FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about our products, process and service.
About Smart Shades
What does Smart Shades do?
Smart Shades is a Singapore outdoor roofing and shading specialist. We design, fabricate and install bioclimatic pergolas, foldable fabric pergolas, Smart Wave Louvre systems, smart awnings, Skyline retractable shades, fixed trellis roofs (aluminium composite, polycarbonate, laminated glass and fluted aluminium), timber-like aluminium and acoustic ceilings, SmartZip zip track blinds, and BlindXpert invisible grilles, insect screens and MultiPro screens.
Related products
Aluminium Bioclimatic PergolaUp to 8 m x 6 mRainproof louvresLED lighting
Foldable Fabric Pergola100% retractableSomfy motorSauleda fabric
Smart Wave Louvre SystemWave-profile bladesAdjustable airflowMotorised
Smart Awning100% retractableBuilt-in LED lightSauleda acrylic
Where is Smart Shades located?
Our showroom is at 33 Ubi Ave 3, #01-30 Vertex, Singapore 408868. Showroom visits are by appointment. We serve customers across Singapore.
What are your operating hours?
We are open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm, including public holidays.
Do you provide free site surveys?
Yes. We visit your home or premises to measure, assess the structure and drainage, show material samples and recommend the best solution before you receive a detailed quotation.
How much does an outdoor roof or pergola cost in Singapore?
Prices depend on the system, size, materials, finishes, motorisation and site conditions. A small smart awning costs far less than a large bioclimatic pergola, for example. Contact us or WhatsApp photos and rough measurements for an indicative price, then we will confirm with a site survey.
Do you handle URA, BCA or MCST approval?
Requirements depend on your property type and the structure. We advise on what is typically required and can provide drawings, product specifications and SCDF fabric documentation to support your submission.
Which motor brands do you use?
We partner with industry-renowned motor brands including Somfy (France), elero (Germany) and Dooya, chosen according to the system and application.
Are your fabrics fire-retardant?
Selected Smart Shades fabrics are fire-retardant and eligible for SCDF submission, which makes them suitable for condominium and commercial projects as well as homes.
Can your systems connect to my smart home?
Yes. Our motorised pergolas, awnings, Skyline roofs and SmartZip blinds can be controlled by remote or smartphone app, and smart home connectivity is available.
How many installations have you completed?
Smart Shades has completed more than 1,500 installations across Singapore.
Who owns Smart Shades? Is it related to SmartZip and BlindXpert?
Yes. Smart Shades is part of BlindXpert Pte Ltd, a Singapore company that owns three brands: Smart Shades (outdoor roofing, pergolas, awnings and ceilings), SmartZip (zip track blinds, smartzip.com.sg) and BlindXpert (blinds, curtains, invisible grilles and insect screens, blindxpert.com.sg). Smart Shades customers can get SmartZip and BlindXpert products from the same team.
Who installs bioclimatic pergolas and retractable awnings in Singapore?
Smart Shades designs, fabricates and installs bioclimatic louvre pergolas, foldable fabric pergolas, smart awnings and Skyline retractable shades island-wide in Singapore, with a free site survey. Call or WhatsApp +65 8525 9888, or visit our Vertex showroom at 33 Ubi Ave 3 by appointment.
Who supplies zip track blinds and invisible grilles in Singapore?
Smart Shades supplies and installs SmartZip zip track blinds (Flagship, Tiptronic, DualZip and the 12 - 15 m MegaView) and BlindXpert invisible grilles made from 316 stainless steel, for condos, HDB flats and landed homes across Singapore.
Retractable Awnings & Pergolas
What is the difference between a retractable awning and a bioclimatic pergola?
A retractable awning uses a fabric canopy that rolls or folds away, usually projecting from a wall. A bioclimatic pergola is a free-standing or wall-mounted aluminium structure with rotating louvre blades that tilt to control light and airflow and close to form a watertight roof. Pergolas suit larger, permanent outdoor living areas; awnings suit balconies, windows and car porches where you want shade only some of the time.
