Parasoleil - The Art of Shade by UB Arts

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.

General Questions show all | back to top

What size is it and how much does it weigh?
One Parasoleil panel is 3 ft wide by 8 ft long. It is .021 inch thick (16 oz copper) and weighs 24 pounds before its pattern is cut out.
Why is it so thin?
.021” is thin enough to be flexible to any frame structure whether it is horizontal, vertical, or curved. It is also thick enough withstand our rigorous testing to heavy snows and high winds.
How much of a border is left at the edges of the panels?
At least 2 inches are left uncut. This makes installation much easier.
How is it fastened down?
Usually installed to a wood frame or pergola, the copper panels are easily screwed down using special screws that go right through the copper into the wood.
What happens if the panels are bigger than what I need?
At the end of an installation, there is usually a bit left over. This can be hand-trimmed with a pair of metal shears or tin-snips. Plan ahead, and put the cut edge along a beam so that every loose piece can be fastened down to that beam.
What about the color?
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.
Doesn't copper get hot in the summer sun?
Yes, it can get quite hot to the touch like any conductive material. That said, it will NOT radiate heat down to a sitting area underneath because, as heat rises, it quickly escapes through the open patterns.
How about hail?
Although the copper is pulled hand-tight, it is not as rigid as the steel on a car. Most hail will bounce right off. Some hail can dent the copper, but like chips in a stone wall or glass washed up from the sea, this only serves to show the panels' age, character, and beauty over time.
Can I walk on it once it is installed?
No, the panels are meant to support the even weight of snow or lift of the wind, not people walking on it. But you'll be able to walk on the panels along the beams if the beams underneath are strong enough to support your weight and you are sure in your balance skills.
Why can't I find prices on your website?
Since we are primarily a manufacturer, we deal with professional designers and contractors to represent Parasoleil for us. Pricing is only available in our password-protected “Professionals” section of the website. If you feel that your retailer might be trying to rob you blind, contact us and we'll be happy to get more involved. In the end, you are the one who will be living with the panels and we want you to love them for a very long time.
When was Parasoleil first available to the public?
Parasoleil was unveiled February, 2006 at the Colorado Home & Garden Show where it won Innovative Product Showcase and invited to be featured at the Denver Parade of Homes.
Where do the pattern designs come from?
Artist/owner Uriah Bueller travels to remote areas of the world studying different cultures and religions by leading student and family service/adventure trips to places like Indonesia, Panama, Fiji, Thailand, and Kenya. Many of his designs for Parasoleil and other artwork are inspired by the traditions and artwork from these cultures as well as his own faith and family background.
How do you pronounce the artist's name?
Uriah Bueller (yu-Ry'ah Byu'ler)
Is there a way to see more of his artwork?
http://www.ubArts.com

Custom Work Questions back to top

So, I see your standard pattern designs, and those are nice, but… Can you and I design something together? Can I design something on my own?
Each of our patterns are tested and if your design ideas stray too far from what we've figured out to work, we'll have to get your pattern tested as well. This may take a bit of extra time and money, but it can, of course, be done - anything can be done. If you are familiar with one of the CAD computer programs, you are more than welcome to design a pattern on your own and submit it for structural approval to have the name Parasoleil on it. Custom work incurs an extra charge, but can be worth the time to have something original that works with your architectural design ideas.

Installation Questions back to top

Are there some general things I should keep in mind when attaching these?
  1. Read the Installation Guidelines before you build your framework/structure.
  2. Avoid galvanic reactions with steel screws or aluminum beams by using other materials or rubber spacers.
  3. The pergola or framework to which Parasoleil will be attached needs to be stronger than a normal pergola since it will hold snow and have some lift in the wind. For this reason, it also needs to be footed securely.
  4. The panels need to be secured by a beam at least every 24 inches along the 8 foot length. Screws cannot be spaced more than 12 inches apart.

Ordering & Shipping Questions back to top

How do I order the panels?
Specify Parasoleil to your designer or contractor as you start your project. Also on this website, are Links to some professionals who are already acquainted with Parasoleil.
Do you require a deposit to start cutting my panels?
Yes, with the prices of copper these days, we require ½ of the full payment before we start your job.
Is shipping expensive?
We manufacture everything in Colorado (made in the USA), then we crate and ship each order to your jobsite or professional's place of business as they are ready. Unless there are distributors in your area, this is the process through which each order must go.

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UB Arts · 1901 Linden Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80304 · 303-589-4524