high-density polyethylene mesh cloth
• Cost-effective services with fast delivery  
• Customized structures
• Easily detachable coverings for storm readiness in hurricane weather 
• Temperature control that reduces heat under the structure by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit
• Sails that block up to 98% of UV radiation 
• Existing tarp and cover replacement 
• Screen repair

ACF Tarp and Awning

With almost 50 years of experience in the industry, ACF Tarp and Awning is one of the top companies for industrial shade fabrication. Trained technicians use the best materials and can install each order, customizing the products to a client’s needs. The premium fabrics come in various colors to meet any branding specifications. The family-owned business operates a 20,000-square-foot facility, and the impressive client list includes Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, American Airlines and General Motors. 

The custom products include shade structures, industrial curtains and wind walls, making ACF Tarp and Awning an ideal choice for corporate campuses. The designers work with the client on every step of the design process and can make any size and shape of sun protection covers. 

Key features: 

• Commercial-grade fabrics
• Marine-grade hardware in long-lasting stainless steel
• Multiple shapes and colors to choose from
• Versatile customization options 

Superior Shade

With 20 years of experience in industrial and commercial UV-fabric solutions, Superior Shade offers innovative products for self-installation. The business is popular among architects and contractors due to the excellent quality of its products and reliable delivery times.

The sails are all UV-resistant, deflecting up to 98% of UV rays with a temperature reduction of up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. With an on-staff engineer, the projects meet building codes, and clients can purchase a sealed engineered drawing for local council approval if needed.

Key features: 

• Covered sailes and canopies that withstand wind speeds up to 75 miles per hour
• Easy removal mechanism for storm preparation 
• Low-maintenance structures that resist sagging when correctly installed and tensioned 

Deciding what are the best shade sail companies

Choosing the best shade sail companies requires considering various aspects, such as the quality of each business’s service, products and installation. Corporate campus sun coverings may be considered public structures and must meet specific safety criteria. The finish also contributes to the client’s overall image and the usefulness of the investment. 

Before selecting a supplier or installer, consider the following:

• Legislative requirements and certification: A business certified by a building association or that regularly works in the public sector already meets the basic requirements for quality and service. 
• Type of applications: Not all suppliers cater to all needs, and they may not have what the campus requires, so shop around for one that does.  
• Fire and waterproofing: Select the best quality materials with a fireproof or water-resistant rating to protect the building and people from extreme weather events. 
• Shade structures: A company that does installations should use effective, long-lasting hardware to mount a sail. The structure must have enough tensile strength to withstand strong winds, snow and rain.
• Full-service offerings: Partnering with a business that offers complete service packages from measuring, design and fabrication to engineering and installation is an effective way to get the best result. 
• Warranties and guarantees: A reputable service provider will stand by their product’s quality and installation. A guarantee of 10 years is fairly standard. If a supplier offers less, ask why. Some color choices are less resilient than others, so choose a better-lasting color for the full warranty. 

How do you choose the right shade sail company

Companies specializing in custom designs, offering UV-rated fabric and providing installation services are best. Check customer reviews, warranty options and whether the structures are handling-friendly. Consider regional experience, as local weather can affect installation style and materials. 

What materials should a high-quality shade sail use

Top-tier sails use HDPE fabric, which provides up to 98% protection from UV rays while retaining airflow. The hardware should include marine-grade stainless or galvanized steel to ensure stability and rust prevention. 

How much do shade sails cost in the U.S.

Pricing depends on size, shape, material, and whether it’s a DIY or professional installation. A small DIY sail may cost a few hundred dollars from Amazon, while large custom sails with professional installation could run thousands of dollars. Always get a few quotes to compare quality and scope with price. 

Conclusion

Connect with any of these shade sail businesses to meet corporate sun-reflection and protection needs. Ensure the campus remains a safe, relaxing space where employees can learn and gather, with ample undercover parking and outdoor spaces for lunch breaks and open-air sessions.

With a quality guarantee and long-term warranty, the risk of failure and UV fading is minimal, so pick a contractor that provides quality installations, excellent materials and durable hardware for lasting enjoyment.