Shade sails can be an attractive and convenient way to provide shade to any outdoor area. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be extremely durable. Shade sails are also relatively easy to install, either by yourself or with professional help. Beyond that, there are a lot of additional benefits to having a shade sail. Let's take a look at some of them.
Block UV Rays
Shade sails are a great way to protect your family, home and car from harmful UV rays. They look like triangular pieces of fabric and provide effective shade for up to 95% of the sun’s ultra-violet radiation. This can mean better protection for your skin as well as your furniture, floors and carpets inside the home. In addition, they're easier to install than other types of shade sails since they don't require anything more than a few screws and clips, or in some cases no installation at all (if you buy pre-made shade sails). Shade sails are an especially good choice if you don't want something permanent or if you want something that will be easy to remove at the end of summer.
Low Maintenance
Shade sails are an attractive and cost-effective solution for protection from the sun, and their appeal has made them increasingly popular for both residential and commercial properties. Shade sails are low maintenance and easy to clean, making them a desirable choice for anyone looking for an outdoor covering solution with minimal upkeep. With just a brush of a sponge or cloth and some mild soap or cleaner, you can remove dirt, mold, discoloration and any other buildup that may accumulate on the surface of your sail. And you don’t need to worry about rust either; their materials are designed to resist corrosion. Additionally, shade sails are also incredibly durable -- they can withstand high winds as well as rainstorms with ease. They last up to ten years before they need to be replaced. Furthermore, shade sails come in a variety of colors giving you plenty of options when it comes to style and aesthetic choices.
Affordable
One of the biggest benefits of installing a shade sail is that they are an affordable and accessible way to provide shade in outdoor settings. A typical installation requires minimal tools and materials, and can often be done in a single day by anyone with basic do-it-yourself skills. With a few simple attachments to existing structures or posts, you can quickly build an attractive and sturdy outdoor shelter solution.
Shade sails come in many sizes and shapes so you can find one that fits your specific needs. The sails are manufactured from durable material like knitted fabrics or architectural grade canvas, so they will last for years if properly cared for. You can also choose from a variety of colors to create unique configurations that will enhance any outdoor space. And unlike permanent structures such as gazebos, you can reconfigure or take down your shade sail quickly should the need arise.
Types of Shade Sails
Shade sails come in many forms and sizes, making them a great choice for any outdoor space. Whether you're looking for a simple triangular sail, a large rectangular shade, or something else entirely, there are many types of shade sails available to suit your needs. This article will break down the different types of shade sails and their features.
Rectangular
Rectangular shade sails are the most common type for providing essential sun and UV protection for your outdoor space. Their strength lies in their design, with three supported points, allowing them to be mounted securely on walls, posts or trees. This type of sail offers excellent sun coverage and can be accompanied by additional drapes or side panels to provide an effective windbreak making it the ideal option for protecting outdoor spaces from the sun year-round.
A good example of a rectangular shade sail is the OZTECH waterproof range. They’re made from high-density polyester fabric that helps provide 97% UV blockout and this fabric is further treated with a unique PU coating for additional weatherproofing, so you never need to worry about rain affecting your outdoor setup during sunny weather.
There are several different types of rectangular and triangle shaped sail available so it’s important to consider your specific needs when choosing one. Depending on how much space you have available, what type of activities you plan on using the area for and what kind of weather conditions you’ll encounter during different times of the year, will help determine what shape works best within your overall design scheme.
Square
When selecting a shade sail, one of the many important aspects to consider is the shape. Square shaped sails are by far the most popular, as they can provide complete shade coverage and are relatively simple to install. They are usually made from a single piece of pointed fabric, though sometimes larger ones are sewn together from two or more pieces.
Square shaped sails also provide full protection from rain, wind and sun rays due to their even edge shape and canopy structure. The traditional type of square shade sails consist of four roughly equal-size panels with a tie at each corner that is used to fasten them together. This makes them easy to install on most flat surfaces such as decks, patios, lawns or over swimming pools.
When it comes to fabric choice for your square shade sail there are endless options available in the market today that suit different type of needs and budget. Most fabrics will be either woven polyethylene or knitted polyester which gives a strong yet lightweight fabric that is perfect for long-term usage in exposed outdoor conditions; providing you with efficient sun protection without worrying about deteriorations due to its outstanding water-resistance properties.
Whether you’re looking for a stylish way to add some privacy or simply enjoy spending time outdoors without worrying about what the weather brings , square shade sails should definitely be taken into consideration when buying new shades for your outdoor space.
Triangular
Triangular shade sails are the most popular and versatile type of shade sail. They offer the best options for smaller, rectangular patios and are great for larger spaces as well. Typically made from vinyl- laminated polyester fabric, triangular sails come in a variety of colors that can add fun to any outdoor space. Depending on the shape and size of your patio, there are several options for installing triangular shade sails depending on where you want to place them.
