Shade Sails - Installation Tips
Shade Sails Installation Suggestions
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 sails;
- Strength of existing structures intended to be anchor points;
- Ability to insert fixing posts;
- Location of barbecues;
- Sun direction etc.
There could also be other factors, specific to your situation, which require consideration.
Sunbrella Shade Sails have to be installed with at least an 18 to 20 degree slope to allow water to run off the sail and not pool on top of the sail. Due to the limited available Sunbrella fabric widths, there will be seams approximately every 40-57 inches.
Determining The Correct Fixing Points:
Once you have identified the location for your shade sail it is
important to determine the most suitable fixing points for the corners. Some of
these fixing points could already exist e.g. pergola, large tree, fence post or
fascia. 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 the shade sail has
a 12 foot 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 tensioning hardware
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.
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Rope or Wire - to extend your shade sail to a fixing point if
required.
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.
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| Use with Metal Fascias | Use with Timber Fascias |
Post Supports:
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 can 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
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Footings: |
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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. |
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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.
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Concreting:
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.
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Tension Required |
Tension Correct |
Connect all points, using rope, if necessary to gain increased leverage. The rope
can be threaded around a number of times so that it works as a "pulley"
mechanism. 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.
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Related Terms: sun sails, installation, tips, Sunbrella shade sail, shade sails
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