How to Choose and Install a Shade Sail?

Aesthetic and providing good protection against the sun, (and sometimes even the rain), shade sails are available in many shapes, colors, and textiles. Here are some tips for choosing shade sail.

How to choose your shade sail

A shade sail, in addition to its significant aesthetic function, must be chosen according to certain very specific criteria, and of course according to its use. Two types of sails stand out: waterproof sails that allow both to protect from the rain and the sun and permeable sails that provide refreshing shade.

Waterproof fabrics

They are made of very fine fabric with tight meshes. They protect from the sun and rain and therefore find their place in the extension of a home for example. An installation high in height is recommended because, under this type of veil, which does not let air and heat pass, the atmosphere can quickly become a problem if set too low at ground level.

Permeable fabrics

The weaving is composed of more imposing mesh allowing the air to pass through well. These sails are ideal for providing shade and freshness but they do not protect from the rain. They will cover a dining area, garden furniture, even a hammock, bringing a beneficial and refreshing shade. They also offer better wind resistance because they do not obstruct it since it can pass through them. With these sails, no risk of water pockets because they let the rain pass.

The different fabrics possible for a shade sail

Shade sails are made up of specific fabrics depending on the destination you want to give them. The grammage is very important because it determines, among other criteria, the quality of the fabric. It is available from 140g / m² to 340g / m². The denser it is, the more solid and resistant it will be to the elements.

• Polyethylene allows a less tight mesh and lets air pass more freely. This is called micro-perforated shade cloth. This type of fabric can be treated to resist UV and stains. Olefin is a variation of polyethylene fabric. Light, waterproof, solid, and very easy to maintain, it is a good material for this type of use.
• PVC is a water-repellent and waterproof material, it provides total protection against UV rays and is very easy to maintain.
• Acrylic is often tinted, and offers good color resistance over time. It is often treated to be waterproof.

Custom shade sail

Custom shade sails allow you to enjoy your terrace even in very hot weather. With their square, rectangular or triangular shape, they allow all configurations in a set of overlapping shapes and colors infinitely modular. Sit down for an outdoor lunch or a cool nap without fear of sunburn! The stretched fabrics offer a contemporary architectural solution to protect your terrace from the sun. Shade cloth is capable of sheltering a large area, withstanding the weather and protecting from UV without obstructing the circulation of air and therefore without the greenhouse effect.

Strength of a shade sail

Another important point, the sails should have the edges reinforced by a strip of fabric or hem in order to hold well during the pulling effect induced by the force of the wind. Prefer sails without eyelets because they tend to tear off. A solid sail is recognizable by its attachment tabs placed at the corners, sewn from reinforced material.

Shade sail installation

Before choosing the shape of your shade sails, check the possibility of using a very solid structure such as a wall or a mast. The shade veil is installed above our heads. It must be stretched from all angles and, if the fabric is large, additional fixing points must be provided.

The wind can exert strong pulls on the veil, so it should be placed on a slight slope which will improve its wind resistance. In this way, rainwater will drain more easily. To limit wind resistance, it is better to install several small sails than one large one.

Professionals for your shade sails installation project

The craftsmen of Creative Shade Solutions advise you on the size, positioning, and fixing system of your shade fabric. Their field experience allows you to benefit from the best option. They ensure the shade sail installation or shade structures so that you benefit from a correctly tensioned shade sail, giving you optimal protection.

Choose Creative Shade Solutions – leader in commercial shade sail systems. Our quality, in-house shade structures and tensile sails will provide lasting sun protection for any outdoor areas.