The Structure
How long does a shadeport last? +
With the right materials and maintenance, a steel structure can last 15–20 years. The cloth (Knittex Z25) comes with an 8-year manufacturer warranty, but that depends on how well it's cared for. If you re-tension it every few years and keep it clean, it'll last. If you ignore it, it'll sag and tear.
More on what fails and why →
What's the difference between a four-post and a cantilever? +
Four-post: Has poles in all four corners. Good for parking bays. Cheaper to build.
Cantilever: Has no front poles. You can park right up to the edge. More expensive, but looks cleaner and gives you more flexibility.
Can you build a shadeport on concrete? +
Yes. But if the ground is rock or hard concrete, we may need to drill holes and use special anchors. That costs extra. I'll check the ground before I quote.
What happens if the wind takes my shadeport? +
Shadeports are designed to handle wind, but no structure is wind-proof. If a storm takes it, call me. We'll come out, assess the damage, and tell you if it's worth fixing or if you need to replace it.
How to check yours before wind season →
Repairs & Maintenance
Can I fix my own shade cloth? +
You can try, but it's not worth the risk. If you re-tension it wrong, you'll rip the cloth or bend the frame. I can fix it for you, or I can tell you if it's time to replace it. Sometimes the honest answer is to just buy new.
Do you repair structures you didn't build? +
Yes. Bring us a structure you didn't buy from us. We'll tell you honestly what it needs. If it's fixable, we'll fix it. If it's done, we'll tell you that too.
How much does it cost to re-tension a shadeport? +
It depends on the size and how bad it is. If the cloth is still good, it's a quick job. If the cloth is UV-finished and sagging, re-tensioning it is throwing money away. I'll tell you the honest cost before you commit.
Warranty & Payment
Do you offer a warranty? +
Yes.
Cloth: 8-year manufacturer warranty (Knittex Z25).
Workmanship: 3-year warranty on the steel structure.
Repairs: No guaranteed lifespan for aged or condition-dependent netting. We'll tell you if it's worth fixing.
How do I pay? +
New install / repairs: 65% deposit, 35% on practical completion.
Stitching only: 100% upfront if you supply the netting. Otherwise, standard terms apply.
Quotes are valid for 7 days. Prices change if the ground conditions are different from what was quoted.
Working With Us
Can you come and look first? +
Yes. I do every site inspection myself. Send me a photo first and I'll give you a rough estimate. The firm quote comes after a site visit.
Do you speak Afrikaans? +
Yes. I'm Afrikaans and I'm English. In this industry, that's not just a bonus — it's a necessity. I make sure you understand what you're getting before we start.
