Whether you’re having a shade sail custom-made or you’ve bought from the options available on the pre-made shade sails shelf, you really need to think about shade sail installation the moment you decide to buy. This will guarantee that the actual installation of your sail shade will run smoothly.
A great tip for installing your shade sail is: The process starts the moment you decide you want one.
As Australia’s leading manufacturer of custom-made and off-the-shelf shade sails, we are regularly asked questions on how to install them.
Here’s our best advice: Start with the end in mind. Know what you want, and where you are going to put it.
Whether you’re having a shade sail custom-made or you’ve bought from the options available on the pre-made shelf, you really need to think about installation the moment you decide to buy. This will guarantee that the actual installation will run smoothly.
Mounting the shade sail
Aside from shape and angle (to maximise the shade and ensure water run-off), the most important consideration is how you’re going to mount your shade sail. There are different considerations if it’s free-standing, or affixed to the side of an existing structure. And this is not necessarily complicated, but it does need some planning.
If you’re using poles, then you need to make sure you’ve got a solid footing for them and that your poles are made of the right material for the project. If you’re attaching a shade sail to the side of the home, or the garage, or any building, you’ll be wanting to install it at points that are structurally suitable. (contact your local builder if you are unsure)
You should never attach a shade sail to a gutter or fascia and fixing points should be attached to load-bearing beams if possible. Again, whatever you decide – we always recommend that you talk through your plans with a builder or an engineer so that you can get the right advice for your shade sail. Yes, shade sails are fairly lightweight but are fixed to a point that’s not completely solid and stable, it can actually cause damage. Professional advice is always recommended because every installation is different.
There are other potential considerations too – where cables and drain pipes are laid (so you don’t damage them when digging holes, or the best places to mount from an existing structure, taking into account design features and the strongest points of the building itself.
Measure twice, then do it again
Measuring correctly is another very important consideration. Measurements are to be taken from fixing point to fixing point – we have detailed instructions on our website, and these must be the actual dimensions from point to point as shown in our measuring guidelines.
Colour is the last consideration
After figuring out where you’re going to put your shade sail and how you’re going to mount it, you can think about colour and aesthetics – the fun and creative aspects. Shade Sails can be made-to-measure or chosen off-the-shelf in a range of colours – you can choose something that will work in with the greenery of the outside space, something that works with the colour of your buildings, or go wild! And choose something completely contrasting.
Shade sails make an excellent addition to any domestic or commercial space, but getting what you want, starts right at the beginning – and, as they say, the devil is in the details. But when they are affixed properly you’ll enjoy the shade for years to come.
Visit our website to obtain instant online pricing and place your order easily online.
This post is general information only. We recommend that you always seek professional advice with regard to the location and fixing points of your shade sail before ordering and installing.