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Frequently Asked Questions
The Process
Q: How long will it take to install the structure?
This really is a simple process that is relatively undisruptive to your school or business. We recommend that you allow one day for installation for the smaller Signature Structure products e.g. the Pagoda, Pod, Skylar. For the larger structures, such as the Double or Triple conic and Bandshell, please allow 2-4 days depending on your site conditions. In most cases plant machinery such as a cherry picker is required for installation. We recommend you provide your Account Manager with a site plan as early as possible.
Q: How long will the process take to complete?
The whole process takes on average 8 and 10 weeks from receipt of your order and deposit, sometimes longer if planning permission is required. Lead-in times can vary seasonally so we always recommend you check with your Account Manager if your schedule is tight.
Q: What do I need to do about arranging for foundations?
We want to ensure that you get the best deal for your project in your location. Therefore, we recommend that you contact three local groundwork companies to request a quotation. We will supply you with the General Arrangement drawings showing the foundation specification, size and quantity for you to give to your chosen groundwork company.
Foundations must be poured at least three weeks prior to installation, to allow the concrete to cure.
Foundations must be poured at least three weeks prior to installation, to allow the concrete to cure.
Q: What type of maintenance is required?
As with any structure with working parts, a thorough clean and maintenance check is recommended every 6-12 months. Cleaning will be carried out using warm soapy water (mild liquid detergent) and all working parts will be thoroughly checked and re-tensioned if necessary.
Q: Will I need planning permission?
It is best to check with your local Council and we always recommend you seek advice as early as possible in the process. We can provide you with General Arrangement Drawings and/or visualisations if necessary, to support any planning application that is required.
The Structure
Q: Are the structures permanent?
Yes. They sit on sub-surface foundations. The fabric part of a Pow-Wow structure should however be removed over autumn/winter months.
Q: Can the structures be lower or higher?
Some of the standard structures can be lowered to work with adjacent buildings or overhangs. In fact the Pagoda structure looks great on 1450mm legs instead of 2000mm legs particularly if it is to be used by nursery-aged children.
Although it is possible, it is not advisable to go higher as the structure starts to look out of proportion and the loadings will increase. This in turn can affect foundation sizes and incur additional costs.
However, please discuss your requirements further with your Account Manager who can advise you.
Although it is possible, it is not advisable to go higher as the structure starts to look out of proportion and the loadings will increase. This in turn can affect foundation sizes and incur additional costs.
However, please discuss your requirements further with your Account Manager who can advise you.
Q: Do you supply lighting?
Yes. If you inform us early on in the project that you are considering lighting we can supply fixings and cable holes to help support your lighting systems.
Q: How long will the structure last?
It really does depend upon the type of material specified for your project. The PVC coated polyester has a life expectancy of 15 years. The Solar Glass Weave, 30 years. We have had structures in place since 1984 and seen no degradation in the fabric. The frameworks are mild steel, either galvanised or polyester powder coated and the fittings are marine grade 316 stainless steel.
The Shade Net used on the Pow-Wow has a life expectancy of 5 years and can be easily replaced.
Q: What happens to all the rain water?
Due to the nature of tensiles and their curved canopies, the water will naturally drain off to the lowest point. This will usually mean the water runs to the legs, which are normally hollow steel. However, it is worth noting that in heavy rain, water will run off all edges of the canopy. Some structures have integral drainage so the water will run to a spout at the bottom of the mast. There are all sorts of gutter applications we can add to a structure and we deal with this on an individual basis.
Q: Will it protect from the sun?
The PVC fabric is a total UV blocker so it provides excellent protection from all UV rays including harmful rays (UV-B + UV-C).
The SGW fabric is a UV-B and UV-C blocker so it has excellent sun protection qualities and it allows UV-A transmission. This means photosynthesis can occur and therefore plants will continue to grow underneath.
Due to the open mesh of the Shade Net fabric it does not completely block the suns rays, however it does have some shade qualities depending on the colour you choose.
The SGW fabric is a UV-B and UV-C blocker so it has excellent sun protection qualities and it allows UV-A transmission. This means photosynthesis can occur and therefore plants will continue to grow underneath.
Due to the open mesh of the Shade Net fabric it does not completely block the suns rays, however it does have some shade qualities depending on the colour you choose.
Q: Will the fabric fade and is it waterproof?
All fabrics are colourfast. The PVC and SGW fabrics are totally waterproof and the Shade Net fabric is ‘shower resistant’.
