Covered parking lots in shading net or blackout PVCFor sunlight and hail protection
Covered car parking made of galvanized steel and Tentmesh Texout mesh roofing in blue color
In recent years, the growing focus on vehicle protection has led to an increase in the popularity of covered parking spaces. Unfortunately, it is not always feasible to build a brick garage, either due to urban planning issues related to the inability to create additional covered space on the same property, or, even if possible, because of the substantial costs associated with bureaucracy, design, and actual construction. It must be said, however, that having an adequate uncovered area and no constraints such as urban planning, landscape or other constraints, one can in many cases proceed with the construction of a gazebo as well as a structure made of wood or metal equipped with a removable cover made of shading net or PVC.
With this premise, this article will focus on structures, whether made of wood, metal, or a combination of both, that are either attached to an existing building, freestanding, or canopies, but always equipped with a removable cover made of shading net or blackout PVC, secured to the structure with perimeter rings and rope or equipped with pockets and battens, which must always be screwed onto the structure. These covered parking spaces, unlike masonry structures, have several advantageous characteristics, such as relative ease and speed of construction and installation, good flexibility in design and dimensions, significantly lower costs, effective protection from sun and hail, and if adequately designed and constructed, also from rain, although they are not suitable for protecting against accumulating loads like those generated by snow.
Therefore, when choosing the type of covered parking without construction work, it is important to consider specific needs, budget, expected duration of use, and local climatic conditions. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to evaluate which solution best meets individual requirements. The structures with shading net or blackout PVC coverings discussed in this article not only provide shelter from the elements but also represent a smart investment for vehicle protection.
As previously mentioned, the primary advantages of covered parking are protection from harmful UV rays and hailstorms. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage a car's paint and interior, causing fading and deterioration; similarly, hail can result in costly dents and breaks. Covered parking offers an effective barrier against these elements, ensuring that the vehicle remains in optimal condition.
Quality shading net, in particular, is designed to repel UV rays, protecting the car's paint and reducing interior temperature. This solution is particularly useful during the summer months when temperatures can reach extreme levels. On the other hand, blackout PVC provides greater protection against the elements, including hail, creating a solid strong cover.
These types of covering, along with the construction of the supporting structure—whether wooden or metal—can incur significant costs; however, these costs can be distributed over time, making the investment more accessible, possibly through financing options from third parties, with small installment payments that allow for spreading the cost over a longer period. This approach makes vehicle protection not only a wise choice but also a financially sustainable option.
In addition to protection and savings, covered parking spaces also offer superior comfort. Parking under a covered structure means entering a cool and protected vehicle, without having to endure extreme temperatures or waiting for the vehicle’s air conditioning system to bring the interior temperature down to acceptable levels. This aspect is particularly appreciated in summer when the sun can make entering a car parked outdoors unbearable.
When choosing materials, whether shading net or blackout PVC, it is essential to be informed and understand that not all products available on the market offer the same protective characteristics and self-protection from weather elements. Indeed, some cheaper options degrade quickly under the action of sunlight or seasonal thermal fluctuations. For this reason, we want to highlight, as a reference, the characteristics of two excellent products available on the market:
- Tentemesh Texout mesh
-- Yarn: UV-stabilized HDPE
-- Fabric weight: approx. 340g/sqm
-- Temperature resistance: +75°C / -30°C
-- UV Block: 91% - 98.8% depending on color
-- Sunlight blocking: 77% - 96% depending on color
-- 10-year warranty for degradation by UV
-- Free of toxic lead additives
-- Recyclable
- PVC Serge Ferrari Précontraint 602 Blockout
-- Yarn: warp polyester 1100 Dtex; weft polyester 1100 Dtex
-- Coating: PVC
-- Flammability: M2, B1 (FR: flame-retardant)
-- Finish: shiny laquered on both sides
-- Weight: ca 730 gr/sqm
-- Breaking strenght (DIN 53354): warp ca 250 DaN/5 cm; weft ca 220 DaN/5 cm
-- Tear resistance (DIN 53363): warp ca 20 DaN; weft ca 18 DaN
-- Light resistance (DIN 53388): level 7/8
-- Temperature resistance: +70°
-- Temperature resistance: -30°
-- Adhesion: ca 8 DaN/5cm
-- Ricyclable TEXYLOOP®
In conclusion, covered parking spaces represent a practical and advantageous solution for those looking to protect their vehicles from natural elements. Whether opting for a shading net cover or an blackout PVC one, one can always rely on effective protection—although slightly less so in snowy regions—while achieving cost savings in construction and good vehicle usability comfort. With increasing extreme weather conditions and growing awareness of the importance of vehicle maintenance, investing in a covered parking space is always a reasonable and wise choice, as taking care of one’s vehicle means preserving its commercial value for potential resale and ensuring its functionality and aesthetics in the years to come.
If you would like more information on outdoor roofing solutions made with shade net or blackout PVC, including for use as covered car parking, you can learn more by clicking on the following links to the Orero Lab pages:
