Ask Us Anything
These are the questions owners actually ask us — about the mechanisms, the fabrics, the bases and the guarantee. If yours is not here, the factory is a phone call away.
The guarantee, in one line
Guaranteed against factory defects for 5 years. Wind damage is not covered — close it and cover it when you are not there.
The Parashade
What it is and how it works.
What is a Parashade?
- Parashade is a patio umbrella that opens horizontally rather than vertically. Its design offers effortless opening, closing, and tilting, as well as mobility.
- Parashades have integrated Gust-Busta arms to mitigate wind damage.
- Parashades feature a minimalist, durable design backed by a 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee (terms apply).
What are Gust-Bustas?
- Gust-Bustas are safety mechanisms built into the umbrella arms. Sudden gusts or strong uplift trigger the Gust-Busta which releases tension on the fabric, preventing structural damage. When the wind subsides, the arms are clicked back into position.
- While Gust-Bustas are highly effective, extreme wind can still cause damage; always close and cover your Parashade when left unattended.
What sizes and canopy shapes are available?
Parashades are available in 2.1M Square and 3.0M Hexagonal shapes. Hexagonal Parashades are supplied with and without the tilt option.
Are Parashades protected by patents?
Yes, Parashade products are protected by several patents.
Bases
What it stands on, and moving it.
What base options are available?
We offer two mobile base options:
- Flat-Pack Base: Our patented, and powder-coated mobile base that is delivered in a box and is loaded with locally available ballast.
- Glass-Reinforced Concrete Base, available exclusively in South Africa.
How heavy are the mobile bases?
- Mobile concrete bases weigh 80-90Kg.
- Flat-Pack Bases weigh 30Kg on delivery and can be loaded to 80Kg.
Can mobile bases be moved easily on rough ground?
Mobile bases move smoothly on paved surfaces, but they do not move easily (or at all in certain circumstances) through rough terrain or lawn.
Can I assemble the Parashade myself, or does it require professional installation?
- Parashades are easy to assemble, BUT the base comes in two 45Kg concrete stones, so it does require 2 able-bodied people to move and assemble the base.
- Instructions are provided, and assembly takes no more than 15 minutes.
Canopies & Fabric
Cedarbrook fabrics, colours and branding.
What fabric do you use for your canopies?
Canopies are crafted using Cedarbrook fabrics, specifically formulated for outdoor use.
What fabric colours are available?
- Standard In-Stock Colours: Polycanvas Ecru, Proof Charcoal, Ice Grey, and Beige.
- Custom Colours: The entire Cedarbrook fabric range is available upon request.
Is the canopy fabric waterproof or water-resistant?
Cedarbrook outdoor fabrics are not technically waterproof, but they are highly water-resistant and designed to handle typical rain showers.
Does the canopy fabric offer UV protection?
Yes, Cedarbrook outdoor fabrics provide exceptional UV protection (UPF 50+), helping shield you from harmful sun rays while reducing fabric fading over time.
Is a protective cover included with the purchase?
Yes, a protective storage cover is included to keep your canopy safe from dust, UV exposure, and weather when not in use.
Can you brand Parashades for commercial use?
Yes, commercial branding is available. We provide the panel dimensions to scale; you supply the artwork placement, sizing, and specifications.
Ordering & Delivery
Lead times, payment and shipping.
What are your lead times?
- Standard Orders: Material and parts are carried in stock and your Parashade will generally be dispatched 2–3 business days from receipt of Proof of Payment.
- Custom Orders: Non-standard colours or custom powder-coated finishes take 2–3 weeks depending on specifications. We require a 50% deposit before proceeding with the Parashade and the balance prior to dispatch.
What are your payment terms?
- Standard Stock Units: 100% payment required prior to assembly (takes 2–3 days).
- Custom/Non-Standard Units: 50% deposit required to begin production, with the remaining 50% due prior to dispatch.
How are Parashades delivered, and what are the shipping costs?
- Parashades are delivered by courier (drop-off) to all main South African cities free of charge.
- For those not in a major centre, we will provide you with a delivery fee on your quotation.
Where do you ship? Do you ship internationally?
- We ship throughout South Africa.
- For international delivery requests, please contact our team directly for a custom freight quote.
Care & Use
Keeping it perfect.
What mechanical maintenance does my Parashade need?
None required under normal operating conditions.
How do I clean my Parashade?
- General Cleaning: Brush or wash away surface dirt regularly before it gets embedded. Use mild detergent and water. Avoid industrial chemical cleaners.
- Deep Cleaning: Detach the canopy and machine-wash on a cold cycle using mild washing powder.
- TEST YOUR CLEANING METHOD ON THE PROTECTIVE COVER FIRST.
How do I ensure that my Parashade lasts ‘forever’?
Always use the protective cover when your Parashade is not in use to maximize its lifespan. This way the Protective Cover deals with the elements – and we replace these free-of-charge if required.
Can I leave my Parashade unattended?
Never leave an open Parashade unattended or open in windy conditions. Wind is unpredictable, and wind damage is not covered under warranty.
Do you carry replacement canopies and spare parts?
- Spare parts and replacement canopies are available for purchase.
- For repairs or replacement parts, contact the factory directly with your Parashade model details.
- Parashades requiring structural repair are best returned to our facility.
Guarantee
What we promise, and how to claim.
Is my Parashade guaranteed?
Your Parashade is guaranteed against manufacturing defect for 5 years from purchase.
What is covered by the guarantee?
- Manufacturing defects in frame or mechanism (5-year cover).
- Cedarbrook Proof & Acrylic Canvas fabrics (3-year cover from the manufacturer of the fabric for replacement costs of the fabric only).
- Free repair or replacement for validated factory defects.
What is NOT covered by the guarantee?
- Wind damage or wear and tear.
- Cedarbrook Polycanvas fabric.
- Third-party parts (e.g., castors).
- Damage caused by negligence, improper storage, or misuse.
How do I claim on the guarantee?
- If a defect occurs during the warranty period, email us photos and a description of the issue.
- Our team will assess the claim and repair or replace the unit free of charge if a manufacturing defect is identified.