Shade Sails - Installation Tips

Shade Sails Installation Suggestions

Design and Layout:

Shade Sails can be mounted in a variety of ways: Horizontally (flat) all corners at the same height, some corners high and some low (like a "Hypar" Design), or vertically like a privacy fence. A flat sail can be boring to look at, vertically will catch wind more and produce heavier loads. The sails look better when their elevations change drastically from corner to corner and 2 or more will look better than just one. Setting a minimum slope of 18 degrees is ideal. This slope creates a run to rise ratio of 10ft / 3.25ft. If the poles were 10ft apart, then the attachment point of one side needs to be a minimum of 3.25ft higher than the other to achieve the 18 degree slope.

Prior to installation, check with local authorities for any relevant building regulations which may exist and with the local utility companies for any underground services prior to digging holes for posts.

Selecting The Position:
Before you commence installation it is very important that you consider the most suitable location for your shade sails taking into account the following:

Size of the shade sail(s);
Strength of existing structures intended to be anchor points;
Ability to insert suitable fixing posts;
Location of barbecues;
Sun direction
Wind speed and direction
etc.

There could also be other factors, specific to your situation, which require consideration.

In determining the location for your shade sail it is important to keep in mind the fact that the sun is constantly moving across the sky from east to west, which means that the shade moves with the position of the sun. You will only have shade directly under the shade sail at midday during mid-summer.

Note: Shade sails should not be used near an open flame. Do not use your barbecue under the shade structure.

Once you have identified the location for your shade sail it is important to determine the most suitable mounting points for the corners.

size of shade sail compared to mounting points

Some of these fixing points could already exist e.g. pergola, large tree, fence post or fascia or posts may need to be installed. On each side of the sail you should allow a space between the corner of the shade sail and the mounting point that is at least 10% of the shade sail length. If one side of the shade sail has a 120 inch length, there should be at least 12 inches between the corner of the shade sail and the mounting point. This will provide enough room for mounting hardware, material stretch, and tensioning of the sail. This should be done for each side of the shade sail to ensure there is adequate room to tension the sail properly.

This stage of the installation is critical. You should ensure all fixing points are structurally sound and if unsure, obtain independent advice from a builder or engineer.

Building Approvals:
Prior to installation, check with local authorities for any relevant building regulations which may exist.

Selecting Fixing Accessories:
There is an extensive range of fixing accessories available to help you secure your shade sails. These accessories are readily available from your normal hardware supplier.

Chain, wire or thick strong rope can be used to extend your shade sail corner to a fixing point if required.

Spring Clip Connector

Turnbuckle Connector

Chain Extension

Select the fixing accessories which best suit your own installation.

Attaching To Fascia:

If you intend to fix your shade sails to a fascia the use of a Fascia Support is strongly recommended. The Fascia support is used to connect the overhangs of rafters or trusses to fascias ledgers giving a strong connection between the two for improved strength.

Use with Metal Facias

Use with Timber Facias

Post Supports:

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If additional posts are required, we recommend the use of a minimum 4 inch, Schedule 40 steel pipe or 6" x 6" treated softwood (H5 level treatment). Hardwood of durability Class 1 should also be used. Your local timber supplier can assist you in selection. Post lengths should be calculated taking into account the proposed height of your sail plus the depth of your footings. The footing depth should be 1/2 the length of the exposed pole. For example, if your post height is to be 10 feet, you would use a 15 foot long post with a footing depth of 5 feet

Footings
Measure out centers of footing positions and mark as illustrated. Dig holes 16 in sq. and to the depth required by the post height as described above.

Steel Post Footing
Lay a 4 in (100mm) depth of 3/4 in diameter gravel at the base of the hole. Next, pour a 4 in (100mrn) depth of concrete to provide a solid pad. Patio stones can be substituted in place of the poured concrete. Insert the post with a hold down bolt through the post to keep it secure. (see diagram) Pour the concrete footing and temporarily brace the posts until the concrete has set.

Wood Post Footing
Lay a 4 in (100mm) depth of 3/4 in diameter gravel at the base of the post. Insert the posts using lag bolts partially driven into the post to hold it in place. Use string lines to ensure they are in plumb alignment. Temporarily brace the posts until the concrete has set.

Concreting:

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Mix concrete in line with manufacturers instructions. These will be labeled clearly on the packet. Your supplier will be able to give you any special advice you may require for your own conditions. Pour concrete to the top of the holes ensuring it is packed well. Ensure the concrete surface is sloping away from the posts to assist water drainage. Allow poles to set in concrete for a minimum of 48 hours. Brace if required.

Installation:
Connect fixing accessories to mounting points as required. Ensure all connections face towards the middle of the sail and are tightly secured. Check again to ensure all mounting points are solid.

Lay your shade sail out and commence the installation.

Tensioning:
Using the selected fixing accessories, commence connecting the corners of the shade sail to the fixing points.

Tension Required

Tension Correct

A properly mounted and tensioned shade sail will have approximately 100 pounds of tension on it and will have little to no wrinkles. Connect all points, using rope or wire cable if necessary to gain increased leverage. The rope can be threaded around a number of times so that it works as a "pulley" mechanism. Another tensioning method would be to use a turnbuckle which can aid in applying the proper amount of tension. Stop tensioning when the shade sail is rigid with little or no creases. CAUTION: Do not over tension. Tension only by hand and only tight enough to get the wrinkles out of the shade cloth. Re-tension periodically if required.

Warning:
Your shade sail is designed to provide UV protection and comfort in domestic areas. When selecting the position for your shade sail, ensure all fixing points are structurally sound and fixings are tightly secured. Inspect regularly. Prior to installing, consult your local council regarding building regulations which may apply in your area. Exposure to certain chemicals e.g., Chlorine can lead to the premature breakdown of the fabric. Chemicals to be used on or around the fabric should be referred to BackyardCity.com prior to their use.

Do not have fire or an open flame close to the fabric. Do not use your barbecue under the shade structure.

Care Instructions:
Your shade sails 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 rinse thoroughly with water from your garden hose.

DO NOT put the fabric in your washing machine, clothes drier, or scrub it with a stiff brush, scouring pad, or an abrasive cleaner.

The above is intended as a Guide only and not the actual instructions for installing your shade sail. Please read and follow the manufacturer's instructions as it pertains to your particular shade sail.

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