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Shade Sail installationBefore you purchase your Shade Sail
Traditional shade sails, such as Coolaroo, are made of knitted fabric. This means that there are small holes in the fabric allowing a certain amount of hot air to escape. In the extreme Australian heat, this can be an important benefit. However, there is a cost. The harmful UV light also comes through holes. Because of the holes, knitted shade sails rarely give more than 90% UV protection. Although 90% sounds quite impressive, it means that 10% of the dangerous light gets through.If your child sits under a knitted shade sail for 10 hours, it would be the equivalent to sitting under the direct sun, completely unprotected, for a whole hour. Kookaburra shade sails are woven, not knitted. This means they have the maximum possible UV protection from a fabric. It also means they are waterproof - ideal for the British weather. Kookaburra shade sails are independently tested to UPF50+, the maximum UV protection. 1. Plan Your Shade Sail StructureYou will already have in mind the area you would like to cover and how you would like it to look. You may be attaching your shade sail to existing structures such as your house or garage. If not then you will need to consider buying posts to hold your shade.These are the points you need to cover: Waterproof shade sails should be installed so that rain water can run off This just means that you need to make sure that the lowest point of the shade is a corner. If a corner is not the lowest point, rain water will accumulate in the shade like a bag, which can cause the material to stretch. If the lowest point is not a corner, you need to tighten the shade, or set it at a steeper angle. Also make sure that there are no other low points on the sail where water could accumulate that would prevent water running straight off. Inspiration for layout plans 
Movement of the sun The sun rises daily in the east and sets to the west. Also, the seasons determine the height of the sun in the sky. It is generally lower in the winter months and higher in the summer. You need to plan the position of your shade so that you provide maximum shade in the hotter months. Back to top 2. How to support your shade sailWhen purchasing a shade sail you should be fully aware that the pressure on the fixings are huge. If you are wanting to attach a sail to an existing structure you will need to make sure that it will hold in instances of poor weather. It may be better to consult a professional before installing. We recommend removing your sail if bad weather is forecast.Waterproof shade sailWaterproof shade sails should be installed at a sufficient angle and tension to ensure that rainwater will run off and not collect on the fabric.Fixing points should be at least 7ft 10inches above the ground, and it is extremely important that these are sufficiently strong to take the full weight of the shade sail in windy conditions. The wind can add significantly to the stress of the shade sail on any fixings, so it is vital to be certain that they can stand the additional drag. NB: If you have any doubts you should take advice from a builder or structural engineer. Pole If you need to install posts, these should be 48mm wide galvanised steel which is 4mm thick (these can be easily painted if required). Posts should be angled away from the centre of the shade sail by at least 10 degrees to provide additional strength and stability. 
Wall or fascia Once you have decided on a suitable site, the shade sail should be laid out in position on the ground allowing an additional 10% at each corner for tensioning. For larger gaps you may require stainless steel cable or similar to reach more distant fixing points. 
If you choose a fascia As a fixing point you may want to consider adding a fascia support for added strength. These are available from most good hardware distributors and connect the fascia to the joists or trusses. Trees If you decide to use a tree as a fixing point then it should be at least 250mm in diameter. Constructing a pole
Footings
Footings for poles for shade sails up to 16ft 5inches should be 400mm square and 800mm deep and this should increase to 400mm x 1200mm for larger sizes. 
Foundations
Concrete
Back to top
Concrete should be well packed down around the pole and sloping slightly outwards at the top to ensure water does not collect around the pole. This should be left for a minimum of 48 hours to allow it to set completely before you attach the shade sail. We do not recommend the use of rapid set concrete.
Firm ground
Lay a 100mm depth of 20mm gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and brace post on the angle. 
Soft ground
Pour a 100mm depth of concrete at the bottom of the hole to provide a solid pad. Allow this to set. Add the gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and brace post on the angle. 
3. Fixing the Shade SailConnecting the Shade SailConnect fixing accessories to your mounting points as required. Ensure all accessories face towards the middle of the sail and are tightly secured. 
Tensioning To connect your shade sail you should first attach the adjustable fixings to the mounting points (ensuring they face the centre of the shade sail) and then attach the shade sail to these, using a strap tensioner to stretch the shade sail as tightly as possible, replacing this with a turnbuckle for final tensioning and adjustment. You'll obtain maximum effect and maximum lifetime by making sure the tension on the sail is as tight as possible. 
4. Care instructionsYour shade sail(s) may be cleaned at any time using a solution of mild detergent and water. Apply the solution with a sponge or a very soft brush. Let the solution stand on the fabric for 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with water from your garden hose or put in the washing machine on 40° temperature. DO NOT put in the clothes drier or scrub it with a stiff brush, scouring pad or an abrasive cleaner.Back to top Shade SailsAt Primrose we sell a variety of different coloured shade sails. Click on the colour you wish to look at, the page will divert you to the variety of shade sails we sell of the particular colour. |
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