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Sunshade Glossary – Technical Terms from A to Z

This glossary explains important terms relating to sunshades, canopy fabrics, frame materials, operating mechanisms, anchoring and accessories. The terms are arranged alphabetically for quick reference.

A

AIRTEX®

AIRTEX® is a branded polyester-based outdoor fabric used for applications such as sunshade canopies. Its technical properties depend on the specific fabric specification and finish.

See also: Canopy, Polyester, Colourfastness

Acrylic / Polyacrylic Fabric

Acrylic and polyacrylic are synthetic textile fibres frequently used for outdoor canopy fabrics. Their colourfastness, UV performance, water repellency and durability depend on the construction and finish of the individual fabric.

See also: Solution-Dyed, Colourfastness, UV Protection

Aluminium Frame

An aluminium frame is a sunshade frame in which the mast, ribs or other structural components are made from aluminium. Aluminium is often anodised, painted or powder-coated for outdoor use.

See also: Anodising, Powder Coating, Mast

Anchoring

Anchoring describes how a sunshade is secured to the ground or another supporting structure. Depending on the system, this may involve a mobile base, ground sleeve, ground anchor or permanently installed fixing.

See also: Sunshade Base, Ground Sleeve, Ground Anchor

Anodising / Anodised Aluminium

Anodising is an electrochemical process that creates a controlled oxide layer on aluminium. The treatment can improve surface resistance and is also used for decorative finishes.

See also: Aluminium Frame, Powder Coating

B

Balcony Sunshade

A balcony sunshade is a sunshade selected for limited outdoor spaces such as balconies. Compact canopy dimensions and space-saving mounting options are often important in this application.

See also: Centre-Pole Sunshade, Wall-Mounted Sunshade

Sunshade Base

A sunshade base is a mobile support system that holds and stabilises the mast. Its required construction and ballast depend on the sunshade, canopy size, location and manufacturer specifications.

See also: Mobile Base, Anchoring, Mast Diameter

Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort scale is a scale used to describe wind force from Beaufort 0 to Beaufort 12. When Beaufort values are used in connection with sunshades, the relevant construction, size, anchoring and test or operating conditions must also be considered.

See also: Wind Rating, Anchoring

C

Canopy

The canopy is the textile surface stretched over the sunshade frame to create shade. It may consist of several sewn fabric panels and may include reinforcements, vents or a valance.

See also: Canopy Panel, Valance, Wind Vent

Canopy Panel

A canopy panel is one of the individual textile sections that are sewn together to form the complete canopy.

See also: Canopy, Fabrication

Cantilever Sunshade

A cantilever sunshade has its mast positioned to the side of the main shaded area. The canopy is supported by an offset arm, leaving the space beneath it largely free from a central mast.

See also: Centre-Pole Sunshade, Offset Arm, Anchoring

Centre-Pole Sunshade

A centre-pole sunshade has a mast positioned centrally beneath the canopy. It is one of the classic sunshade constructions and is used in private and commercial outdoor areas.

See also: Cantilever Sunshade, Market Sunshade

Closing Strap

A closing strap secures the folded canopy when the sunshade is closed and helps prevent it from opening unintentionally.

See also: Protective Cover, Webbing

Colourfastness / Lightfastness

Colourfastness or lightfastness describes how resistant a textile colour is to change when exposed to light. The rating depends on the fibre, dyeing process and fabric specification.

See also: Solution-Dyed, UV Protection

D

No specific technical terms beginning with D are currently listed.

E

Mast Extension

A mast extension increases the height of a compatible sunshade mast. It may be used where additional clearance is required, provided that the system is designed for this purpose.

See also: Mast, Ground Clearance

F

Fabrication

Fabrication describes the processing of textile material into a finished canopy, including cutting, sewing, reinforcement and the production of features such as valances.

See also: Canopy, Canopy Panel, Valance

Fibreglass Rib

A fibreglass rib is a structural component made from glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. Depending on its design, it can provide a degree of flexibility under load.

See also: Rib, Support Strut

G

Gas Spring

A gas spring is a mechanical component that can assist movement in an opening, closing or adjustment mechanism.

See also: Crank Mechanism, Telescopic System

Ground Anchor

A ground anchor is a fixing system used to secure a sunshade to the ground. The design and installation method depend on the sunshade, substrate and intended load.

See also: Anchoring, Ground Sleeve

Ground Clearance

Ground clearance describes the vertical distance between the lower edge of the canopy and the ground.

See also: Passage Height, Table Clearance

Ground Sleeve

A ground sleeve is a permanently installed receiving component into which a compatible sunshade mast or adapter is inserted. Depending on the system, it may be incorporated into a foundation or other suitable ground construction.

