John and Marion have saved most of their lives for retirement, and with the exciting date looming, they purchased a fantastic caravan in preparation for travelling around the country but knew that the model they wanted wouldn’t quite fit under their existing carport, yet they still wanted to be able to protect it from the sun and possibly hail.
Rather than compromise on the van, they found another solution: A shade sail.
Shade sails are ideal in any outdoor area where you need to create shade. Unlike a permanent structure, which in some locations you could need council approval for and a good deal of planning, not to mention spare cash, shade sails can be easily assembled once you know your location and your size and height requirements. They’re value for money too.
So many shade sail options
In John and Marion’s case, a shade sail has given them the protection they need for their caravan when it’s not on the road, but they didn’t have to go to the expense of extending their carport.
Shade sails can be used in a variety of outdoor settings – over pools, in driveways, in the garden, over decks …. Their versatility, and yet durability in storms and winds, along with high UV protection fabric is what makes them so appealing to so many homeowners.
Shade Sails are only limited to your imagination and your space. Most areas can be catered for because shade sails can be bought ‘off-the-rack’ or custom-made to your own design and measurements, and there’s a wide range of colours to choose from. For ideas, you can check out our photo gallery.
Whether you’re creating a seating area to enjoy breakfast or a BBQ outdoors, want to provide shade over the spa, or just want to extend your indoors, shade sails are worth considering. They can be installed free-standing, or affixed to the side of your home.
Practical and good looking
What you might not know is that because the fabric is breathable, shade sails actually help to keep your covered area cooler – not just by shielding your furniture plants, friends and family, from the sun, but because the ‘breathable fabric’ means hot air can escape.
The other great thing about a shade sail is that if you renovate your home, you don’t have a permanent structure to work around – you can dismantle or even sometimes moving the shade sail is possible so long as you reinstall it properly.
The key to installing your Shade Sail perfectly is ensuring that you factor in how the sun moves over the space you want to cover.
Another key consideration is the angle required for rain/water run-off so that the fabric doesn’t ‘pool’ in the middle. If you don’t factor in an angle for run-off, then your shade sail won’t last the test of time – water sitting in a pool in the middle will damage the fabric very quickly. The gradient will also help any leaves to fall away.
Easy care and maintenance
You can clean your Shade Sail from time to time to keep it looking good. The weather will do a pretty good job of regularly washing over your shade sail on a regular basis, but over time, particularly during those drought periods we can experience here in Australia, dust, and grime can build up. This can be gently washed with a mild detergent and thoroughly hosed off to keep the fabric looking good for longer.
The Shade Sails Online website offers you all the guidance you need to choose colours, measure your site, and prepare for secure installation. This makes everything simple and has the added benefit of allowing you to take your time, to really consider your options before you buy. Shade Sails Online delivers Australia-wide.
When you buy from Shade Sails Online, you’re buying Australian made, so you can be sure the product you’re getting is made to Australian manufacturing standards.