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- Form and Function. Most shade sails are made of tightly woven, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or nylon fabric.
- Weather Resistance. All shade sails should offer maximum sun-blocking power. Look for fabrics with 90 percent UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) or higher.
- Measurement and Installation. Before settling on a shade sail, be sure to measure your outdoor space correctly. ...
What are shade sails made of?
Most shade sails are made of tightly woven, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or nylon fabric.
What is the best shade sail for your backyard?
Based on form, function, ease of installation, UV protection, and shade area, the Artpuch Rectangle Shade Sail UV Block is our top pick for the best shade sail for your backyard. Shade sails provide protection from the sun and a cooler area to enjoy during hot summer days.
What are the factors to be considered when choosing a shade sail?
Take into account the following: 1 Size of the shade sail (s); 2 Strength of existing structures intended to be anchor points; 3 Ability to insert suitable fixing posts; 4 Location of barbecue grills, fire pits, and other high heat sources; 5 Sun direction and path tracking; 6 Wind speeds typical and maximum expected for your area. More ...
How do I order a shade sail?
You will want to order a shade sail that is slightly smaller than the area you want to cover. A smaller size prevents the sail from blowing around in windy weather and causing structural damage to the attachment points. When installing the shade sail, you will pull it taut and stretch it as far as possible.
What fabric is best for shade sails?
Most shade sails are made of tightly woven, high-density polyethylene fabric (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or nylon fabric.
What is the best material for outdoor shades?
Aluminum: Offering an easy to maintain, rust-proof, and durable outdoor shade material, aluminum is a great choice where longevity and strength are a concern. With the application of paint or other protective coatings, aluminum is also resistant to corrosion.
Is waterproof shade sail better?
1:322:44Are Shade Sails Waterproof? Best Practices & Fabrics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat the slope is quite dramatic that's for water runoff you can't have water pooling pooling on theMoreThat the slope is quite dramatic that's for water runoff you can't have water pooling pooling on the sail.
Are shade sails worth it?
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 waterproof a shade sail?
But, there is a catch. You cannot waterproof existing shade sails made from shade cloth. You must purchase “waterproof shade sails”. The difference is, waterproof shade sails are manufactured from fabrics that have waterproof properties; fabrics such as DriZ, Serge Ferrari, Polyplan 680 and Valmex 580S.
What does GSM mean for shade sails?
The fabric is water resistant, but not waterproof. The material is measured in GSM which stands for “Grams per Square Meter”. Fabrics that have a 180 GSM are on the lighter side.
How long do sail shades last?
about eight to 10 yearsA shade sail will probably last about eight to 10 years. However, that can increase or decrease dramatically depending on the weather in your area. If the shade is often subject to high winds, it might deteriorate faster.
How long does Shadecloth last?
about 10-20 yearsShade cloth generally last about 10-20 years. It varies dramatically dependant upon many factors. Factors such as fabric choice, age, location, angle of installation, method of installation, shape, tension, proximity to other structures etc etc all impact on the longevity and return on investment of a shade sail.
How do I choose fabric shade?
As we all know, sunlight is so crucial to a plants' growth, so choose the right density and as low a density as you can get away with. Usually a shade percentage of 30-50% is ideal for vegetables, while 80-90% is ideal for sheltering people. Most plants will do best with a maximum of 40% - 60% shade.
What are outdoor shades made of?
An outdoor shade (also known as exterior shades) is very similar to a traditional roller shade. The difference is that the shade is typically woven from PVC or HDPE material, creating a mesh-like fabric that allows more light to pass through.
What is Coolaroo fabric?
Coolaroo shade cloth is made for the great outdoors. Our knitted fabric blocks harmful UV rays whilst allowing airflow to keep you cooler. Available in a range of UV Cover Factors, there is a Coolaroo Shade Cloth to suit every application.
What material is sunshade made of?
Made from vinyl-coated polyester, SunTex 80/90 blocks between 80% and 90% of the sun's rays. Strong and pet resistant, it cleans nicely with soap and water and lends itself to a multitude of uses, including door and window screening, awnings, patio shades, and porch or deck canopies.
Can shade sails withstand strong winds?
Shade sails shouldn't flap around in the wind or create too much wind resistance, but they can be damaged by exceptionally strong winds. As such, w...
Can I leave my shade sail up year-round?
While you can, in theory, leave your shade sail permanently in place, it will last longer if you take it down during the winter months — especially...
Will I need help to install my shade sail?
You'll need to anchor each corner of the shade sail to something solid, such as a tree, fence post, or building. If you already have suitable ancho...
How to choose a shade sail?
Choosing the best shade sail for your home should start with measurements. Be sure to take down the measurements of where you hope to place the shade. Then, determine whether a triangular or rectangular shape would be better and where you would fix the corners to keep the shade sail taut. Q.
What is shade sail made of?
Most shade sails are made of tightly woven, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or nylon fabric. Shade sails are installed by stretching the fabric and using tension to attach the corners of the shade to a stable structure (such as a roof, post, wall, or tree) via stainless steel D-rings and turnbuckles (stainless steel devices to adjust tension). If installed correctly, shade sails should provide a perfectly taut canopy.
