How to tension a shade sail?
We recommend tensioning each corner of the sail with a force of at least 45 kg. The fastening and tensioning kit Muscle x3 was specially developed by Maanta to professionally tension every shade sail. The essential components of this cable system are: 2 shackles for anchoring the sail, 2 pulleys and 4 meters of sail rope.
Why do I have to tension the sail on each side?
This should be done for each side of the shade sail to ensure there is adequate room to tension the sail properly. This is necessary for proper shade sail installations. This stage of the installation is critical.
Why is height variation important in a shade sail?
Height Variation. Height variation in shade sails gives them a look unique to tensile fabric membranes. But the purpose behind that twist is more than just aesthetic. It is crucial for maintaining tension and preventing sagging. Good height variation is obtained by alternating high and low attachment points.
How tight should a shade be tensioned?
When taut, a standard shade should flex as a single piece without rippling or flapping in the wind. Larger shades or those with an outer edge with steel wire threaded thru, can be tensioned even tighter (upto ~450lbs edge tension) to the extent that the whole installation should appear almost solid, and the shade like a drum.
How tight should a shade sail be?
Caution: Do not over tension, tension only by hand, and only tight enough to remove creases. Over tensioning can cause damage to your Shade Sail. Your sail should be firm and tight to reduce windflap. After 30 days, check the tension and re-tighten if required.
How many pounds of tension does a shade sail have?
A properly mounted and tensioned shade sail will have approximately 150-400 pounds of edge tension. Wind loads from 5-15 lbs. per square foot are typical.
Can a shade sail be loose?
If your shade sail starts to sag, you can re-tighten it and bring it taught. One way to do this is by using a wire rope that runs through a pocket sewn in the perimeter of your sail. Simply pull the wire rope on each corner until the shade sail retightens and all sagging is removed.
Why is my shade sail sagging in the middle?
Without a wire rope around the perimeter, tension applied at each attachment point is not distributed evenly in the sail, creating areas of concentrated stress around the corners. This causes the center to sag and increases the risk of tearing at the corners.
Should shade sail move in wind?
Shade sails form a tensioned structure and they should not flap in the wind. Sails generally are designed to withstand up to 85 mph winds. So, under normal weather conditions, you need not worry about it. However, if there is a hurricane or cyclone or heavy rain, sails should be taken down.
How do I stop water pooling on my shade sail?
Pools of water on any shade sail will shorten its life and you don't want pooled water on the sail. You can make sure water runs off the shade sail by installing it at an angle. Another way to make water run off the sail is to use a "hypar" twist. Hypar stands for hyperbolic parabaloid.
Can you leave a shade sail up all year?
Your shade sail can remain in place all year round *, however it will require periodic maintenance to ensure that the fabric remains tight and free of any debris etc especially before winter and the onset of rains.
Do shade sails stretch over time?
Sails can stretch and loosen up over time, but by getting in early you can keep yours firm and fresh. Check out our article on installing shade sails here for more information on getting started.
What shape shade sail is best?
Shade sails come in a variety of shapes and styles but are typically sold in three shapes: triangle, square, and rectangle. Of the three, the triangular sail is the most popular. This is because square sun shade sails tend to bow in the middle, due to a buildup of water.
When should I take down my shade sail?
Shade sails can withstand heavy winds, however, we do recommend taking them down in extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. Always check your hardware after a storm.
Are shade sails a good idea?
If you want to make the best use of your outside areas, installing a shade sail or waterproof canopy is a fantastic idea. Shade sails offer a great source of sun shade and UV protection, plus water protection, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors and relax outside in comfort.
How do you tighten sunshade?
1:022:07How to Properly Tighten the Turnbuckles on your Shade SailYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgainst the barrel on each. Side. Your turnbuckle after doing that is locked off your D shackle youMoreAgainst the barrel on each. Side. Your turnbuckle after doing that is locked off your D shackle you just simply tighten with your tool as well and just make sure it's spun tight.
How do sun sails hold up in wind?
Standard shade sails are actually porous. These shade sails will let the wind through, which means they will remain sturdy through most storms. If you have waterproof shade sails, they will also withstand high winds, when installed properly.
Do shade sails stretch over time?
Sails can stretch and loosen up over time, but by getting in early you can keep yours firm and fresh. Check out our article on installing shade sails here for more information on getting started.
How do you tighten a shade cloth?
2:403:54How To Install Shade Cloth - DIY At Bunnings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd long ways to make sure that it's nice and taut. Once we've done that the hooks will be pushingMoreAnd long ways to make sure that it's nice and taut. Once we've done that the hooks will be pushing through and then all that's left to do is nail them down with a hammer.
Can you leave a shade sail up all year?
Your shade sail can remain in place all year round *, however it will require periodic maintenance to ensure that the fabric remains tight and free of any debris etc especially before winter and the onset of rains.
Why is shade sail height variation important?
