Category Archives: Shade Ideas

Lifespan of a Shade Sail

Shade Sails Installed

Ever wonder how long that sweet new stuff you buy will last? Shade sails are no different!

Many customers (smartly!) ask about lifespan, but unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on several factors, just like with many things in life.

The biggest enemy of long-lasting sails? Slack!

Think about a tattered flag whipping in the wind – that’s what happens to loose sails. Keep an eye on tension and adjust your hardware to keep things taut. Remember, movement equals wear and tear.

Even with proper tension, pinpointing lifespan is tricky. Climate has a significant influence. Strong winds, storms, and snow aren’t exactly shade sail friends.

But fear not! With proper care and installation, you can expect most sail fabrics to last at least 5-7 years. Think of it as a planning and budgeting guide, not a countdown to sail-swapping.

And hey, 5-7 years is just an estimate. Our sails are 8, 9, and 10 years old. They are still working well and providing shade. However, they also show their age with some wear, which adds character.

So, while those numbers are helpful, don’t panic if your sail hits year five and isn’t begging for retirement. Just keep an eye on things, and you’ll be ready when the time comes.

Shade Cloth or Shade Sails: All You Need to Know

What are Shade Sails?

Shade Sails Installed

Sun Sails are designed to connect to mounting points on homes, garages, posts, or other structures. Delta rings (d-rings) are in each corner that attach to the attachment points with mounting hardware. Mounting hardware can consist of turnbuckles, spring clips, cables or other hardware.

By design, Shade sails have curves (gores) in the perimeter of all sides. The shade sail’s corners are adequately tightened to the connection points on structures, poles, trees, and various other objects..

This design with the curves (gores) in the perimeter of the sails is what tightens up the entire sail. When you pull the corners, you try to straighten out the curves, but you cannot. The perimeter is fastened to the fabric in the center of the shade sails. This tightens the fabric in the center of the shade sails, reducing sagging in the middle during high winds.

Shade Cloth on Pergola

What is Finished Shade Cloth?

Finished shade cloth is the same fabric that is used for shade sails but in custom sizes.. If you are wanting to place the shade cloth on top of a pergola or arbor, you can get shade cloth custom made with straight edges and no gores.

Brass Grommets may be placed in the corners and along the sides equally spaced. The finished shade cloth can be fastened to the top of the pergola by putting screws with washers through the grommets.

Another use is finished shade cloth with grommets placed closely together. Cables or ropes can be lashed through the close mounted grommets and around a frame or existing structures.

These are the main differences between shade sails and finished shade cloth. Other uses for each exist, but this gives you a starting point on trying to achieve the shade that you are looking for. Be sure to take into consideration the shade fabric types, solid (waterproof) or mesh. They can both give you shade, UV blockage and sun protection.

Shade sails made with a solid fabric like Sunbrella marine grade fabric must be installed with about an 18 to 20 degree slope. This will reduce the chance of the outdoor shade filling up with rain and possibly causing damage to the shade sail and/or your property. For more info on shade sails and finished shade cloth, contact our customer service at 1-888-246-6909.

Shade Sails for Shade and UV Protection

Shade Sails for Shade and UV Protection   After another hot summer, there was a real need for shade and UV protection. A great solution for both are Shade sails, and the designs make any outdoor area classy and fun. When it is so hot outside, it can be too uncomfortable to enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Temperatures under a shade sail can actually be reduced by as much as 15%. Some of the health effects of overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays includes but are not limited to:
  • Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma)
  • Premature aging of the skin and other skin problems
  • Cataracts and other eye damage
  • Immune system suppression
Depending on the fabrics used to make shade sails, up to 98% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be blocked. This can definitely reduce some of the harmful effects from overexposure from the sun.

What are the differences between Mesh and Solid fabric shade sails?

What your actual needs are for installing a shade sail, will help you decide if you want a mesh shade sail or a solid fabric shade sail. Do you need just shade and ultraviolet (UV) protection from the sun?  Then install a mesh shade sail. A mesh shade sail can give you the desired shade to reduce the temperature of a hot day. Like a solid fabric shade sail it can also block up to 98% of the ultraviolet (UV) rays. Mesh shade sails can also be installed completely flat with no slope. If you desire that look, you can add slope to their design. However, they are mesh and are not water proof. If it rains, instead of draining off or puddling on the shade sail, the rain will come through them. Mesh shade sails can also cost up to 35% less than the solid shade sails do. The solid fabric shade sails like the ones made with marine grade Sunbrella fabrics, can also offer the same shade and UV blockage that is offered with mesh shade sails. An additional advantage of a solid fabric shade sails, is that they’re water proof , so you can also enjoy them while it is raining. When installed there must at least an 18 to 20 degree slope incorporated, to make sure that it would not fill up full of water and possibly do damage to the shade sail and your property. Sometimes whether or not you can achieve the proper amount of slope can dictate if you can use a solid shade sail or a mesh one. So if you are looking for an inexpensive solution for your shade and UV protection needs, consider shade sails. They perform well, look good and are a great addition to any outdoor area. Read more about What Overexposure to the Sun’s UV Rays Can Cause

Start planning your outdoor living space using Shade Sails

Custom Shade Sails

Custom Shade Sails (Sun Shades) and standard sized Shade Sails are very economical and an extremely easy way to shade your outdoor living areas. Also known as Sun Sails, they give your outdoor area a stylish and unique concept, due to their unique and symmetrical designs. They provide excellent protection from the sun and its harmful UV radiation at a modest cost compared to building a permanent structure.

