If you’re in Dubai and looking for car parking shades, you’ve come to the right place.
Let your car sit in Dubai for one summer afternoon and you’ll find you’re back with a steering wheel that can be used for frying! This isn’t an exaggeration. It’s only the 2nd of July. You’ve probably noticed that most villas, malls and offices in this city have a shade over their car parks, and that’s because the sun in this city doesn’t play nice, and neither should the shade that covers the car park.
From the need for them in the hot climate of Dubai to the practicalities of installation, the materials used and the performance they can deliver, this guide covers everything you need to know about car parking shades.
Dubai’s Heat Is a Reason Enough to Invest in Parking Shades, as They Are Essential for Convenience Rather Than Luxury
It’s not only hot in Dubai during the summer. It’s relentless. It is common for the temperature to rise above 40°C during the day from June to September, with 49°C in shade on the hottest days. When the numbers are inside a parked car, they get really scary.
Automotive maintenance experts who monitor Dubai weather conditions say that a car parked in direct sunlight can have an internal temperature of 80°C in just an hour. Other sources cite similar statistics, where the heat in the interior of the cabin has been measured to be above 70°C during hot summer days. For comparison, it’s hot enough to fry your circuit boards, crack your dashboards and transform a leather seat into an electric heating pad.
The pain isn’t limited to the pain itself. Tyres, batteries and paintwork all wear out more quickly in hot conditions, and upholstery and plastic elements will become paled over time as a result of UV rays. This can’t be changed. If a dashboard cracks due to heat, it will remain cracked.
This whole cycle is interrupted when the sun breaks in on the parking spot. It is the easiest measure that a car owner or property manager can take to ensure that a long-term vehicle purchase does not end up being a short-term headache.
What Is Actually a Car Parking Shade?
The car parking shade is a steel frame structure with a fabric roof designed to effectively block direct sunlight whilst being wind resistant for the UAE. It might sound like it is easy, but it’s not easy to make a good one.
The structure is usually composed of two elements: The first is a frame of galvanized steel, which will be fixed to the ground using concrete bases, and the second is a fabric cover that is stretched over the frame and anchored to the ground. If you get either wrong, you will be left with a rusty shade, or one that will rip open in the first major sand storm.
There are a few common shades configuration types, all appropriate for different sites. Single sided, cantilever designs feature a single support pole, leaving the parking bay barrier clear of blocking poles, making these designs popular in villas and showrooms in which space is limited. Pyramid designs have a familiar look throughout the UAE residential compounds and have a classic peaked shape. Arch designs are more architectural, and are generally better for commercial properties that are looking for a more finished appearance.
The Fabric Question: HDPE vs PVC vs PTFE
That is where most of the decisions for buying are made and where it helps to have some knowledge to avoid a lot of regrets later.
Knitted, breathable fabric with an HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) that blocks up to 98% UV rays and lets air pass underneath. It is the least expensive, usually comes in 300-350 GSM, and is appropriate for homes. The downside is that conventional HDPE is not waterproof, it will keep you protected from the sun but not from the rain!
A PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) fabric is a heavier fabric, usually 650 to 900 GSM, and it is completely waterproof. This is why it is the ideal solution for commercial car parks or other locations where it matters more for rain protection than for sun protection. It has good tensile and tear strength and it is also UV resistant.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is at the high end. It’s chemically non-reactive, can withstand a very wide temperature range and usually has the longest supplier warranty, frequently cited as 30 years. It is more expensive and so is more likely to be found on a large commercial project or an architecturally ambitious project than a standard villa driveway.
HDPE is an appropriate choice for most residential property in Dubai with regards to cost and protection. PVC or PTFE is usually the best choice for commercial properties, particularly those close to the coast, where exposure to salt air contributes to wear.
The Truth Regarding Car Parking Shade Installment Actually Is
It’s not a weekend project and it isn’t something that should be done by a layman. Let’s go through the basics of a pro install.
The first step is to visit the site. A competent staff determines the size of the parking area, the number of bays required, the topography and sub-soil conditions and any local obstacles such as drainage lines or existing structures. This step will define the shade design for cantilever, pyramid or arch designs as well as the foundation needs.
Next is the design of the structure and the patterning of the fabric, done using specialised engineering software which determines how the wind will be distributed over the structure. This isn’t a cosmetic step. The steel sizing and anchor depth of Dubai shade structures are usually designed to resist wind speeds of 120 kmph or higher, so it is essential to size the steel and determine the depth of the anchors accurately and not just estimated.
Next comes the foundation with concrete anchors poured into place to anchor the steel posts. After curing, the steel frame is erected, then the stretched fabric membrane is installed with special fittings that can endure the long-term effects of wind load on the structure in the UAE climate.
Most reputable suppliers will also assist in the approval and documentation process if applicable, as shade structures on commercial or community property in Dubai tend to require compliance with the Dubai Municipality regulations, and UAE recognised wind loading regulations.
If You’re Looking for Lifespan and Maintenance Information, Here It Is
A properly set up shade structure is not a quick fix. Galvanized steel frames have a lifespan of 20 years or more with proper maintenance and the fabric itself is usually covered by a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 to 10 years depending on the type of fabric selected (HDPE or PVC).
However, maintenance plays a key role in longevity and this aspect is frequently neglected. By cleaning regularly, dust and sand abrasion will not accelerate the deterioration of the fabric surface. A yearly inspection can detect small problems such as loose bolts, early signs of sagging, and make them less costly structural problems. The signs that should not wait to call in a professional include fabric fading, visible sagging, rust spots on the frame and seams in the fabric has been torn.
Making the Right Choice of Supplier Car Parking Shades
The selection of a supplier should not be taken lightly as it is for choosing a paint colour – because much is at stake when it comes to correct engineering. There are a number of distinguishing factors between reliable suppliers and the rest.
Don’t just accept general statements on the coating of the fabric and frame. A supplier that has the ability to give specific terms of warranty and GSM weight is usually one that knows their product. Ask for proof of adherence to the UAE wind load specifications and Dubai Municipality requirements (if applicable) to defend you in case of any structural issues. And ask how long the company actually has been in the UAE market. Shade structures are outdoor structures that are built for the lifetime and a supplier with a long track record in the region has, by nature, experienced what UAE weather does to underbuilt structures.
Frequently Asked Questions on Car Parking Shades
What is the average price for car parking shades in Dubai?
The price is affected by the number of bays covered, the complexity of a design, the structure size and the type of fabric used. Generally, the most cost effective structures are HDPE, followed by PVC and PTFE, in terms of both material cost and durability.
What are the requirements for having a car parking shade installation in Dubai?
Compliance with Dubai Municipality regulations and documentation of wind load engineering is often required for many commercial and community installations. This documentation will normally be the responsibility of reputable suppliers during installation.
What is the time frame for installation?
The timeframes will depend on the project size, but in most cases, projects such as installing a new residence are finished in a couple of days once the design and materials are determined, and of course, larger commercial projects will require more time, depending on the size and approval needs.
Final Thoughts on Car Parking Shades
No matter what you do, Dubai’s climate will not stop and neither will the damage it inflicts on a vehicle without protection. A well-designed car park shade isn’t just a decorative accessory. Simple and effective protection from heat, UV rays and the gradual but costly erosion caused by parking in the desert.
The key elements of shading for commercial or residential applications remain the same, regardless of whether the shade is a single villa driveway or a multiple bay commercial site: select the shade fabric that is appropriate to the situation, implement proper wind-load engineering and cooperate with a shade fabric supplier who takes the shade frame as seriously as the shade fabric above it. Your car and your AC compressor will thank you.