But the purpose behind that twist is more than just aesthetic. It is crucial for maintaining tension and preventing sagging. Good height variation is obtained by alternating high and low attachment points. This gives the sail a shape called a hyperbolic parabola.
How to install pulleys on a sail?
If you're looking for an easy up, easy down option, we've got just what you need! Pulleys make for super easy installs because there is no need for lubricant or tools, or additional tensioning assistance from a come-along or similar winch. We pattern for a 15" offset, allowing plenty of room to attach the pulley to each corner of the sail and then to each attachment point, before any tension is applied. Once the sail is in place, pull the rope tight at each corner and tie off the loose ends. A 4:1 mechanical advantage makes tensioning your sail a breeze, and the take down is just as simple! Like our turnbuckles, pulleys are great for shade sails within our standard size range. Learn how to install a shade sail with pulleys here.
Why do shade sails droop?
Without it, shade sails sag or droop, especially in the centers, affecting the aesthetics and longevity of the sail. Introducing tension to a shade sail, however, isn't quite as simple as just pulling it tight at each corner. We focus on three main tensioning techniques:
What is a turnbuckle pulley?
Turnbuckles and pulleys are both fantastic corner hardware for standard shade sails and customs within that same size range, so choosing between the two is really a matter of cost vs. convenience. If you're looking for the best price, turnbuckles will be your best option.
How does wire rope work?
When a wire rope is used, the pulling force from the attachment hardware is transferred to the wire rope, rather than directly to the fabric . That force is then distributed throughout the perimeter of the sail, where the wire rope runs through a pocket. As the curved edges of the sail are pulled taut, the wire rope and fabric attempt ...
What is commercial bracket?
Commercial brackets are used in any custom projects larger than any of our standards. When it comes to large sails, turnbuckles and pulleys just won't do the trick. We've designed our commercial brackets to achieve 18" of take and hold up to the added stress of large sails. Learn how to install a shade sail with commercial brackets here.
What is wire rope?
Wire rope is an essential part of our shade sails. It runs through a pocket sewn into the perimeter of every sail. Without a wire rope around the perimeter, tension applied at each attachment point is not distributed evenly in the sail, creating areas of concentrated stress around the corners. This causes the center to sag and increases the risk of tearing at the corners.
How to tension a shade sail?
A properly mounted and tensioned shade sail will have approximately 100 pounds of tension on it and will have few to no wrinkles. Connect all points, using rope or wire cable if necessary, to gain increased leverage. The rope can be threaded around a number of times so that it works as a “pulley” mechanism. Another tensioning method would be to use a turnbuckle which can aid in applying the proper amount of tension. Stop tensioning when the shade sail is rigid with few or no creases. CAUTION: Do not over tension. Tension only by hand and only tight enough to get the wrinkles out of the shade cloth. Re-tension periodically if required.
How to mount shade sails?
Shade Sails can be mounted in a variety of ways: 1 Horizontally (flat), where all corners are at the same height; 2 Vertically, like a privacy fence; 3 Or, where some corners are high and some low (like a “Hypar” design).
What is vertical sail?
Vertically, like a privacy fence; Or, where some corners are high and some low (like a “Hypar” design). A horizontal, flat sail can be boring to look at, while a vertical sail will catch more wind and produce heavier loads. The most visually appealing situation is when two or more shade sails are used and the elevations ...
What is the best way to secure shade sails?
There is an extensive range of fixing accessories available to help you secure your shade sails. These accessories are readily available from your hardware supplier. Chain, wire, or thick, strong rope can be used to extend your shade sail corner to a fixing point if required. Select the fixing accessories which best suit your own installation.
What is shade sail?
Your shade sail is designed to provide UV protection and comfort in domestic areas. When selecting the position for your shade sail, ensure all fixing points are structurally sound and fixings are tightly secured. Inspect regularly. Prior to installing, consult your local council regarding building regulations which may apply in your area. Exposure to certain chemicals, e.g. Chlorine, can lead to the premature breakdown of the fabric. Chemicals to be used on or around the fabric should be referred to MightyCovers.com prior to their use.
When to put shade under sail?
The shade, of course, will move as the sun moves. As a result, you will only have shade directly under the shade sail at midday during mid-summer. Once you have identified the location for your shade sail, it is important to determine the most suitable mounting points for the corners.
How to clean a soiled rag?
Apply the solution with a sponge or a very soft brush. Let the solution stand on the fabric for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water from your garden hose. DO NOT put the fabric in your washing machine, clothes drier, or scrub it with a stiff brush, scouring pad, or an abrasive cleaner.
How to avoid damaging a tree?
To avoid damaging the tree it is suggested that rather than using metal screws or fixings to attach to the tree you instead pad the tree (using short strips of wood or material) and then wrap around it a couple of times with a length of steel wire / cable and then attach your turnbuckle to that.
How much tension does a shade need?