For smaller rectangular areas, two triangular sails may be used together to provide maximum coverage with minimal fuss. This can allow you to better customize the shape of your patio without purchasing an entire new sail set or having complex installation designs drawn up. Some people prefer having two sails that meet at the corner in order to prevent water or wind pooling along seams between multiple sections — this requires careful attention when selecting properly fitting pieces that can withstand potential wind loads and pressure points created by their attachment mechanisms.
If your area is larger than two triangles can cover, either three or four additional parachutes must be purchased and coordinated into your overall design scheme. The corner mount setup works great with larger spaces as well — it provides more coverage than one single triangle while still giving your patio a unique look with its eye-catching angles and overall shape. Additionally, if one corner becomes shaded more than others due to large trees nearby, tri-corner releases may need to be added so air flow isn’t trapped within trapped pockets of the fabric setup - leading to stronger holding strength over time in these tougher environments
Custom
Custom shade sails are designed to meet your specific needs. They can come in any size and shape, be pre-made or made to order and can be made from numerous materials such as polyester sun cloth, knitted fabric, canvas or thick woven mesh. Custom shade sails require up-front planning and precise measurements for a perfect fit; an experienced installer can help you maximize the use of your new custom shade sail.
When considering a custom shade sail keep in mind: the size and availability of the space where it will be mounted; the area it will cover; possibility of wind or hail causing damage; a risk assessment must be carried out when using poles. If you have an interesting shape space, have limited mounting points or need more privacy than any other type of shade sail could provide then custom could tops them all. Undertake research before making decisions and ensure proper installation is carried out by certified installers only.
Installation
Installing a shade sail is a great way to protect your outdoor space from the sun and rain. But, it is important to make sure you install it correctly. This can determine the safety and longevity of your shade sail. In this section, we'll look at some of the tips and considerations for installing a shade sail correctly.
Measure the area you want to cover
Once you have decided that a shade sail is the best solution for your outdoor space, it is time to measure the area you want to cover. To ensure that your shade sail looks its best and provides maximum coverage, start by choosing a spot that offers multiple attachment points that can be as tall as 20 feet (6 meters) tall. It is best to choose locations where trees or similar structures can provide stability and tensioning points for the installation of a shade sail.
Next, measure both the length and width of the area you want to cover with your sail. Mark out two posts for each corner of the sail so that all corners are equidistant from each other. Measure carefully with a tape measure in order to get an exact measurement. If possible, use ground stakes or flags at each of these locations so you can envision how your shade sail will look when installed. Once measuring is complete, it’s time to install!
Choose the right type of shade sail
When it comes to choosing the type of shade sail you wish to install, there are several options available. It is important to take the time to research and select the right type of sail for your specific needs and budget.
One of the most common types of shade sails on the market is vinyl-coated polyester fabric. This material is durable and resists moisture, fading, tearing, and other weather-related damage. It can be dyed in a variety of colors, giving you more flexibility with color choice than other materials like canvas or mesh fabric.
The second popular type of material used in shade sails is mesh fabric which allows air to pass through and provides protection from direct sunlight but does not completely block out all light hence providing an airy look for outdoor spaces. Mesh fabrics are typically cheaper than vinyl-coated polyester fabrics but may not last as long or offer as much protection from UV rays or windy conditions.
Finally, if you’re looking for a natural feel, canvas style shades can provide plenty of open space for air flow yet also offer good UV protection against harmful rays from the sun; however canvas material will need to be cleaned annually or bi-annually due to dirt accumulating faster on this material than others.
It’s important that when deciding which type of sail suits your needs best that you consider its location—where will it be mounted? A higher grade material may be recommended if that location receives a high amount direct sunlight throughout each day or is exposed to extreme weather conditions such as strong winds frequently throughout the year.
Install the sail with the necessary hardware
Installing a shade sail requires the right tools and hardware. Once you have chosen a suitable shade sail design, gathered the necessary hardware, and purchased or constructed the requisite posts and fittings, you can begin installing your shade with relative ease.
The installation process for each type of hardware used to install a sail varies in complexity. Generally speaking, it is best to use galvanized steel turnbuckles or wall hooks to secure the fabric in place.
It is possible to purchase pre-assembled anchor kits that include wall hooks, turnbuckles, and rope or webbing straps for attaching the deck cleat hold-downs. These kits are easy to install since most of the assembly has already been completed for you. Be sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions carefully before beginning installation so that you have all of the right components on hand.
Once your posts and fittings have been installed according to manufacturer instructions, begin feeding through the webbing straps at each corner location on your deck cleats (if used).
Cinch up gradually until snug where appropriate tension can be achieved without overly stretching the fabric - this will also help reduce wrinkles in your sail as it sits more evenly as additional wind tension is increased.