See also: Anchoring, Ground Anchor

H

Hospitality Sunshade

A hospitality sunshade is a sunshade designed or selected for professional outdoor areas such as restaurants, cafés and hotels. Requirements often include frequent operation, larger shaded areas and suitable anchoring.

See also: Large Sunshade, Anchoring

Infrared Heater / Patio Heater

An infrared heater or patio heater provides radiant heat in outdoor areas. Some professional sunshade systems are designed to accommodate compatible heating equipment.

See also: LED Lighting, Hospitality Sunshade

I

No specific technical terms beginning with I are currently listed.

J

No specific technical terms beginning with J are currently listed.

K

No specific technical terms beginning with K are currently listed.

L

Large Sunshade

A large sunshade is a sunshade designed to cover comparatively large outdoor areas. Larger canopy dimensions generally place greater demands on the frame and anchoring system.

See also: Hospitality Sunshade, Anchoring, Wind Rating

LED Lighting

LED lighting can be integrated into or attached to compatible sunshade systems to provide illumination beneath the canopy.

See also: Infrared Heater, Hospitality Sunshade

M

Market Sunshade

A market sunshade is generally a centre-pole sunshade used in markets, hospitality or other commercial outdoor areas. The term describes an application and construction category rather than one fixed technical specification.

See also: Centre-Pole Sunshade, Hospitality Sunshade

Mast

The mast is the main supporting vertical element of a sunshade. Depending on the construction, ribs, operating components and canopy supports are connected to it.

See also: Mast Diameter, Rib

Mast Diameter

The mast diameter is the external diameter of a round sunshade mast. It is an important dimension when selecting compatible bases, adapters or ground sleeves.

See also: Mast, Sunshade Base, Ground Sleeve

Mobile Base

A mobile base supports a sunshade without permanent ground installation. Depending on the design, it may use integrated ballast, plates or other weights and may also be fitted with wheels.

See also: Sunshade Base, Wheeled Base

Multi-Pole / Single-Pole System

A multi-pole system combines several canopy units on a shared supporting structure. A single-pole system uses one principal support for one canopy unit.

See also: Large Sunshade, Anchoring

N

No specific technical terms beginning with N are currently listed.

O

Offset Arm

The offset arm is the projecting structural element of a cantilever sunshade that supports the canopy away from the mast.

See also: Cantilever Sunshade, Mast

Olefin

Olefin is a synthetic fibre family used in outdoor textiles. The exact performance of an olefin fabric depends on its construction, pigmentation and finish.

See also: Polyester, Colourfastness

P

Passage Height

Passage height describes the usable vertical clearance beneath the canopy where people can stand or walk.

See also: Ground Clearance, Table Clearance

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fibre widely used for outdoor canopy fabrics. Its colourfastness, UV performance, water repellency and durability vary according to the fabric construction and finish.

See also: Acrylic, AIRTEX®, Colourfastness

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene, abbreviated PE, is a thermoplastic material used in various outdoor products, including some covers and protective components.

See also: Protective Cover

Powder Coating / Powder-Coated

Powder coating is a finishing process in which a dry coating material is applied to a metal surface and cured. It is commonly used on aluminium and steel components for appearance and surface protection.

See also: Aluminium Frame, Anodising

Protective Cover

A protective cover is fitted over a closed sunshade to reduce exposure to dirt and weather during periods of non-use. The sunshade should be dry before it is covered for an extended period.

See also: Closing Strap, Weather Resistance

Push-Up System

With a push-up system, a sliding component is moved upwards manually to open and tension the canopy and is then secured in its operating position.

See also: Slider, Crank Mechanism

Q

No specific technical terms beginning with Q are currently listed.

R

Rain Gutter

A rain gutter is an accessory used between compatible adjacent sunshade canopies to collect or guide rainwater between them.

See also: Large Sunshade, Waterproof

Replacement Canopy

A replacement canopy is a new textile canopy fitted to an existing compatible sunshade frame. Model, size, shape and attachment system must match the frame.

See also: Canopy, Fabrication

Reproofing

Reproofing is the application of a suitable treatment intended to restore or improve the water-repellent properties of a compatible outdoor fabric. It is not automatically required after every cleaning.

See also: Water-Repellent, Reproofing Agent

Reproofing Agent

A reproofing agent is a treatment product designed to improve or restore water repellency on compatible textiles. Suitability and application depend on the specific fabric and product instructions.