What is a Quictent shade sail?
Quictent’s rectangle shade sail (26 feet by 20 feet) is made of HDPE fabric that blocks up to 98 percent of UV rays. This level of sun protection makes a real difference: the ambient temperature beneath the shade can be as much as 20 degrees cooler than areas outside of its coverage.
What to consider when choosing a shade sail?
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shade Sail. If you’re looking for a way to add shade to your outdoor space, a shade sail may be the best solution for you and your home. These beautiful backyard canopies block out harmful UV rays while adding elegance to your outdoor area.
How are shade sails measured?
Remember: Shade sails are measured from the edge of their D-rings, which are fitted to each corner for hanging purposes. In most cases, you’ll need to purchase a hardware kit intended for either a triangle or rectangle sail. Make sure to attach the hardware to a structurally sound point, like your home’s roof.
Why do square shade sails bow in the middle?
This is because square shade sails tend to bow in the middle, due to a buildup of water. (They’re also not as elegant as their three-pointed counterpart.) Triangular sails are perfect for both small and large areas and can be layered for a more dramatic effect.
What are the different shapes of shade sails?
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 shade sails tend to bow in the middle, due to a buildup of water.
What fabrics have a lower shade factor?
For shade sail fabrics such as Parasol, Polytex, Top Gun Vision and Coolrite, lighter colors will have a lower shade factor and darker colors will have a higher shade factor, but we'll come back to the function of color in a later section.
What is the openness factor of shade fabric?
The openness factor of a shade fabric is the percentage of open space in the weave. A fabric with a small openness factor has a tighter weave, letting in less light and offering more privacy. A higher openness factor (looser weave) allows for more light and solar radiation to filter through.
What is top gun vision made of?
Top Gun Vision is made from acrylic-coated polyester. It is a woven polyester fabric that is treated on both sides with a proprietary coating process, making it reversible.
What is Phifertex fabric made of?
Phifertex Standard, Plus and Stripes fabrics are made from 100% vinyl-coated polyester. Vinyl-coated polyester is a composite material made from polyester that is coated in multiple layers of vinyl to add strength, UV resistance and greater abrasion resistance.
What is flame retardant fabric?
A fabric with flame retardancy has been chemically treated to have a higher resistance to combustion or burning when exposed to extreme heat. And if they do catch fire, they burn slowly. Flame resistance refers to a material that is inherently resistant to catching fire and does not melt or drip when exposed directly to extreme heat. For shade fabrics in the United States, there are no national requirements for flame retardancy in residential applications. There are some local and national requirements for shades used in commercial areas. Keep an eye out for these in your shade fabric specifications if flame retardancy is important to you.
What is Coolrite made of?
Parasol, Polytex and Coolrite are made from 100% high-density polyethylene (HDPE), an inherently mold and mildew resistant fabric. They boast great dimensional stability, a high strength-to-weight ratio, and will not tear or fray if they’re cut or pierced. While these fabrics share many similarities, they differ slightly in price point. Coolrite is the economical, value fabric, while Polytex is higher end and more expensive. All three of these fabrics are ideal for marine awnings and shade sails, especially those in large commercial areas.
What is shade factor?
Shade factor means how much a shade cloth absorbs or reflects visible and invisible light (ultraviolet radiation). In simpler terms, the shade factor of a fabric is how much shade can be seen beneath it on a sunny day. This is expressed as a percentage, with 100% being complete light blockage.
Key considerations
Although you can find a small number of alternative shapes (or have a shade sail custom designed to fit your space), the vast majority of shade sails are either square, rectangular, or triangular. If you're looking to shade the largest area possible, it makes sense to choose a square or rectangular model.
Features
You can find shade sails in a range of colors, from subtle sand and tan hues to bold primary colors. Since your shade sail will be a prominent feature in your yard, it's natural that you'll want to choose a color that works for you. You can even try matching it to your patio furniture or the color of your house.
Shade sail prices
Inexpensive: Basic shade sails start at $20 to $30. These models are generally triangular models with fairly small dimensions and made from lightweight fabrics that aren't exceptionally durable.
Other products we considered
The Coolaroo Ready-to-Hang Rectangle Shade Sail Canopy comes with fixtures and ropes already attached so you just need to tie it in place. The knitted polyethylene fabric keeps up to 90% of UV rays at bay. If you'd prefer a triangular shade sail, consider the ColourTree Sun Shade Sail Triangle Canopy.
What is shade sail?
What to Look for. When selected with care, shade sails are a great way to block out harmful UV rays while adding style to your space. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and are generally constructed of UV-resistant materials.
What size is a Goldilocks shade sail?
If you have a Goldilocks space that requires a very specific-sized shade sail, you are in luck. This shade comes in sizes from 6 x 6 feet to 24 x 24 feet, with a range of color options, from beige to sky blue, to the American flag. The sun shade is made from 190 GWM HDPE materials, and resists 95% of harmful UV rays.
How many feet are in a sail?
