Shade sails are a fantastic way to protect the area around your home or business experience relief from hot summer weather. While most people’s initial focus is on the type of sail they will purchase, it is equally important to consider what kind of material your shade sail is constructed from and the pros and cons associated with each. To help you make an informed and rewarding decision regarding what material to purchase, let’s take a look at the different types of fabrics used to make shade sails and the pros and cons associated with each.
Types of Shade Sail Materials
Whether you’re looking to spruce up a patio or backyard area, or are looking to provide protection from the sun, the right shade sail is key. But with so many options, what type of sail material should you choose? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type of shade sail material to help you decide.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most popular materials used for shade sails. Polyethylene fabric is a knitted plastic fabric, which is highly resistant to fraying and tearing. It’s also weather-proof, meaning it won’t degrade when exposed to rain or sun; and it’s UV-resistant.
In addition, PE fabrics can be found at a very affordable price. The drawback of using this material for shade sails is that it usually isn’t as durable as other materials and can become brittle over time. This material may not be the best option if you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures or strong winds, as it may not be able to withstand these conditions as well as other materials would.
Polyethylene also requires more maintenance than other fabrics and must be regularly treated with UV protectant, which helps prevent fading and cracking caused by sunlight exposure. In terms of look and feel, polyethylene has a more pliable feel than most other fabrics.
Vinyl
Vinyl shade sails are a popular choice for providing versatile, easy-to-install protection from the sun. Vinyl offers superior durability and can withstand most weather conditions, so it’s ideal for areas that experience regular exposure to rain and wind. Vinyl shades also provide increased UVA protection and filter out potentially harmful UVB rays as well. Some vinyl sails may come with a lifetime warranty if they are of a high quality standard, so it’s worth checking if you’re looking for extra protection for your investment.
Vinyl sails do have some drawbacks when compared to other materials though – most notably, the inability to block visual glare or manage temperature within the area. Vinyl shades can also fade over time due to UV exposure which may lead to discoloration of your sail over time. If you have metal hardware included as part of your installation, vinyl is not recommended as metal combined with fabric material can create friction which will damage both components in time unless specifically covered by sealant or given extra care when used together.
Polyester
Polyester shade sails are popular for their affordability and ease of installation. They are also lightweight and come in a variety of colors and styles including triangle, rectangle, and square. Polyester is a quick-drying material with good strength retention properties that makes it resistant to tearing. It’s structural integrity can be improved through coating the fabric with UV inhibitors or resin fillers. The polyester used to make shade sails is also flame retardant making it a safe choice for outdoor use.
Pros:
-Affordable
-Easily maintained
-Easy installation
-Lightweight
-Variety of colors/styles
-Good tear resistance
-Flame retardant
Cons:
-May fade or discolor over time due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays
-Needs support such as posts or poles for proper tension
Sunbrella
Sunbrella is a UV-stabilized solution dyed acrylic fabric that is often chosen for its superior fade-resistant and durable qualities. Sunbrella fabrics come in dozens of solid colors; they tend to be more expensive than some other shade sail materials, but the longevity of their color makes them well worth the investment.
Sunbrella fabric lasts longer than cotton, polyester or canvas and can withstand direct sunlight for several years without degrading significantly. This can save you money in the long run, as there won’t be any need to buy replacements every few years with proper care and maintenance.
Sunbrella’s durable construction also allows it to hold up against windy conditions better than other fabrics like cotton or polyester. Its high tensile strength means that it’s able to resist tearing and fraying under even adverse conditions, making it an ideal choice for high-wind areas.
Pros and Cons of Each Material
Shade sail materials come in a variety of options, each with their own particular set of pros and cons. Generally, these materials can be broken down into two main categories – natural fiber (canvas, jute, cotton, and hemp) and synthetic materials (vinyl, polyester, and polyethylene). In this section, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each material type to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your shade sail.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is the most common material used for shade sails. This material has a variety of qualities that make it ideal for outdoor applications.
Pros:
-It has long lasting durability in the sunshine and will not rot, rust or corrode.
-It does not become brittle or tear easily when exposed to extreme temperatures or weather conditions.
-This material is lightweight, UV stable and allows for easy maintenance, since it can be washed with soap and water.
-It is available in a wide variety of colors, so you can choose whatever shade best fits your needs and aesthetic preferences.
Cons:
-It can also be subject to mildew build up due to its absorbent properties which must be cleaned regularly if left out unprotected too often in wet conditions.
-Puncture wounds should be patched with fabric tape or another repair method immediately to reduce risk of further damage becoming worse over time.
-UV degradation over time may cause this material to lose its initial color if exposed without adequate UV stability protection applied beforehand.
Vinyl
When it comes to materials to use for your shade sail, vinyl is a popular choice because it offers a number of advantages. The most appealing advantage is the fact that it is lightweight and resistant Against UV rays making it an ideal material for outdoor protection. It’s also highly durable, even in rainy and windy climates, so you can rest assured that your shade sail won’t be damaged easily.
On the downside, vinyl has some drawbacks as well. For one, because it can allow moisture through without much protection due to its lightweight nature; this means that, in areas with heavy rain or damp weather, mold and mildew could start taking over if the shade sail isn’t cleaned regularly. Additionally, since vinyl has a plastic-like texture to it, the fabric can become hot after sitting in direct sunlight for too long which can make sitting beneath your sail uncomfortable at times.
Polyester
Shade sail materials come in a variety of types, including fabrics such as canvas and synthetic choices like polyester. Each material type offers different properties that can influence your decision when creating your shade sail. Polyester, for example, is a synthetic fabric that is known for its colorfastness and ability to resist fading and water absorption.
Polyester has many benefits in the shade sail world including:
-High tear strength
-UV stability up to 98 – 100%
-Excellent ability to resist mould and mildew
-Low moisture absorbency
-Wide range of colors and designs available
However, there are some drawbacks when using polyester as a shade sail material. These include:
-Decreased breathability compared to more open weave fabrics such as canvas, leading to increased discomfort due to higher temperatures beneath the sail
-Sensitivity to cat urine, oils and other substances which may cause discoloration of the fabric
-Cost – Polyester is generally more expensive than other fabric options
Sunbrella
Sunbrella is the highest quality fabric used for shade sails and offers the longest life, best weather resistance, and strongest UV protection. This fabric is superior to other materials because of its excellent longevity and colorfastness, as well as its ability to repel water while allowing water vapor to escape. Sunbrella is specifically designed to resist fading and mildew, while offering high strength and durability due to a tough interwoven construction that gives it superior tear proof properties. Sunbrella fabrics typically come with warranties of five or more years by the manufacturer which gives customers an assurance that the material will last for several seasons of harsh weather conditions. The main disadvantage of using Sunbrella is the higher cost when compared with other types of shade sail materials on the market today.
Conclusion
To make the best decision for your shade needs, consider the pros and cons of each shade sail material. Each material offers its own benefits as well as disadvantages, so it is important to think through your needs and match them to a material that will meet your expectations. Vinyl is an inexpensive option but has a limited lifespan and won’t remain strong in strong winds or very hot weather. Polyester is a good all-around choice with potentially longer lifespan than vinyl but at a higher cost. HDPE has excellent longevity and durability but more expensive still than polyester. Mesh sails are perfect for areas with high wind and hot weather due to its flexibility, breathability, and lightweight design; however, they offer less protection from destructive UV rays as opposed to other material types. Ultimately, we recommend considering all of these potential materials to determine which one is right for you.