FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

We get it, pricing a cantilever umbrella can be a confusing process with so many variables.

This is a question we have been asked thousands of times and while it is not the only consideration, price is an extremely important part of the decision-making process.

To make it as easy as possible for you, we have compiled a complete guide to the pricing of our most popular Shadowspec Serenity™ and Shadowspec Unity™ cantilever umbrellas.

We want to ensure you are as informed as possible to avoid any mistakes and ensure you make a decision that best suits your needs. These articles will cover everything you need to know. what drives the price up? What brings the price down? Why are the Shadowspec umbrellas more expensive than others?

Shadowspec’s from pricing is also available on each product page along with photos, mounting options and fabric colours available for each model.

If you’d like an accurate price including shipping, accessories and custom canopy prices, please contact a shade consultant for a quote.

If you need assistance with the installation of your umbrella, we can help.

We will work directly with your installer to provide any support needed at the time of installation. Please contact us via customercare@unicrest.com with any questions.

New Zealand

  • The New Zealand install portal can be found here.
  • When booking an installation for a surface plate or in-ground anchor, a site visit is recommended to allow the installers to quote the most accurate price possible.

Australia

  • The Australian portal can be found here.
  • When booking an installation for a surface plate or in-ground anchor, a site visit is recommended to allow the installers to quote the most accurate price possible.

United States

  • The United States portal can be found here.
  • When booking an installationl for a surface plate or in-ground anchor, a site visit is recommended to allow the installers to quote the most accurate price possible.

We know everyone’s outdoor space is different so we provide a variety of mounting options for our outdoor umbrellas.

The Free-standing Base

Most of our umbrellas have a free-standing base option. The free-standing base gives you the option of moving the location of your umbrella throughout the day or year as the sun moves across the sky.

Tip: Some models of the Free-standing Base can be upgraded with heavy-duty castor wheels to improve movability and give the umbrellas the ability to swivel.

The Wall Mount

We offer a wall mounting option for our Retreat™, Shadowspec Unity™ and Shadowspec Serenity™ Model Umbrellas. This gives you the ability to mount your shade from an existing wall, or structure without piercing waterproof membranes on rooftops and balconies.

Note: It’s important when purchasing a wall-mounted option that the mounting point is supported by a strong wall or pillar – contact a builder if you’ve got any doubts

The In-ground Anchor

The in-ground anchor is a great solution for new builds and locations, where you can dig a hole to cement the anchor in. The in-ground anchor allows for rotation in some models.

Tip: When you order your umbrella with an in-ground anchor we will send you instructions so you can prepare the hole and purchase the correct concrete to get prepped and ready.

The Surface Plate

The Surface Plate is offered for locations where you need to fix to a deck, concrete or patio. Simply bolt the plate into your surface and affix your umbrella spigot.

Tip: The surface plate requires bolts and support dependent on location, so you should check with your shade consultant when ordering the umbrella.

If you own an outdoor umbrella you will know that it’s usually very exposed to the elements and subject to all kinds of weather. Use these tips and cleaning instructions to extend the life of your umbrella.

  • Be sure to brush off any loose dirt or leaves that have landed on the umbrella canopy.
  • During winter, when the umbrella is not used, storing it away in a dry place protected from the wind is beneficial. Be sure the umbrella is completely dry before storing it to prevent mould or mildew from developing while in storage. It is best to store your umbrella upright to help prevent any undesirable pests damaging the canopy while in storage.
  • The acrylic fabric of a good quality umbrella should resist mildew growth. Still, if your umbrella does develop mould, to clean this or other stubborn stains like bird droppings, dirt or pollen remnants there’s a solution:
  • Prepare a solution of bleach (240ml) and mildew soap (60ml) and clean water (approx 4 litres).
  • Spray on entire area and allow time to soak into the umbrella fabric.
  • Scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  • Allow the fabric to air dry.

NOTE: As not all acrylic fabrics are created equal, it is important to test a small insignificant area of your umbrella canopy with this solution before applying it to the full area. If stain or mildew is severe the quantities of bleach may be increased. Again, this is a suggested solution for high-quality acrylic fabrics and may cause permanent damage to different or inferior fabrics so it is important to test first or if unsure, go back to the manufacturer for their recommendation.

