Tensile Fabric Structure FAQ’s

Yes, our Tensile Fabric Structures are completely waterproof and are perfect for outdoor classrooms, play areas, walkways, alfresco dining and waiting areas. They are covered with fabric that will not absorb moisture and are designed to be left outside all year round and perform well in all weather conditions.

Depending on the product chosen, the fabric is available in 16-40 different colours as standard which includes a choice of vibrant, smooth and metallic shades.

Our fabric structures are permanent structures. They are designed specifically to be left outdoors 365 days a year and do not need re-tensioning.

The Blenheim Umbrella, Drayton Umbrella and Richmond Umbrella can be folded down when not in use, however they are still permanently set into ground and cannot be removed.

Our tensile fabric structures do not need re-tensioning because they are fitted at high tension during the installation.

Our posts are designed to withstand the high tension required for the fabric. We cannot guarantee that your existing posts will stand up to the same strength, and we will therefore not be able to attach our fabric to your existing posts in most cases.

The waterproof fabric that covers our tensile canopies and umbrellas provides high levels of protection from the Sun’s harmful UV rays.

All our products are bespoke and made to order so please call us to discuss your requirements. You can also take advantage of our free site survey where one of our experienced surveyors can discuss your requirements with you.

We are unable to provide a supply products. These structures are to be installed by our trained teams of specialist installers only to ensure guarantees and life expectancies.

The installation takes on average from one to two days depending on the size of the structure.

The posts are specially engineered to carry the weight of the fabric. Concrete is first poured into newly excavated holes. Once this has set the posts can be bolted to a mesh layer which is put on top of the concrete. Once the posts are installed, the waterproof fabric can then be attached to the posts and tensioned using stainless steel cables and tensioned plates. This makes them extremely strong commercial systems.

As we manufacture our products, our usual lead times are six to eight weeks however this does depend on the time of year, and the size of the product. School holiday dates are our busiest periods, but we will always endeavour to install your canopy at a time most suitable for you.

You need to contact your local planning department to find out if you are required to request planning permission or building regulations as all council regulations are different. We do offer help with planning permission. Please contact us for your free planning guide.

We have installed thousands of canopies, shade sails and shelters across the UK. To see installations in your area, visit our installation gallery.

To maintain your tensile fabric structure, we recommend that you periodically clean the roof with a solution of warm water and a non-abrasive cleaner.

Yes, the relocation would be charged at an installation only price, but it is possible to move the structure to a different location.

Yes. The price quoted by Able Canopies includes the product, full installation and making good around the posts after excavations unless otherwise stated.

With our tensile fabric structures, you will receive excellent value for your money. We provide systems which offer quality and longevity at excellent value.

We aim to make the minimal disruption to your site during the installation and we will always leave the site clean and tidy upon completion.

Yes, our surveyors and fitting teams are all DBS checked (formally known and CRB).

Yes. The price we quote includes installation and making good around the posts after excavations unless otherwise stated.