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The following are frequently asked questions about Vela Canopies, Shade Structures and Residential Carports. If your question is not answered here, please contact us. We would like to hear from you.
General Questions
Installation Questions
Maintenance Questions
Shopping Questions
How are Vela Canopies different from other shade solutions?
The designs and engineering are unique to Vela Canopies. Our products don’t have the inconveniences of conventional shade systems. They do not require maintenance. The fabric won’t sag, fade, tear or mildew. There is no awning mechanism that can get jammed. There is no wood that needs to be treated and repainted. You don’t have to worry about rain making the fabric sag, or about wind blowing anything away, etc. Find out more about what makes Vela Canopies different here.
Are the prices truly “direct-from-factory” prices
Yes. Vela Canopies are manufactured by TricoShade and shipped directly from our manufacturing facilities. There are no intermediaries in between. In some areas, it is possible to buy the structures offline through an authorized dealer, but they mark the price up. You cannot find our products anywhere for less than the prices on our website.
What is the warranty on Vela Canopy products?
10 year limited warranty on the frames and 5 year limited warranty on the shade netting top.
Are the structures safe for children?
Yes, they are very solid and sturdy and there is NO danger of them falling over like portable canopies.
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Does the shade cover provide UV protection?
Yes, the shade netting tops provide between 95-98% UV protection, depending on the color of the top.
How much cooler is it under this shade fabric than in the direct sun?
On a hot day, it is likely to be 15 to 30 degrees cooler than in direct sunlight. It is like being under a thickly shaded tree.
Will a Vela canopy help in cooling my house?
If your Vela canopy is installed close to the house, it will prevent direct sun from coming in the windows or heating up the side of the house, resulting in a cooling effect that will help reduce electricity expenses.
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Is the shade fabric safe from fire?
Our fabric in manufactured in accordance with (National Fire Protection Agency) NFPA 701-99 flame resistance test.
Can the canopies withstand heavy weather conditions?
Yes, they can withstand heavy rains and large hail. In case of an imminent hurricane, the tops can be removed in just a few minutes, and can be put back on just as easily.
Is the shade netting material waterproof?
The shade cloth is about 85% waterproof. Most of the water will run off the sides; however in a heavy rain you will get a mist through the cloth itself.
Is installation easy?
Installation is very simple. It is easier than installing a swing set. We provide complete installation instructions and all parts required (except for wood screws for installing on wood surfaces.) Most homeowners and any handyman can install our structures easily in two to three hours (plus concrete drying time when installing in the yard or in asphalt.)
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Can I install Vela Canopies by myself?
It is possible to do everything on your own except putting the top on. Two people will be required for that.
Are all the parts that I need included?
Yes, all the parts are included – except wood screws for installing on wood surfaces, as these vary according to the type of wood surface.
What kinds of surfaces can the canopies be installed upon?
On concrete, wood or in asphalt or in the ground in your yard. You can select your install surface in the “options” field on the product page. On wood and concrete, the structure is bolted down. In asphalt or in the yard, a hole is dug and filled with concrete for stability.
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How do I install a Vela canopy in my yard or in asphalt?
You install the columns in a hole 12” in diameter by 2 feet deep, filled with fresh concrete. You can then hide the concrete by planting grass or plants over the holes.
Can I attach my Vela canopy to the siding of my house?
Our structures are designed to be free-standing, and it is not advisable to install them to the siding of your house, nor do we provide mounting attachments. We recommend consulting with a professional contractor or engineer for such applications.
Can I install lighting on my Vela canopy?
Yes, you can install lightweight outdoor lighting to the steel framework of the canopy and plug into any outdoor 110 ac receptacle, or consult local electrician.
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Can TricoShade recommend an installer?
If you don’t want to install it yourself, in certain areas of the USA, TricoShade has certified installers. Otherwise any local handyman can easily install our structures.
Are building permits required?
Generally, shade canopies or deck awnings in the back of the house don't require a permit. In some areas, a permit is required for a carport in the front of the house. 90% of the time it is not required, but to be on the safe side, it is best to check with your homeowner's association. If you don't belong to a homeowners' association, you can check with your city permit office.
Are Vela Canopies truly maintenance-free?
Yes, there is NO maintenance required on either the UV protected fabric canopy or the powdercoated steel frames. Tree sap can be removed by high pressure hose sprayer.
How do I clean the canopies and carports?
By simply hosing them down with water.
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Will the shade netting top fade or deteriorate over time?
No. Unlike many other awning materials, the polyethylene shade cover will not fade, tear, sag or rot over time.
Can I remove the canopy in winter?
Yes, it is very easy to remove and refit. However, unless you live in a snowfall area, removal is unnecessary.
If I change the exterior colors of my house, can I change the color of my Vela canopy top?
Yes, a new canopy can be ordered at a very reasonable cost.
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What is the life expectancy of my Vela Canopy?
In excess of twenty years for the steel frames and in excess of ten years for the canopy top. Canopy tops can be ordered new, separately, for approximately 20 percent of the cost of the whole structure new.
What is your money back guarantee?
If you order a Vela canopy and are unhappy in any way, ship it back to us in new condition within 30 days and we will refund your money, less a 25% stocking fee. See details here.
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Can I order by phone?
Yes. Please call us on our toll-free number 1-866-590-8636, Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm CST. Ask for Jenifer.
How long will it take to receive my Vela canopy?
All orders will be custom-assembled according to your preference of top color, frame color, size, and installation type. Please allow us 2 - 3 weeks to build your shade structure. Shipping will take an additional 3 - 7 days from the date they are sent.
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Do you also manufacture larger, commercial shade structures?
Yes, we offer a wide range of commercial shade structures and carports. Please see our parent site www.tricoshade.com
Is it possible to have a canopy awning, shade structure or carport custom-built?
Yes. As can be expected, they will be more expensive than our standard models sold online. If you would like to have more information, please contact us on 1-866-590-8636.
Will I need to pay sales taxes on my order?
We are located in San Antonio, Texas. We are required to charge sales tax for products that are purchased and delivered within the state of Texas. All out of state sales are exempt from Texas Sales tax. If you are a tax exempt organization, you are not required to pay the Sales tax. If that is the case, please fax a copy of your tax exempt status form with company or organization letterhead to 210-654-7431 when placing your order.
What if I have additional questions?
Please feel free to call us on our toll-free number is 1-866-590-8636. Ask for Ben. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, CST. At other times, please feel free to email us at info@velacanopies.com .
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