Shade Sail Buying Guide
Shade Sail Installation Tips
With your own skills and ingenuity, and possibly a little help from us, you can create and install your own shade sail project for a fraction of the cost of professional installation.
You have two alternatives to consider:
- Install attachment points to accommodate our Ready-Made Sails
- Install attachment points first and then have us manufacture a Custom Shade Sail to fit
Whether you opt for our Pre-Made Shade Sails or our Custom Shade Sails, you will have similar decisions to make.
Attachment Points on Buildings / Structures
When attaching to a building, it is very important to ensure that the attachment point is structurally strong. If attaching to a wooden part of a building, we normally use an eyestrap with two lag screws. If attaching to a concrete wall, we normally epoxy a 3/8 inch or 8mm eyebolt into the wall. For less common applications, such as going through a wall and using a backing plate or attaching to a roof, alternative hardware may be required.
Posts
We usually recommend a 4 inch steel post. While steel is preferred, a large wooden post is a common alternative. The size of the post depends largely on how many shade sails will be attached to it, the size of the sail and how far from the ground the shade sail will be.
When it comes to how deep to bury the posts, a conservative rule would be one third in the ground and two thirds out. Therefore, a post with eight feet exposed would have four feet buried. This will vary depending on how many sails are attached to the post, soil conditions, size of the sails, etc.
We almost always use a 3/8 inch or 8mm eyebolt on a post. To avoid standing on a ladder while drilling a hole, we highly recommend installing the eyebolt before burying the post.
Don't forget to let the concrete base fully dry before installing the shade sails!
Turnbuckles / "D" shackles / Cable
In most cases we suggest using a turnbuckle on each corner of the shade sail. "D" shackles are an acceptable alternative, but they do not allow for tensioning of the shade sail.
When using turnbuckles it is recommended that you work your way around the shade sail tensioning each turnbuckle as you go to ensure an even amount of tension across the shade sail.
Steel cables can be used to span distances from shade sail corners to attachment points.
We know every installation is different, so if you have specific questions feel free to contact us and we will do our best to answer them.
Custom Shade Sails
Design Suggestions
Our custom shade sails allow up to a 30’ maximum length along each side of our triangular sails and up to 35’ per side on quadrilateral shade sails. Larger sails may be possible but are not generally recommended.
Very long and narrow sails should be avoided. The width at any given side should be more than ½ of the longest edge of a shade sail.
To insure a taut shade sail, a long cable should ideally be used on only one corner when connected to an attachment point. All other corners should be attached directly to a post or secure fixing point or with only a short cable. The use of long extension cables on more than one corner allows the shade sail to move excessively during wind. This extra movement increases the shock load and in turn reduces the life of the shade sail.
Triangles and other flat shade sails should slant sufficiently as to prevent water from temporarily pooling during rain. A slope of 1:4 is recommended. Larger triangles or flat sails require more of a slant to avoid sagging.
When installing larger shade sails the strength may be increased by twisting the sail into a hyperbolic parabola which gives a 3 dimensional stretch to the fabric. You can also achieve a 3rd dimension by attaching one corner of the quadrilateral significantly higher than the other corners. This distribution of overall tension results in a stronger shade sail that lasts longer than 2 dimensional shade sails exposed to the same conditions.
Shade sails are not intended to hold snow and should be taken down in climates where snow is a possibility. Repeated snow loads will stretch the fabric.
To avoid chafing of the fabric, overlapping shade sails should have a minimum of 12” distance between them. Otherwise, windy conditions may cause the sails to rub against each other and damage the fabric.
Following these suggestions you can look forward to enjoying a practical and esthetically pleasing addition to your environment for years to come.
We know every installation is different, so if you have specific questions feel free to contact us.
Benefits of Shade Sails
Shade sails transform a simple outdoor setting into a dynamic, eye-catching area. Their remarkably simple yet boldly stylish appearance is used in both residential and commercial applications and will compliment a variety of architectural approaches.
Shade sails are not only attractive but they effectively protect an area from the sun without giving a closed in feeling. They are an excellent alternative to awnings, umbrellas, carports, and patio enclosures.
Below is a short list of just some of the many benefits of our shade sails:
- Blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays
- Reduces "solar gain" resulting in lower air-conditioning costs
- Creates a shaded and inviting environment
- Protects Koi ponds from predatory birds and rapid algae growth
- Won't be blown over on windy days
- Helps prevent sunburn and skin cancer
- Economical and attractive
- Does not dry rot or mildew
- Allows greater use of patios, decks, swimming pools, etc.
- Protects property such as furniture, boats, cars, playground equipment
- Draws attention and increases traffic in commercial and retail areas
- Available in a variety of colors
- Virtually maintenance-free
- Adds elegance and casual beauty to its environment
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