Important Things You Need To Know Before You Buy A Shade Sail

If you’re looking for a shade solution that’s quick and inexpensive (compared to a fixed structure) and looks stylish, a Shade sail (or Sun Sail) may be just what you’re after. They are fast becoming the number one choice in Australia for outdoor sun protection.

Do you know what shape (square, rectangle, triangle) will give you the shade coverage you want and a look that will compliment your home or business?

There are some very important design factors to consider. For example…

• Triangle Shade Sails are visually interesting but give significantly less shade coverage than square shapes.
• Square and Rectangle Shade Sails give excellent shade coverage but can look plain if designed poorly. Solution – installing 2 of the diagonal corners higher than the other corners gives a square or rectangle sail a very stylish twist. This can look spectacular and even give the visual effect of multiple sails. The height difference (slope) will also give better water and leaf runoff.
• Multiple Sails can look stunning, especially when you mix colours. But again, you have to be mindful of the shade coverage you are wanting. Without significant overlap in the sails, sunlight (and rain) will stream through any gaps.
• Take a look at some examples on our gallery pages. You’ll see sails in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours. And when you’d like some extra help, contact us and we’ll arrange for a Shade Technicians to design a shade solution that gives you both the visual appeal and practical functionality you’re after. Ph: 1300 878 334
  
  

This is the part of the design that lets many sails down. We are constantly attending insurance jobs – fixing sails that have ripped, stretched or come away from their fixing points because of poor quality hardware and installation methods.

How do you plan to suspend your sail to give it maximum strength and minimum impact on the surrounding environment? Do you need to install posts? ... and if so, are there any pipes or electrical cables in the way? Can some corners be suspended from an existing structure (roof, wall)? ... and if so, what installation methods will you choose to ensure long-lasting strength… and… no damage to the existing structure?

What about the type of posts, brackets and fixing hardware you may need? All our posts are galvanized and powder coated to look great and remain rust-free for life. We recommend a minimum of 100x100mm with a wall thickness of at least 4mm for extra strength.

We dig our footings (the holes the posts go in) to depth of 1200mm and a width of 450mm so we can be sure your posts are rock solid. Many companies only go 800mm deep – we dig 50% deeper.

All our hardware (Turnbuckles, D Shackles, Eye Bolts, Pad Eyes etc) and cable are 316 grade stainless steel so they remain shiny and strong even in the harshest weather.

Do you want a ‘shade’ fabric that lets the cool breeze through, or would you prefer something that’s waterproof? And what about the quality – are you after something that’s reliable but a little cheaper, or do you want something that’s guaranteed to last for 10 years? We offer 3 grades of shade fabric – ClassicShade, DuraShade and MonoShade. All are of a high quality and proven in harsh Queensland conditions.

We custom computer design and manufacture in-house so we can maintain the finest standards of quality. All fabrics come in a great range of colours. Our Shade Technicians can show you samples in both shade and waterproof fabrics.

Were you thinking of a light or dark colour?

• Lighter colours allow more light through and give slightly less UV protection. They also tend to show the dirt more.
• Darker colours let less light through and give slightly more UV protection. And they don’t tend to show dirt, even after years.

When you meet your Shade Technician for a Free Design Consultation, he will show you samples of different fabrics including the range of colours.

Shade sails are designed to be under tension. That’s how they get their strength. As you drive around you’ll often notice sails that appear lose and even a bit ‘flappy’. That’s because the cable or fabric has stretched or the posts have moved. Some sails are suspended with rope. We only use marine grade stainless steel cable of at least 4mm so your sail will remain tight, strong and keep its stylish shape. During the manufacturing process the cable is double ‘lock’ stitched into the edge of the sail so it stays secure for years.

Shade sails are sometimes know as shades sail, shade sales, sails shade, sun sail and sun sails shade. They may be the perfect solution for your shade needs. And very affordable – installed from just $1495 for a small sail.

If our enjoy DIY projects, we can supply you with a custom designed DIY Kit with full instructions from just $975.