Parasoleil - The Art of Shade

FAQ

Frequently-Asked-Questions are provided here to give a quick overview of Parasoleil. For Pricing, Ordering, Structural Considerations, and Installation Guidelines, please contact a professional designer, contractor, landscaper, or architect for assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions show all | back to top

What is it made of?

Parasoleil specializes in making the right panels for each project and application. The most common materials are 95% recycled copper and powdercoated aluminum of many thicknesses and sizes. Some materials are better suited for residential shade, some for indoor office spaces, and some for high-traffic screens in hospitality settings. In short, Parasoleil panels are design-perforated panels made of various materials for light/shadow management and architectural building features.

Can you give me a run-down of each of these materials?

MATERIAL|	THICK|	SIZE'|	LB/SQFT	USE	FINISH	OPTIONS|	SUPPORT(OC)*
Copper	021"	3x8	1	limited shade	raw	factory patina	18"
Aluminum	1/16"	4x8	1	shade, limited screen	powdercoat	choose color	24"
Aluminum	1/8"	4x8	2	shade, screen	powdercoat	choose color	30-36"
Aluminum	1/4"	4x8	4	shade, limited screen	powdercoat	choose color	48"
Cor-ten Steel	1/4"	4x10	10	railing	raw	none	60"
Cor-ten Steel	3/8"	4x10	15	railing	raw	none	120"
Structural Steel	1/16"	4x10	2.5	limited use	powdercoated	choose color	30"
Structural Steel	1/16"	4x10	5	awning, limited screen	powdercoated	choose color	48"
Structural Steel	1/4"	4x10	10	railing	powdercoated	choose color	60"
NAUF Plywood	3/4"	4x10	2.25	indoor screen	choice of veneer	1-2 side, sealed	48"
FSC MDF Plywood	1/4"	4x10	0.75	limited canopy/screen	choice of veneer	1-2 side, sealed	48"
Phenolic board	1/4"	4x10	2	screen, railing (lg.vol.)	many options	1-2 side	24"
Phenolic board	1/2"	4x10	3.75	screen, railing (lg.vol.)	many options	1-2 side	48"

*NOTE: Structural support recommendations are based upon manufacturer experience and should be verified according to the project engineer and local building codes.

Can you customize the panels?

Yes, and we’ll suggest options to make sure that it’s structural and looks great. Although all of our patterns are conceived by artists, our manufacturing process of waterjet, laser, and router technology all runs through computers, so customization is simply a matter of what’s best for the project and loading those specifications into our computers.

Customization may include any of the following that is appropriate for the project:

• Holes for fastening
• Fabricating bends and curves
• Custom sizes and contours
• Custom & client’s patterns
• Corporate Design Packages
• Finish textures & options
• Shadow-effects
• Public Art

How is it supported and fastened?

Each material and application is unique, so each project should be treated with this in mind. As “designer-manufacturers,” we specialize in guiding the project specification process toward the best options in structural support, fasteners, weathering, customization, and long-term use. Most of the time, the panels do not need pre-drilled holes and can be fastened with self-tapping stainless steel or galvanized sheet metal screws.

How does it weather?

All Parasoleil panels are designed to last. Both Structural & Design integrity are important in the way Parasoleil does business. Low-maintenance is a value that we pass on to each of our clients and their customers. Copper is not just high in recycled content and ability, but it develops a natural, protective patina that helps storm-water run-off as well as the aesthetic character of the installation. Our powdercoating is crack/fade resistant and can be touched up with liquid paints. Our goal is to make sure each panel looks & works great long after the contractors’ warranty expires.

Copper is a raw metal and this is how it is usually installed. It will last virtually forever and age beautifully according to what is in the air. In most areas this means that in a year's time, the panels will darken to a rich dark bronze patina. In saltier, humid climates, the panels will take on a blue/green patina called verdigris. All of this can also be sped up with chemicals that can turn the copper one of these two patinas in a matter of minutes to just a few days.

How is Parasoleil Green & Sustainable?

As a supporting member of the Unites States Green Building Council, we research the most sustainable raw materials from which to make Parasoleil panels. Recycled content, ease of recycling, supplier credentials/qualifications, accessory material impact, transportation, indoor air quality, embodied energy balanced with application use, micro-climate environmental impact & wear, and material opportunity costs are all factors in considering the options we recommend and panels we manufacture. Community connectivity and sustainable business practices are integrated into the business as a whole.

How do we order?

Whether it’s 1 or 100 panels, Parasoleil makes ordering easy by making sure the project has all the right details in every step. Orders are primarily taken by our distribution network. If there is no distributor in your area and market, any architect, contractor, landscaper, or designer respectively authorized to work on your project can contact Parasoleil directly with questions about materials, structural support, and pricing.

Purchase Order to include:

• Deposit of 50%
• The latest details/specs of the project.
• Shipping details
• Project contact
• Any relevant Parasoleil quotes as reference.

Shipping:

Unless a distributor has inventory to fill your order, lead times are generally 4-6 weeks. Once the project is ready to ship, each order is crated and shipped directly to either the jobsite or staging warehouse. International shipping and customs must be coordinated by the receiving party (ship from Denver, CO, USA).

Contact Parasoleil

Parasoleil
1901 Linden Drive
Boulder, CO 80304
303-589-4524
hello@parasoleil.com
www.parasoleil.com