Australia is a land of weather extremes so most people considering a shade sail typically wonder just how hardy they actually are, and whether they are tough enough to withstand hot sun, severe storms, wind, and hail.
After all, if you’re putting a shade sail over your car, swimming pool, patio, paving, or deck area, then you want peace of mind that it will cope with harsh weather.
The good news is that shade sails are exceptionally sturdy – it’s why they’re used in a wide range of domestic and commercial settings.
Versatile and robust
Shopping centre carparks and public playgrounds are classic examples of how hardwearing shade sails can be. They last for years, provided that you take the time to install them correctly.
Shade sails should be an investment in your home or commercial project – if you steer away from cheap fabrics, and you make sure that the mounting and installation are done correctly – with the right kind of fixtures for your particular circumstance – then your shade sail should last the test of time – as well as rain, hail, and winds. Planning is key.
Australian made, made for Australian conditions
When you purchase a shade sail from Shade Sails Online then you can be assured that we only sell Australian Made, made to Australian manufacturing standards.
Severe weather events such as cyclones, of course, are just not predictable. However, if a shade sail does break in a cyclone or severe storm because they are lightweight, a shade sail will do less damage and will cost less to replace.
Mounting is key to long-term stability
That said, typically, if a shade sail cloth gets damaged in a wild weather event, it is because it has been poorly mounted. This is why it is important to consider carefully all of the information we provide here on this website before you install it.
We encourage you to do your research and seek professional advice too.
When you install a shade sail, you need to consider both drainage, and the angle of the shade. We recommend a one-in-five fall ratio for water and debris runoff. To ensure that your shade sail is mounted correctly, get advice from a local builder or for more complicated areas, a structural engineer, to ensure you understand the angles and fixings required for your local weather conditions. For example, if you live near the sea, you’ll want to use fixings that will withstand salt air corrosion.
Because shade sailcloth is sturdy, and yet porous, it will also withstand fairly strong winds. When mounted correctly, mounting points will provide ‘give and flexibility so that the shade sail moves with the wind, rather than resists it. Shade sails can withstand significant pressure and weight before they will actually break, which means that hail is not usually a problem either – it will melt and dissolve rather than actual damage the shade sail.
Regular maintenance keeps your shade sail in good condition
A regular cleaning and maintenance programme will also ensure the longevity of your shades in all weather. We provide some advice here for cleaning. If you let leaves or dust and grime collect on your shade sail, then over time it will damage the fabric.
Cleaning isn’t arduous – but it should be done every now and again, to keep your shade sail in top condition. You should also check your mounting points from time to time for any wear and tear. Replacement fixtures are available if you need them.
The other advantage of a shade sail is that it can be taken down prior to a weather event if you have enough warning or you’re in a seasonal risk area and want to be on the safe side. We recommend making sure the cloth is completely clean and dry before you roll it up and put it away.
Take your time to have a look around our website, and when you’re ready to order, you can contact us here.