Sail Shade installation
Before you purchase your Sail Shade
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1. Plan Your Sail Sale Shade Structure
You will already have in mind the area you would like to cover and how you would like it to look. You may be attaching your sail shade to existing structures such as you house or garage. If not then you will need to consider buying posts to hold your shade.These are the points you need to cover:
Waterproof shade sails should be installed so that rain water can run off
This just means that you need to make sure that the lowest point of the shade is a corner. If a corner is not the lowest point, rain water will accumulate in the shade like a bag, which can cause the material to stretch. If the lowest point is not a corner, you need to tighten the shade, or set it at a steeper angle. Also make sure that there are no other low points on the sail where water could accumulate that would prevent water running straight off.
Inspiration for layout plans
Movement of the sun
The sun rises daily in the east and sets to the west. Also, the seasons determine the height of the sun in the sky. It is generally lower in the winter months and higher in the summer. You need to plan the position of your shade so that you provide maximum shade in the hotter months. Back to top
2. How to support your sail shade
When purchasing a sail shade you should be fully aware that the pressure on the fixings are huge. If you are wanting to attach a sail to an existing structure you will need to make sure that it will hold in instances of poor weather. It may be better to consult a professional before installing. We recommend removing your sail if bad weather is forecast.Waterproof shade sail
Waterproof shade sails should be installed at a sufficient angle and tension to ensure that rainwater will run off and not collect on the fabric.Fixing points should be at least 7ft 10inches above the ground, and it is extremely important that these are sufficiently strong to take the full weight of the sail shade in windy conditions. The wind can add significantly to the stress of the sail shade on any fixings, so it is vital to be certain that they can stand the additional drag.
NB: If you have any doubts you should take advice from a builder or structural engineer.
Pole
If you need to install posts, these should be 48mm wide galvanised steel which is 4mm thick (these can be easily painted if required). Posts should be angled away from the centre of the sail shade by at least 10 degrees to provide additional strength and stability.
Wall or fascia
Once you have decided on a suitable site, the sail shade should be laid out in position on the ground allowing an additional 10% at each corner for tensioning. For larger gaps you may require stainless steel cable or similar to reach more distant fixing points.
If you choose a fascia
As a fixing point you may want to consider adding a fascia support for added strength. These are available from most good hardware distributors and connect the fascia to the joists or trusses.
Trees
If you decide to use a tree as a fixing point then it should be at least 250mm in diameter.
Constructing a pole
Footings
Footings for poles for sail shades up to 16ft 5inches should be 400mm square and 800mm deep and this should increase to 400mm x 1200mm for larger sizes.
Footings for poles for sail shades up to 16ft 5inches should be 400mm square and 800mm deep and this should increase to 400mm x 1200mm for larger sizes.
Foundations
Concrete
Concrete should be well packed down around the pole and sloping slightly outwards at the top to ensure water does not collect around the pole. This should be left for a minimum of 48 hours to allow it to set completely before you attach the sail shade. We do not recommend the use of rapid set concrete.
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Concrete should be well packed down around the pole and sloping slightly outwards at the top to ensure water does not collect around the pole. This should be left for a minimum of 48 hours to allow it to set completely before you attach the sail shade. We do not recommend the use of rapid set concrete.
Firm ground
Lay a 100mm depth of 20mm gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and brace post on the angle.
Lay a 100mm depth of 20mm gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and brace post on the angle.
Soft ground
Pour a 100mm depth of concrete at the bottom of the hole to provide a solid pad. Allow this to set. Add the gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and brace post on the angle.
Pour a 100mm depth of concrete at the bottom of the hole to provide a solid pad. Allow this to set. Add the gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and brace post on the angle.
3. Fixing the Sail Shade
Connecting the Sail ShadeConnect fixing accessories to your mounting points as required. Ensure all accessories face towards the middle of the sail and are tightly secured.
Tensioning
To connect your sail shade you should first attach the adjustable fixings to the mounting points (ensuring they face the centre of the sail shade) and then attach the sail shade to these, using a strap tensioner to stretch the sail shade as tightly as possible, replacing this with a turnbuckle for final tensioning and adjustment. You'll obtain maximum effect and maximum lifetime by making sure the tension on the sail is as tight as possible.
- Firstly unwind all the turnbuckles to full extension and use the snap hooks to connect each turnbuckle to the sail shade.
- Fix your first turnbuckle to the relevant fixing point. Move from point to point until all points of the sail are fixed as required.
Note: For the last fixing you may not be able to force the sail to fix. We recommend using a Strap Tensioner to pull the last points up, pulling the sail shade as tight as possible. Your turnbuckles should still be fully unwound. - Once all fixings are connected simply move from corner to corner tightening each turnbuckle by swivelling the middle section. These sail shades are designed to placed under very heavy pressure. The tighter the better!
4. Care instructions
Your sail shade(s) maybe cleaned at any time using a solution of mild detergent and water. Apply the solution with a sponge or a very soft brush. Let the solution stand on the fabric for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with water from your garden hose or put in the washing machine on 40° temperature. DO NOT put in the clothes drier or scrub it with a stiff brush, scouring pad or an abrasive cleaner.Back to top
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