Shade sails add a modern, stylish touch to an outdoor area. They're a great option when you are considering ways to provide shade. You'll be able to escape the harsh sun while still enjoying the feeling of being outdoors.

Here are some tips to consider when you're looking to buy and install a shade sail yourself.

Shade Sail Fabric

Most shade sails block a percentage of UV rays from the sun and it is wise to select a shade sail that offers a high amount of UV protection. Check for fabric warranties against UV degradation. It's also good to have fabrics that can breathe as that will help keep you cooler.

Look carefully at the construction of different shade sails to find the quality that suits you. Read the packaging and look at the product thinking of the amount of shade you require and the shape. Consider also material and look for features like reinforced webbings on all edges and quality stainless steel D Rings on each corner too. These features help to prolong the life of the product.

Safety
Before you buy your shade sail, look carefully at where you can position it. Ensure all your fixing points are structurally sound. If you are fixing to a metal or timber facia, then facia supports (to a rafter/truss) are recommended. You can also erect your own support posts if required.

Prior to installation, consult your local council regarding building regulations that may apply in your area. Once the shade sail is in place, you should inspect the fixings regularly.

Do not use a fire (or patio heater) close to the fabric and do not use your barbeque under the shade sail.

Take your sail down in strong wind conditions.

Size and Shape of the Shade Sail
The position and distance of the structurally sound fixing (anchor) points will determine the size and shape of shade sail that you can purchase.

Measure the area that your shade sail needs to cover, from fixing point to fixing point. Your shade sail needs to be SMALLER than this area. On each corner of the sail you need to allow for a space between the sail tip and the fixing point that is at least 10% of the sail length. This will allow for enough room for fixing hardware, material stretch and tensioning of the sail.

Shade sails look better when their elevations change from corner to corner (some corners higher than others.) The slope on the shade sail also helps with water runoff. (See the image below as an example.)

When determining the position of your shade sail it is important to keep in mind that the sun is constantly moving from East to West and so the shade underneath your sail moves too. The shade is not always directly under the sail.

See our Shade Protection department for a range of Shade Sails.



Installing your Shade Sail

Step 1:
Lay out the sail in a relaxed state leaving a minimum distance of 10% of the sail length for tensioning. For example, if the sail is 3m x 3m square, then at each corner you need to have a gap of 30cm (or more) between the corner of the relaxed sail and the structural fixing point.

Step 2:
Make sure the fixing points are structurally sound. Facia supports may be required.

If additional supports are needed you could use a treated timber post. (Round minimum 125mm diameter or Square 125mm x 125mm.) Otherwise you could use a galvanised steel post at least 4mm thick. (Round minimum 100mm diameter, or Square 100mm x 100mm.)

Step 3:
Dig footings with the centre of the footing measured as the approximate location point of the sail. Line footings with gravel if required. Place the post in the hole and pour in concrete.

Step 4:
Determine the appropriate fixing accessories that you'll need. (See below.)
NOTE: A minimum of TWO fixing accessories must be tensioning devices.

Step 5:
Connect the Shade Sail to mounting points with all fixing accessories facing towards the middle of the sail and secure tightly.

Step 6:
Tension the Shade Sail.

Fixing Accessories

	Pad Eye - To attach Shade Sail D-ring to wall in conjunction with a D Shackle.
	Eye Bolt - To attach Shade Sail D-ring through a timber stud, steel pole or solid support.
	S Hook - Use to link Shade Sail corner to Pad Eye or Eye Bolt.
	D Shackle - Use to link Shade Sail corner to Pad Eye or Eye Bolt.
	Snap Hook - Used to link Shade Sail corner to Pad eye or temporary use.
	Turnbuckle - To attach Shade Sail D Ring to a fixing point and provide tension on the Sail.
(no image)	Strap Tensioner - Used to apply tension to the sail during installation.

Refer to the manufacturers directions before you clean your shade sail. Exposure to certain chemicals eg. chlorine can lead to the premature breakdown of the fabric. Shade sails can often be best cleaned by gentle spraying with a garden hose or light scrubbing on stains with a mild strength soapy water.