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Shade Sail Buying Guide

OVERVIEW

If you are looking for an easy, affordable and stylish way to add shade to any area of your backyard, these shade sails are exactly what you need. These shade structures not only protect you from the sun, like patio umbrellas, but the Polymer knitted fabric breathes to allow hot air to escape from below. Shade sails keep the area under the cover as cool as possible. This fabric is commercial grade which means it is made to last summer after summer without ripping or fading.

The portable sun shades are great for camping trips, picnics in the park or anywhere you need some impromptu protection from the sun. They are small enough to be kept folded in the trunk of your car so you have them available whenever you need them, unlike market umbrellas that can be a bit challenging to transport. These shades were made for the outdoors. Not only are they UV resistant, they resist mold and mildew can be cleaned very easily and some versions come with a 10 year warranty!

Outdoor shade sails come in a variety of vibrant colors and can be used to add a bit of colorful style to your backyard area. You may even have seen these shades used in commercial settings to add beauty and shade to outdoor malls or maybe even your favorite sports stadium. They are similiar to offset patio umbrellas because they can be used in spaces where a traditional umbrella cannot.

So take a look at these outdoor shades that really are priced right if you need some additional shade.

SUITABLE LOCATION(S) for your Shade Sails:
Before you commence installation it is very important that you consider the most suitable location for your shade sail(s). Take into account the following:

  • Size of the shade sail(s)
  • Strength of the existing structures intended to be anchor points
  • Ability to insert fixing posts
  • Location of barbecues, sun direction, high wind areas, electrical/telephone cables, water pipes, etc.

Shade Sails can be mounted in a variety of ways. Sails can be mounted flat or with high and low points. A flat sail can be more difficult to properly tension and can catch rain and wind. One of the best methods of mounting a shade sail is to have high points diagonally opposite each other. This creates an architectural “hypar”. Setting a minimum slope of 15 degrees is ideal. This slope creates a rise to run ratio of 1 / 3.75. When establishing your sails lower points, make sure they are suitable for water run-off.

Shade Sail Buying Guide

 

FABRIC

Shade Sails- 90% UV Block, Easy to Install, Fits almost anywhere.

We offer the Extreme Shade Sail, which is a semi permanent structure manufactured from commercial grade fabric with durable stainless steel fittings for a long lasting product. The Ready to Hang Shade Sails are for temporary shade over picnics, pools, at the beach and is also ideal for camping.

Extreme Shade Sails

  • Commercial grade fabric, is designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions
  • Quality stainless steel delta rings on corners and reinforced webbing
  • 3 year fabric warranty against UV degradation

Ready to Hang Shade Sails

  • Thickly knitted shade fabric
  • Comes with pre-attached ropes
  • 1 year warrenty fabric

 

INSTALL

What You need to Install a Shade Sail:

  1. Choose a Mount Type for each corner – 90° Pole, 75° Pole, Fixed Wall Mount or Wall Track.
  2. Choose a Mounting Location for each corner – Wood Deck, Concrete, In-Ground or Wall Mounted
  3. Choose Special Add-ons: Easy Step Installation, Shade Sail Bag, or custom colors.

We recommend that the fixing of the Shade Sails to trees be for TEMPORARY USE ONLY. The diameter of the tree where the sail will be fixed must be at least 250mm.
Important: At least TWO of the sail’s fixing accessories must be tensioning devises.
A rope or chain can be used to extend your shade sail to a fixing point if required.

Suggestions of selecting the fixing accessories which best suit your own installation needs: Selecting Fixing Accessories:
There is an extensive range of fixing accessories available to help you secure your shade sails. These accessories are readily available from your normal hardware supplier.

  • TURNBUCKLE: To attach Shade Sail corner ring to a fixing point and provide tension on the Shade Sail.
  • “D” SHACKLE: Use to link Shade Sail corner Pad Eye or Eye bolt.
  • PAD EYE: To attach Shade Sail corner ring to a wall in conjunction with “D” Shackle.
  • “S” HOOK: Use to link Shade Sail corner to Pad Eye or Eye Bolt.
  • EYE BOLT: To attach Shade Sail corner ring through a timber stud, steel pole or solid support.
  • SNAP HOOK: Used to link Shade Sail corner Pad Eye or temporary use.
  • STRAP TENSIONER: Used to apply tension to Shade Sail during installation.

A properly mounted and tensioned shade sail will have approximately 100 pounds of tension on it and will have little to no wrinkles. Connect all points, using rope or wire cable if necessary to gain increased leverage. The rope can be threaded around a number of times so that it works as a “pulley” mechanism. Another tensioning method would be to use a turnbuckle which can aid in applying the proper amount of tension. Stop tensioning when the shade sail is rigid with little or no creases. CAUTION: Do not over tension. Tension only by hand and only tight enough to get the wrinkles out of the shade cloth. Re-tension periodically if required.
Here are some possible combinations of installation:

  • Pad Eye – Turnbuckle – Sail
  • Eye Bolt- “D” Shackle – Sail
  • Eye Bolt – “S” Hook – Sail

Connect fixing accessories to mounting points required. Ensure all accessories face towards the middle of the sail and are tightly secured.

Connect all points, using a strap-tensioning tool if necessary to gain increased leverage. Stop tensioning when the shade sail is rigid with a little or no creases.

 

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