A correctly tensioned shade can have anything from 100 – 450lbs / 45 – 200Kg of edge tension.
What is a pad eye?
Pad Eye – attaching to mounting point. These provide a solid ring (like an eye bolt) but offer a little more flexibility in terms of how they are attached. They will have 2 or more holes and can then be used with bolts (where you access to both sides) or with screws (where you only have access from the front) or even a combination of the two. They benefit from spreading the load coming from the sunshade over a number of fixings holding the padeye in place. In many larger installations, custom pad eyes are used to adapt to the mounting position and ensure a solid attachment. Note: Check that the Pad Eye loop you buy has welded ends, not just a crimped end below the plate.
What is mounting point fixing?
The mounting point fixings are the hardware that then allows you to attach the shade. These fixings will give you either an eye / ring or a hook into which you can then attach your turnbuckle. Top Tip: When you install your Eye bolt, Pad eye or hook try to keep it aligned with the direction of load.
How to attach sun shade to corner?
Following the layout from when you planned your sun shade (Check out here for Planning a Sun Shade) you can go to each corner of your sun shade and attach either just the carabiner or an extention wire / chain with D-shackles and the carabiner.
What is an eye bolt?
Eye Bolt / Ring Bolt – attaching to mounting point. These are designed for when you have access to both sides of the mounting position (such as a post) and allow you to add a washer and nuts for strength. The benefit of these is that the fixing can be made really tight (making it stronger) and that it keeps the attachment close to the mount. For larger shades ensure that the eye/ring is welded to make it a true ring, not simply bent to form a ring.
How much weight do you need to install a sun shade?
For the loads involved with the sun shade, ~60-100lbs just in installation, not including the additional dynamic loads when the shade is wet or in windy conditions, you will require deep holes and expansion-style anchors / rawl plugs. Therefore if you have old, fragile brick drilling into it may not be the best choice. Deep holes weaken the brick and expansion anchors can create enough circular stress to crack the brick. If your bricks show signs of cracks or spalling, drill into the mortar instead. That way the anchor’s circular expansion forces push against fully intact bricks.
How much slope should a sail have?
All sails should have a recommended 1:4 slope or more. Hyperbolic and “High Point” shaped sails should have height difference that create a minimum 1:4 slope from high to low fixing points. This is the minimum to start getting the 3 dimensional effects and more slope looks and performs better.
How long is a shade sail?
Shade Sails may have up to a 30′ longest edge on a triangle or 40′ longest edge on a quadrilateral. Larger sails are possible but only with proper design/engineering and patterning. Engineering services, computer patterning, and special high strength fabrics are available.
How to get 3rd dimension of tension?
This. imparts a 3rd dimension of tension into the membrane. Another way to get this 3rd dimension is to have one corner of the quadrilateral much higher then the other corners. (High Point Sail) Membranes with 3 dimensions and are not relying on just edge tension, have a more even distribution of forces.
What should be avoided when using a remote attachment point?
Long skinny shapes (narrowest edge less than 1/2 the length of the longest edge) should always be avoided. A cable to a remote attachment point may extend one corner; otherwise the corners should be fixed directly to a post or an adequate fixing point.
Is a 2 dimensional sail as strong as a 3 dimensional sail?
Therefore, a flat 2 dimensional sail is not as strong as a 3 dimensional form and will not last as long when exposed to the same conditions.
Is Shade Sails LLC warranty void?
It is the installer’s responsibility to understand and follow these rules and recommendations. When these rules are not followed then any warranty given or implied by Shade Sails LLC becomes void.
Can a shade sail touch?
When these rules are followed you can expect much less movement of the Shade Sail. and therefore longer life. It is the installer’s responsibility to understand and follow these rules and recommendations.
Why is shade sail important?
Shade Sails and Height Variation. Height variation is very important in a shade sail. Varying the heights of the corner attachment points certainly adds visual interest, but it is also important for other reasons. Height variation is good for water shed. When a sail isn’t flat and level, water can shed off of it.
What about three sided sails?
However, a variation in height will still help minimize the effects of sagging because the lowest point will be an attachment point as opposed to the center of the sail.
How to get good height variation on a sail?
For sails with more than three corners, good height variation is obtained by alternating high and low attachment points. This gives the sail a shape called a hyperbolic parabola. Because the two high points are opposite each other, they work together to pull the sail up and out, while the low points pull the sail down and out.
What is optimal variation?
What is optimal variation? Our rule of thumb is 1:5. That is, 1' of height variation for every 5' of span. This is the reasoning behind our 7' and 10' standard poles. Take an SS-15 for example: the approximate 15' spans call for 3' of height variation.
Can a sail be flat and level?
Height variation is good for water shed. When a sail isn’t flat and level, water can shed off of it. While our fabric is a weave of HDPE fibers, and therefore somewhat porous, much of the water that falls on a shade sail will run off given it has some place to go.