Can a retractable roof be used in heavy rain?
Yes. Our bioclimatic pergolas, Skyline systems and foldable fabric pergolas are designed to be closed during rain and include integrated gutters and drainage. Projecting smart awnings are designed for sun and light rain and should be retracted in strong wind or very heavy downpours. We will advise on the right system for how you plan to use the space.
Do retractable awnings need approval in Singapore?
Landed homes and condominiums may need approval from URA, BCA or the condo MCST depending on the size, location and type of structure. We guide you on what is typically required and prepare drawings and product information for your submission where needed.
How long does installation take?
Most retractable awnings are installed in one day. Bioclimatic pergolas and Skyline systems usually take one to three days on site after fabrication. Lead time for fabrication depends on size and finish and is confirmed with your quotation.
Fixed Awnings, Trellis Roofs & Ceilings
Which trellis roof material is best for Singapore?
It depends on what you value most. Aluminium composite panels give the coolest, fully shaded space and are popular for car porches. Polycarbonate lets in diffused daylight at a lower cost. Tempered laminated glass gives the clearest view and the most premium finish. Fluted aluminium offers a modern ribbed look with full shade. We bring samples during the site survey so you can compare.
Will a polycarbonate roof make my space hot?
Clear polycarbonate transmits more heat and light than opaque materials. Tinted or heat-reflective polycarbonate reduces this significantly, and an aluminium composite or fluted aluminium roof gives the coolest result. We will recommend the right option based on orientation and how you use the space.
Do I need approval to build a trellis roof?
Many landed home trellis structures need URA and BCA submissions, and condo installations usually need MCST approval. Requirements depend on the size and location of the structure. We advise on what is typically required during the site survey.
Is timber-like aluminium ceiling suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. Aluminium is lightweight and weather-resistant, which makes it far more suitable for outdoor ceilings in Singapore than natural timber, plaster or gypsum board. It is commonly installed at car porches, roof terraces, balconies and attics, and under trellis roofs.
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What does an acoustic ceiling do?
An acoustic ceiling absorbs sound energy to reduce echo and reverberation in a room. It makes speech clearer and the space feel calmer, which is useful in open-plan homes, home theatres, offices, classrooms and restaurants.
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SMART Zip® Track Blinds
What are zip track blinds?
Zip track blinds are outdoor roller blinds with a zip sewn along each fabric edge that runs inside an aluminium side channel. The zip keeps the fabric tensioned and sealed along its sides, so it resists wind and blocks rain, sun and haze far better than an ordinary blind.
Are zip track blinds allowed in Singapore condos?
Most condominiums allow zip track blinds on balconies, but many specify the colour, fabric and frame finish to keep the facade uniform. Check your MCST guidelines; we can supply fabric samples, specifications and SCDF documentation for your application.
Can zip track blinds withstand strong wind?
SmartZip systems are rated for wind speeds up to 140 km/h when fully closed. As with any outdoor product, we recommend following the operating guidance for extreme weather.
BlindXpert Invisible Grilles & Screens
Are invisible grilles safe?
Yes, when installed correctly. Invisible grilles use tensioned 316 stainless steel cables spaced closely enough to prevent children and pets from passing through, anchored into aluminium tracks fixed to the structure. They are widely used in Singapore high-rise homes.
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Can invisible grilles be opened for cleaning or emergencies?
Fixed installations are common on balconies. For windows, openable casement-style invisible grilles are available so you can clean windows easily.
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Will an insect screen reduce airflow?
A fine insect mesh reduces airflow slightly but still lets breeze through while keeping mosquitoes and other insects out. Retractable and pleated options let you open the screen fully when you do not need it.
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Still have questions?
WhatsApp us photos of your space and we'll get back to you with recommendations.
Monday to Sunday, 10am - 7pm (open on public holidays)