Attach each strap with its proper fitting such as carabiners or a bolt snap on either end of each strap; remembering to attach one carabiner directly onto itself so that sliding tension can be manually adjusted by pulling harder on one side of the four corners once in place should you desire further adjustment for looser or tighter sag in lighter winds upon completion.
Finally connect each turnbuckle with its required locking nut; extra caution should be taken when tightening these so as not overtighten them and possibly damage threads which may reduce their longevity or cause sagging over time due to inadequate tension.
Maintenance
Keeping a shade sail in great condition requires a bit of maintenance that you may or may not have time for. You will need to check the fabric and stitching of the shade sail regularly to make sure it isn't showing signs of wear and tear. You will also need to clean your shade sail regularly to prevent dirt build up, which can affect its function. Let's look at these and other maintenance considerations when it comes to buying a shade sail.
Inspect for tears and wear
Regular inspection of your shade sail is essential in an effort to extend its lifespan. Any weak points in the fabrication can be detected if you look carefully. Inspect for any tears, holes or jagged edges – if found, repair them immediately to prevent easy access of mould and further damage. Look for areas where the stitching has started to come undone or is loose, and ensure that all grommets are intact.
It’s also important to look for signs of wear from intense UV exposure too which could indicate it’s time to change your shade sail all together. Staining and discolouration is an indication that the fabrics protective coating has deteriorated and fading will occur when the dyes that give fabric their colour fade away due to decay from constant exposure to the gentle heat rays of the sun. When a fabric starts looking aged, it's telling you it's tired, needs replacement or at least cleaning - as soon as possible!
Clean regularly
It is important to keep your sail clean. Leaves and dirt can accumulate on the surface, which can reduce its life span by over two-thirds. If left unchecked, dirt will block out the sun and cause mold to grow on the material. To remove dirt, regularly use water and a mild soap to wash away the debris. For stubborn marks and tough stains, use a brush or soft cloth with a mild detergent solution. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before allowing it to dry completely in order for it to remain in good condition. In heavily soiled or moldy conditions, you may need a cleaning solution that contains bleach as well as additional scrubbing with a brush or sponge. If not cleaned properly, both chemical cleaners and laundering can damage your sail fabric; be sure that you read all product instructions before using any chemical products on your sail shade!
Repair or replace any damaged sails
If you have a shade sail that has begun to deteriorate due to UV damage, weather or animal damage, or if it has lost some of its tension and is sagging, it is important to repair or replace the sail before continuing to use it. The purpose of a shade sail is to provide protection from the sun and other elements, so ensuring that the sails are in proper condition should be a top priority.
To repair frayed edges or torn seams on the sail, use specialist webbing tape specifically designed for sails. This tape provides greater flexibility than regular fabrics and helps keep your sails in tip-top shape. If your shade sail has large rips or holes caused by animals, weathering, etc., then it's best to purchase a new replacement sail so you can be confident of its durability.
For more stubborn stains such as bird droppings and tree sap, apply a dilution of equal parts detergent and water with a soft brush in the affected area then rinse off with cold water — this will help remove the dirt without causing any damage to the fabric. When cleaning your shade sails make sure you do not use any abrasive materials as this could cause permanent damage. It’s also important not to spray down your sails with water from a pressure cleaner as the force could destroy them.
Conclusion
After reviewing the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing a shade sail, you can make an informed decision on whether you should purchase one or not. Although there are a few potential drawbacks, the potential benefits far outweigh them. A shade sail can provide you with an adequate amount of shade to make any outdoor space more enjoyable and make it more visually appealing. It's important to take all these factors into consideration before making a purchase.
Summarize the main points
Shade sails are a stylish, modern and cost-effective way of providing shade in your outdoor living areas. They protect against the sun and weather, making them ideal for events or simply to make your garden area more inviting and relaxing. When shopping for a shade sail you will need to consider size, shape, colour, fabric type and UV protection ratings. It’s important to measure your area carefully so that you get the right size of sail for your needs and the correct fitting point anchors to secure the sail safely.
When buying a top-quality shade sail you can expect it to last around seven years if regularly maintained with cleaning or treatment as needed. However, depending on where you live geographical conditions may affect how long they will last as well as how much direct sun exposure they get. With all this in mind, when purchasing a shade sail it is important to consider not just the initial price point but also the lifespan of a product when making an informed decision about whether buying a shade sail is right for you.
Offer a conclusion on why you should purchase a shade sail
In conclusion, if you are looking for an economical and convenient way to provide shade in your outdoor space, then a shade sail is an excellent choice. Shade sails are aesthetically pleasing and quick to install. They are also made of durable fabrics which can provide sun protection far into the future. Plus, they can be easily relocated or adjusted when your specific needs change. With these benefits in mind, it's no wonder that shade sails are becoming increasingly popular for both residential and commercial customers alike.