Table of Contents
- General FAQs
- Finishing Options and Colors
- Installation Services
- Products and Services
- Resources for Professionals
General FAQs
What is your lead time?
Typically 8–10 weeks after final approvals and measurements have been provided. Expedited production is available.
Are product submittals included in your quote?
Yes. Submittals typically go out in 7–10 days after the order is placed.
Can Sharchs provide engineering for its custom aluminum products?
Yes. Site-specific engineering is available when a project needs it. Timing varies job by job, so we’ll confirm it with your bid.
Do your aluminum sunshades and canopies arrive in completed sections?
Yes, all of our aluminum products will ship in complete (ready for installation) sections?
Is customer support provided?
Yes, we provide complete support from start to finish.
Where does “Sharchs” come from?
When we started our “tag line” was SHade solutions for ARCHitectS
Finishing Options and Colors
What is the difference between powder coating and anodized finishes?
Powder Coating:
- Similar to paint but more durable and won’t easily peel
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Can be applied to welded products
Anodized Finish:
- Created through a chemical process that creates a protective layer on the aluminum
- Already in its final state, providing excellent long-term protection
- More durable than powder coating
- Limited color options
- Cannot be applied to welded products (welds will turn black)
- Similar to the finish used on iPhones and other premium products
Kynar 500/PVDF and wood-grain finishes are also available. These premium finishes, along with anodizing, cost more than standard powder coat and can add time to the production schedule, so we flag that at bid.
Finish warranties are issued by the coating manufacturer and the finishing applicator, and terms vary by job. We’ll confirm what applies to your project during submittals.
What are the limitations of each finish type?
Powder Coating:
- May get scratched if impacted (though won’t peel under normal conditions)
Anodized:
- Cannot be used on welded products
- Only suitable for projects where components are cut and screwed together
- Limited color selection
Kynar:
- Higher cost
- May have longer lead times
Installation Services
Does Sharchs offer installation services?
Yes, Sharchs offers installation services in select areas. We install in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico. For projects outside our installation service area, we provide comprehensive installation guides and documentation.
What if my project is outside your installation service area?
For projects outside our installation service area, we provide:
- Detailed installation PDFs with step-by-step instructions
- All parts are clearly labeled and organized
- Comprehensive hardware kits with instructions
- Phone support during installation if needed
How are products packaged and shipped?
Our products are carefully packaged for safe transport and easy installation:
- Products arrive on secure pallets for easy forklift handling
- All components are labeled by unit
- Hardware is packaged and labeled clearly
- Products are protected with tarps during shipping
- Detailed installation guides accompany all shipments
Does Sharchs provide installation tabs with instructions for the installer?
Yes, Installation tabs are included (and provided early) for various conditions for connection.
Products and Services
What aluminum products does Sharchs offer?
Sharchs specializes in premium aluminum architectural products, including:
- Aluminum sunshades
- Aluminum canopies
- Aluminum trellises and pergolas
Do you offer bulk sunshades, canopies, or pergolas?
Yes. Sharchs can accommodate bulk orders for sunshades, canopies, and pergolas. These projects are ideal for developments such as multi-family housing, educational facilities, and commercial buildings where consistent design elements are desired across multiple units. Our team can provide standardized designs for multi-unit installations with consistent specifications.
What is the difference between a trellis, pergola, and lattice?
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably depending on region, they generally refer to similar overhead structures:
- Trellis: An overhead structure often used to provide partial shade or to support climbing plants
- Pergola: Similar to a trellis, typically a more substantial structure that creates an outdoor room
- Lattice: Refers to a backyard shade structure, can be made of wood or aluminum
Do you offer aluminum walkways?
While we have experience with aluminum walkways and have completed walkway projects in the past, we currently focus our expertise on sunshades, canopies, and trellises. Contact us for specific walkway requirements, as we can evaluate projects on a case-by-case basis.
What size sunshades and canopies does Sharchs offer?
Sharchs’ provides sunshades for various projects in various sizes. By submitting a request for a quote, we are able to give you an estimate of your project’s cost for the exact dimensions you need.
How much will my project cost using Sharchs?
Pricing depends on the product, size, finish and engineering. Upload your plans and we’ll send a firm number within 2 days.
Resources for Professionals
What resources do you provide for architects?
We provide architects with comprehensive resources, including:
- CAD files in DWG format (universal format compatible with most software)
- Detailed specifications and product information
- Finish and color options with performance characteristics
- Custom design assistance for unique projects
What information do you provide for general contractors?
For general contractors, we provide:
- Detailed installation guides and documentation
- Clear shipping and delivery information
- Product specifications and requirements
- Support throughout the construction process
What information do you provide for developers?
Developers, particularly those working on multi-family and community projects, can benefit from our:
- Standardized designs for multi-unit installations
- Project management assistance for large-scale implementations
- Consistent, replicable solutions for community-wide aesthetics
- Long-lasting, low-maintenance product options
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