An aluminum sunshade may look straightforward once it’s installed, but getting it onto the building starts well before the finished product reaches the jobsite.
Design choices, mounting conditions, architectural integration, product details, and fabrication all need to come together first. Sharchs supports that process with custom aluminum sunshade systems, product design, fabrication, technical expertise, and engineering support.
So, what should you expect when your project includes aluminum sunshades?
Here’s how the pieces come together.
Step 1: Start With the Right Sunshade
Not every building calls for the same type of sunshade.
Sharchs offers cantilevered sunshades, hanger-rod-supported sunshades, vertical sunshades, and custom designs. Selecting the right system starts with the project’s architecture and requirements.
From there, individual components can be customized. Sharchs’ Sunshade
Designer includes options for details such as:
- Sunshade height
- Outrigger shape
- Outrigger nosing
- Infill profile
- Fascia profile
These decisions help establish both the appearance and configuration of the system before fabrication begins.
Step 2: Figure Out How It Meets the Building
Here’s where the details really matter.
An architectural sunshade doesn’t exist independently of the building—it must interface with it. That makes mounting conditions and architectural integration an important part of planning for installation.
Sharchs provides typical installation-tab details for its sunshade and canopy systems, including examples of concrete attachment configurations. These resources help project professionals understand how the sunshade system can connect with the structure and coordinate those conditions with the overall project.
Building conditions and sunshade configurations vary. The applicable project documents and details should guide each installation.
Step 3: Get the Details on Paper
Before fabrication, everyone involved needs a clear picture of what is being incorporated into the building.
Sharchs provides several technical resources through its Sunshade Designer, including:
- Product data sheets
- Specification sheets
- Plan views
- Section views
- Standard color information
- 3D models
These resources give architects, engineers, contractors, and other project professionals information they can use to coordinate the sunshade with the rest of the building.
The earlier those details are addressed, the clearer the path becomes from design to fabrication.
Step 4: Move From Design to Fabrication
Once the system has been defined, the aluminum components can move into fabrication.
Sharchs manufactures its architectural aluminum products in the United States and offers both standard configurations and custom sunshade solutions. That flexibility allows the finished system to reflect the architectural design and requirements of the individual project.
Sharchs also provides technical expertise and engineering support for its architectural aluminum products, giving project teams access to assistance as the sunshade moves through the process.
Step 5: Prepare for Installation
By the time the sunshade reaches the installation stage, the groundwork completed earlier in the process becomes especially important.
The project team should be familiar with the applicable drawings, product information, mounting details, and other documentation for the selected system.
Installation requirements can differ depending on the type of sunshade, mounting configuration, and building conditions. A cantilevered sunshade, for example, does not necessarily use the same configuration as a hanger-rod-supported or vertical system.
That’s why there isn’t a universal installation method for every aluminum sunshade. The specific system and applicable project details determine what is required.
Step 6: Use the Details for the System Being Installed
Sharchs provides typical installation-tab information for its aluminum sunshade and canopy products. These details illustrate mounting configurations and help project teams understand how the system interfaces with the structure.
For the actual project, however, the applicable documentation and details for that specific sunshade system should guide installation.
That distinction matters. Typical details are useful for understanding the system; project-specific information is what connects that system to the individual building.
Questions Along the Way? Technical Support Matters.
Even with good planning, questions can come up as an architectural product moves from drawings to fabrication and ultimately to the building.
Sharchs provides technical expertise and engineering support for its architectural aluminum products. Product information, drawings, specifications, installation details, and technical resources give project professionals tools to coordinate the sunshade throughout the process.