Thread: Shade sails - Any words of wisdom?

I can't offer any technical advice, but I believe they need to be engineered.

Shade sails stretch over time so make sure you allow enough room between your posts so you can tighten them otherwise they will end up saggy.

If you haven't already picked a colour go with a dark one, we have charcoal over the pool. Dark hides mould and dirt buildup.
And dont penny pinch on the fixings, stainless is the go.

We have shackles and turnbuckles at each fixing point not rope.
Turnbuckes are good for tensioning as it will stretch but not much.


Cheers,
Paul,

We have installed dozens of shade sails over playgrounds in the parks where I work.

The cheap ones do not last the distance and are affected by UV especially the thread they use. The better ones are the heavier type material. Make sure the edges are double stitched and the corners and eyelets that the connections to the posts are well reinforced. Stainless steel wire and turnbuckles are essential for longevity

As for the posts make sure they are rated for the size of sail you are getting and the footings are deep enough and have enough concrete to support the weight and strain they receive in high winds.

The darker colours are good but can get hot.

Good luck

Yep - pay more, get a decent quality one.

I seem to recall some offer a kind of insurance?.ie, if it breaks/tears/falls down and damages part of your property they pay you. Has anyone else heard this? Either that, or it'd be worth informing your home insurance (if you have it).

As Pop058 states, they should be engineered... so just a suggestion on that basis: Heavy winds can generate enormous power on shade sails. Brisbane is technically regarded as a cyclone region. Make sure that the sails are attached using a "fusible" link which shears at a predetermined level of strain based on the size and shape of the sail(s) to prevent undue damage to the pylons or other attachment points...

Definitely by the best over-engineered sails that you can afford.

The cloth is just as important as the fasteners.

I have had the pleasure of trying to release out of control shade sails (commercial sizes) in heavy storms because either the fasteners broke or the stitching/lashing in the sails let go.

Have a look at marine grade fasteners ....ie ocean racing yacht type stuff.

Normal 'pretty' stainless steel fatigues quite quickly under constant load and movement.

You may be surprised at the size of the fittings you require if you want follow best practise.

The proper consultantancy (not bunnings) may surprise you with their findings.

On a slab to shade cars, one word of wisdom,,,,, colourbond.
It wont sag, grow mould, and if it fades you can repaint it.
Don't know about Brisbane laws but a carport, is easier to get oked through council than a garage. An option after council ok is lattice on the sides and a rollerdoor. The rollerdoor in nsw needs to not be there when you sell.