QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Sun Shade Sail

Are shade sails easy to install?

Shade Sail Installation. Installing the shade sails is as easy as making sure you have strong supports, such as the side of a building, or a post. Keep in mind, these patio shade sails require a lot of tension to get them to stretch tight enough so that they look right, and don’t flap around in the wind.

How do you install sun shade posts?

Wood Shade Sail Post Footing Lay a 4 inch (100mm) depth of 3/4 inch diameter gravel at the base of the post. Insert the posts using lag bolts partially driven into the post to hold it in place. Use string lines to ensure they are in plumb alignment. Temporarily brace the posts until the concrete has set.

How deep do shade sail posts need to be?

Post lengths should be taken into account with the proposed height of the sail plus the depth of your footings. Footing depth should be a minimum of 36 inches deep and 30inches square. For example, if your post height is higher than 8 feet, we recommend a hole depth 40% of the height above ground.

How do you attach a shade sail to a tree?

Wrap a bungee cord around the tree once, leaving both ends facing in the direction your sun shade will be installed. Wrap a zip tie around the two ends of the bungee cord above the hook. Thread the tail end through the eye and pull until loosely secured.

Do shade sail posts need to be angled?

Ideally, they should be installed at an angle of 10 degrees for steel and 20 degrees for timber posts. The angle should be away from the shade sail, so account for the angle and the length of the turnbuckles when you dig your post holes.

How much wind can a shade sail withstand?

When it comes to wind, most shade sails are fabricated to withstand a minimum of 85 mph, three-second gusts. USA SHADE, for one, engineers its structures up to 150 mph, dependent upon the location of the structure.

Can you use 4×4 posts for a shade sail?

I use12′ 4×4 pressure-treated posts buried in 3′ of concrete for two of my corners. There’s very slight bending with the tension, but nothing of concern, no discernible effects on the wood from wind when the sail is mounted, and no warping as of yet.

Can I use a 4×4 for a shade sail?

If your posts will actually be 12′ above ground, and they’re not supported with any sort of diagonal bracing, you will want 6x6s (or at least 4x6s). 4x4s will flex and bounce substantially at that height.

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.

Why are shade sail posts angled?

Shade sails are designed with hollow concave edges to help tension the fabric. Because of these hollows, a three-sided sail (triangle shade sails) will provide less than 50% of the effective shade than a four cornered sail. Also a triangle sail will always remain flat as it has no 3-dimensional shape.

What size shade sail should I get?

Choose a size Measure the area you need to cover bearing in mind that when the sun is at its hottest, it will be directly above you. As a general rule, the material of your shade sail should begin about 12 inches from your anchor point.

How tight should a sun 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.

Can you hang a shade sail vertically?

Shade Sails can be mounted in a variety of ways: Horizontally (flat), where all corners are at the same height; Vertically, like a privacy fence; Or, where some corners are high and some low (like a “Hypar” design).

Why are shade sails triangular?

A triangle shaped sail will offer less shade than a square, but it’s more spatially flexible and can fit into smaller areas better. Plus, it has one less fixing point, so you can be a little more imaginative with it.

Do shade sails stop rain?

While standard shade sails can effectively block out the harsh UV rays of the sun, waterproof shade sails can block out all elements of nature, including the sun, the rain and the wind. This fabric is capable of blocking out up to 100% of UV rays and exhibits high durability, high tensile strength and proven longevity.

Are sun sails worth it?

Obviously, the reason for installing a shade sail in the first place is to provide protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun, which can lead to skin diseases and skin cancer. In addition, shade sails can also offer protection from slight rain and drizzle. A good quality shade sail should neither sag nor droop.