Shadowspec umbrellas are produced with the greatest care and meet the strictest quality standards. Read further for detailed warranty information:

Shadowspec guarantees that Shadowspec Umbrellas, that are installed in accordance with our guidelines, will be free of defects in materials and workmanship for the period of time as set out and specified below:

*The Fabric Warranty Relates to the Umbrella Canopy. **Protection Covers have a separate warranty. Protection Covers are optional on nominal products. Residential and commercial warranties are separate as per the table above. All optional accessories have a 1-year warranty including but not limited to: Raingutters, Drop Blinds, Smart Batteries, Hard-wire Kits and Castor Wheels. Mounting options are included in the frame warranty. Time periods are applied from the date of the invoice.

The obligation of Shadowspec under this warranty is limited to faulty manufacturing, defective materials and mechanical failure when your umbrella has been used and cared for appropriately from the date of invoice. If an umbrella is repaired under warranty, the warranty period will not be
extended. Shadowspec shall, at its sole discretion, determine whether repair or replacement is appropriate.

This warranty does not cover the following:

  • Damage caused by an accident, negligence, storm, wind, accumulation of water or snow, or caused by an act of God, incorrect installation, not following Shadowspec’s Care and Maintenance instructions, incorrect use or natural ageing and fading
  • Damage caused by exposure to hazardous atmospheric situations due to industry or a high salt level
  • Small colour variations between the fabric and the colour samples and between the components and profiles, which are caused by the manufacturing process
  • Damage by a third party
  • Repair by a third party, or labour costs

Your Shadowspec Umbrella is designed to handle conditions in which people are comfortable relaxing outdoors, and more. This warranty doesn’t protect against your umbrella Fabric Canopy becoming unserviceable due to strength loss from normal usage and exposure conditions. The foregoing sets out the extent of this warranty.

Shadowspec (Unicrest Group Ltd) shall not otherwise be liable or responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damage, costs or losses of any kind arising out of or in connection with your umbrella or components or for any delay by Shadowspec or the component manufacturer in undertaking repairs or replacement under this warranty. Except as expressly provided herein, all other warranties, representations, conditions, undertakings, rights, duties or liabilities, whether arising by implication of law or otherwise, are hereby expressly excluded.

If you need to enquire about a warranty claim, please either contact Shadowspec direct or the sales agent you purchased your Shadowspec Umbrella from.

Shadowspec Serenity™, Shadowspec Unity™ and SU4 Offset Tilting Umbrella

You will need 400mm x 400mm x 40mm or 16″ x 16″ x 1.6″ pavers which are available from your closest building supply store eg Home Depot or Bunnings.

12 pavers must be used in the Free-standing base. Failure to use the correct number will void all warranty conditions.

Do you need to look after your umbrella to ensure it lasts as long as possible?

Yes, we advise that your umbrella should always be covered with the Protection Cover when not in use. Most Shadowspec Umbrellas come standard with  Protection Covers because we want your umbrella to last as long as you do. Talk to your shade consultant about a protection cover to extend the life of your investment.

Wind resistance is a consideration when purchasing any kind of outdoor umbrella.

Our umbrellas are rated to Beaufort 5 which is regarded as winds of  29 – 38 kph or 19 – 24 mph. What does this mean? 35 kph or 21 mph wind will blow over a full wine glass and tear a newspaper from your hand.

If you’re not comfortable outside, in the wind, then it’s safe to assume your Shadowspec outdoor umbrella won’t be comfortable either. So it’s time to take it down, wrap it up with the provided protection cover and head inside.

If you have any more questions about our outdoor umbrellas and their wind resistance please don’t hesitate to contact our shade specialists direct.

Recasens and Sunbrella fabrics are manufactured with SPF 50+ and UV Protection that filters close to 100% of UV radiation.  This means that your friends and family can seek shade with confidence, knowing that a Shadowspec Umbrella is providing maximum protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

The range of fabrics from our suppliers is great, there’s a great range of colour choices which we carry in stock that’s complemented with a brilliant range of non-stock fabrics for both brands. It’s essential that our umbrellas not only protect you, but they always look good while doing so. It’s also great for you to know that you don’t have to compromise on style choices to get the protection you need.