See also: Reproofing, Water-Repellent

Rope-Operated System

A rope-operated system uses a rope as part of the opening or closing mechanism. The exact mechanical arrangement varies between sunshade designs.

See also: Crank Mechanism, Slider

Rotating Base

A rotating base or rotating mounting system allows a compatible sunshade to be turned around its vertical axis without moving the complete anchoring system.

See also: Rotation Lock, Cantilever Sunshade

Rotation Lock

A rotation lock secures a rotatable sunshade or mounting system in a selected position.

See also: Rotating Base

S

Shade Sail

A shade sail is a tensioned textile surface fixed between suitable anchor points or supporting structures to provide shade without a conventional sunshade frame.

See also: Sunshade

Slider

The slider is a movable component on the mast that is used in some sunshade constructions to open or close the canopy.

See also: Push-Up System, Mast

Solution-Dyed

Solution-dyed fibres are coloured during the fibre manufacturing process rather than only after the fibre has been produced. This method is commonly used for outdoor textiles where high colourfastness is required.

See also: Acrylic, Colourfastness

Support Strut

A support strut is a structural member used to support, connect or stabilise other parts of a sunshade frame.

See also: Rib, Mast

T

Table Clearance

Table clearance describes whether a sunshade can be opened and closed above furniture without requiring tables or chairs to be moved.

See also: Telescopic System, Passage Height

Telescopic System

A telescopic system changes the vertical position of parts of the mast or canopy during opening or closing. On some large centre-pole sunshades, this allows the canopy to close above tables and other furniture.

See also: Table Clearance, Market Sunshade

U

UPF

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is a rating used for textiles to indicate how much ultraviolet radiation is transmitted through the tested material under specified conditions.

See also: UV Protection, UV Standard 801

UV Protection

UV protection describes the reduction of ultraviolet radiation provided by a material or system. For textiles, the level of protection should be assessed using an appropriate test or rating such as UPF.

See also: UPF, UV Standard 801

UV Standard 801

UV Standard 801 is a testing and certification system for the UV protection of textiles. Its test approach takes account of defined conditions that can influence textile UV performance during use.

See also: UV Protection, UPF

V

Valance

A valance is a strip of fabric that hangs vertically from the outer edge of a sunshade canopy. It may be decorative, provide additional low-angle shading or carry printed branding.

See also: Canopy, Fabrication

Wind Vent / Canopy Vent

A wind vent is an opening or overlapping section in the upper part of some canopies. It can influence airflow and pressure around the canopy but does not by itself determine the wind stability of the complete sunshade.

See also: Wind Rating, Canopy

W

Wall-Mounted Sunshade

A wall-mounted sunshade is supported by a fixing system attached to a suitable wall rather than by a conventional freestanding mast and base arrangement.

See also: Balcony Sunshade, Anchoring

Water Column

The water column is a test value used to describe the resistance of a textile to water penetration under hydrostatic pressure. A higher value indicates greater resistance under the specified test conditions.

See also: Waterproof, Water-Repellent

Water-Repellent

A water-repellent textile is treated or constructed so that water tends to bead and run off the surface. Water-repellent does not mean the same as waterproof.

See also: Waterproof, Reproofing

Waterproof

Waterproof describes a material or complete construction designed to resist water penetration to a specified degree. Whether a sunshade system is waterproof depends not only on the canopy fabric but also on seams, connections and construction details.

See also: Water Column, Water-Repellent

Weather Resistance

Weather resistance describes how a material or construction performs when exposed to environmental conditions such as sunlight, moisture, temperature changes and wind.

See also: Colourfastness, Water-Repellent, Wind Rating

Webbing

Webbing is a strong woven textile tape used in applications such as straps, securing elements and reinforcement components.

See also: Closing Strap

Wheeled Base

A wheeled base is a mobile sunshade base equipped with wheels or castors so that the sunshade can be repositioned when the system is designed for movement.

See also: Mobile Base, Sunshade Base

Wind Rating

A wind rating describes a specified wind-related performance or operating limit for a particular sunshade system. It should only be interpreted together with the relevant canopy size, construction, anchoring and test or operating conditions.

See also: Beaufort Scale, Anchoring, Wind Vent

Wind Support

A wind support is an additional stabilising component used with certain cantilever sunshade systems. It can reduce movement of the canopy but does not replace the designated base or anchoring system or the need to close the sunshade when wind conditions become unsuitable.

See also: Cantilever Sunshade, Wind Rating, Anchoring

X

No specific technical terms beginning with X are currently listed.

Y

No specific technical terms beginning with Y are currently listed.

Z

No specific technical terms beginning with Z are currently listed.