The design is sturdy, waterproof and breathable, allowing light and breeze to reach you. The sail also has a five-year warranty. Each sail (there are two) measures 12 x 12 x 12 feet. The sails come in beige, gray, red and a darker rust red. This is a simple, but extremely versatile shade without bells and whistles.
What colors are breathable?
This shade comes in several solid colors, including bright green, turquoise, navy blue and gray, and stripes. This is the kind of shade that will fit in just about everywhere and not draw attention to itself. 5. Best for Big Spaces.
Can shade sails be used outside?
We all want to make the most of the sunny weather by spending more time outside in the warm weather. But when warm transitions to hot, the inside seems more appealing, especially when your backyard or patio is uncovered. Shade sails are a fast, attractive and relatively inexpensive way to create a temporary roof—and relief from those hot rays.
How cool is a shade sail?
Because of this, shade sails can make an area up to 25% cooler than solid shade structures, and reduce the ambient temperature by at least 10°. But the shade sail’s cooling power doesn’t stop at the outdoors - they can also help you stay cool inside.
Why are shade sails so attractive?
Aside from their functional attributes, shade sails are also: Attractive: Shade sails can create an aesthetically unique vocal point to your outdoor living space.
What is a waterproof sail made of?
The waterproof rating will largely depend on the type and thickness of the material it’s made out of. Some standard shade sails are made out of regular shade cloth that provides little, if any, protection against the rain.
How far apart should shade sails be?
When overlapping, it’s recommended to maintain at least a 12 inch distance between the sails to avoid damaging contact chafing between the fabrics. Slanted Triangle.
How long do shade sails last?
The lifespan of a shade sail largely depends on the materials it’s made out of, but the general estimate is 3-10 years. HDPE fabric is notorious for its longevity, with the heavier fabrics (as measured in grams per square meter, or ‘gsm’) lasting longer than lighter fabrics.
What is a HDPE shade?
On the other hand, the High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) that some shade sails are made from acts like a thin water-resistant membrane. Waterproof sun shades are made from thicker HDPE material with an additional waterproofing treatment that doesn’t compromise its porous, heat seeping characteristics.
What is triangular shade sail?
Not only are they pleasing to look at, but triangular shade sails are the perfect choice for shading smaller areas. Because of their smaller size they’re also perfect as temporary outdoor shading solutions, as opposed to the larger rectangular sails (see below) that might require more sturdy supports.
What Size Shade Sail Should I Order?
When it comes to determining what size shade sail is best for you, the main factor will be the space you choose to cover. Some of the most common shade sail placements will be over a deck, patio, or seating areas in the backyard. Once you've chosen the location that works best, you will now need to determine the attachment points for your sail.
What Shape of Shade Sail Should I Get?
The shape you choose ultimately comes down to your preference, but you may want to consider the installation space. Triangles, squares, and rectangles are the most common shapes. You can create dimension and interest by overlapping multiple shades.
How to Measure for a Shade Sail
Once you've identified where you will attach your shade sail, you'll need to measure between those points to determine the correct size.
How to Choose the Right Shade Sail Material
The most common shade sail material is a tightly woven, high-density polyethylene fabric, sometimes referred to as HDPE. This material offers high durability and sun resistance making it the top choice for many manufacturers.
How to Install a Shade Sail
Starting the process of installing your shade sail can leave you feeling excited while also a bit intimidated. If you've called in the help of a professional, it's time to sit back and wait to see the results. For those taking the DIY approach, break out the tools to bring your project to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is no. Shade sails are made of a woven material designed to keep out sunlight so you can relax outside all year long. Though the fabric will undoubtedly keep some water off you while seated under them, the liquid will still get through. Shade sails should also be installed at a slight pitch or angle to allow water to run off.
How to fly shade sails?
Shade Sails can be flown in a variety of ways: Horizontally (flat), where all corners are at the same height; Vertically, like a privacy fence; Slants & Angles with overlapping sails; Or, where some corners are high and some low, like the Hypar Twist effect to the right. A horizontal, flat sail can be boring to look at, ...
When to shade sail?
The shade shadow of the sail will, of course, 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 much tension does a shade sail have?
A properly mounted and tensioned shade sail will have approximately 150 pounds of tension on it and will have few to no wrinkles. Most installations have the 1st corner is directly connected to the anchor point. Continue to connect the other points by stretching the corners tightly and attach.
How to clean sun sails?
Other materials like Sunbrella should be taken down and softly scrubbed with a sponge or soft brush using a solution of mild detergent and water. Let the solution stand on the fabric for 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water from your garden hose.#N#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 deep should a post be for a sailboat?
Post lengths should be taken into account the proposed height of your sail plus the depth of your footings. Footing depth should be 1/2 the length of the exposed pole. For example, if your post height is to be 10 feet, you would use a 15 foot long post with a footing depth of 5 feet in the ground.
Can you use a shade sail on a barbecue?
Wind speeds typical and maximum expected for your area. Note: Shade sails should not be used near an open flame. Do not use your barbecue under the shade structure. Heat and chemicals in the fumes from a flame can both effect the longevity of the sail fabric.