 Benefits of Shade Sails Include:
  • Blockage from the sun’s harmful UV rays – up to 97%
  • Helps prevent sunburn and cancer due to the UV blockage
  • Helps regulate the outdoor temperature with cooling shade
  • When used up against a house, it reduces the heat from the sun, thus reducing your cooling costs
  • Economical, much cheaper than building a structure
  • Makes your outdoor living area, more inviting to your guests
  • Comes in many sizes and colors to choose from.
  • Sunbrella, Commercial 95 and Coolaroo fabrics that will not rot or mildew
  • Can be used to replace canopies, awnings and umbrellas.
  • Use over pools, ponds, plants, decks and porches to extend their seasons
  • Protects your patio furniture, grilles, and play sets from the harmful UV rays
  • Draws attention with the colors and designs in commercial and retail areas
  • Easy to remove and install, especially for taking down in the winter months
  • Some Fabrics have up to a 15 year limited warranties and 1 year on workmanship.

Sail Shades are very easy to install; they can be attached to homes, trees, or free standing steel poles or wooden posts. They can be connected to a house or between buildings with the proper hardware. In an open area they will need to be supported by wood posts or steel columns embedded in concrete footings, and they can be left up year round or easily removed for seasonal use. NOTE* it is recommended that they be taken down in areas of the country that receives snow regularly. Snow loads could possibly cause damage to them if they are left up year round.

Custom Shade Cloth for Pergolas

Shade Cloth for Pergolas Pergolas are beautiful pieces of woodwork. However, they can become hot and unpleasant in the months when temperatures are rising. They can also be limited in their enjoyment because of rain or unpleasant weather. Although there are sometimes when you just won’t be able to enjoy yours, you can improve the odds of using it by investing in a custom shade cloth for pergolas that will fit yours and keep the harsh sun and rain out. This gives you more days that you can spend outdoors and gives you more ways to enjoy your pergola. Shade covers for pergolas are all about helping you get more from your outdoor living space. They can be taken on and off with ease so that you can have shade and protection when you want it and have an open top when you don’t. That’s the beauty of a pergola, after all, is that it isn’t closed in and cage-like. It’s just an open-air structure that looks beautiful in any garden. With a shade cloth, it will be even more beautiful and give you even more to love. If you don’t have a standard pergola, finding the best shade cloth can be hard. It requires having the right size or buying something that’s too big and looks horrid when you put it on. The best option here is to have custom work done so that you get a shade cloth for pergolas that will give you exactly what you need. This isn’t expensive, either. It will cost more than buying stock pieces, but it is actually going to be rather affordable when you order custom work online from a reputable shade and cover retailer that knows what they are doing. Enjoying the outdoor living space is a lot of fun. Now that spring is getting near, it’s important for you to clean up the outdoors and get it ready for all of your enjoyment. Investing in a shade cloth for pergolas might give you more opportunities to enjoy your space and make your outdoors more inviting for everyone. Take the time to look online and see what you can find, no matter what you might be looking for in various shades and covers for your outdoor furniture. The world of covers is at your fingertips and it’s up to you to make sure that you get what you want for a good deal, which is easy.

Buy Shade Sails Online for Better Selection and Pricing

 

Shade Sails on Beale Street

Shade sails are stylish, fun ways to decorate your backyard and keep the sun out. There is so much to choose from and you should have no trouble getting everything that you need. Take the time to explore all of your options and figure out what you want from something like this. Because shade sails are newer, it can be hard to figure out how they work and what you need. Shopping online gives you the chance to find the best selection and pricing on these types of shades. It can also connect you with specialty companies that know what they are dealing with. If you are looking for better selection or prices, the internet is always the place to go. You have to make sure that you’re doing everything that you can to get more out of your investment, no matter what you have in mind. Take the time to explore the selection that is available today and give yourself the chance to get the best shade sails. You can find so many different sizes, styles, and colors to choose from that it will be easy to find what fits. If you aren’t having much luck, you can even take the time to consider a custom estimate that will give you sun shades that allow you to get everything that you need. There are plenty of ways to customize your order and you won’t have to spend a lot of money. People think that this is expensive but really it’s just a matter of taking the time to see what’s out there and get what you need. There is something for just about everyone without spending a fortune, which is definitely going to make your decision easy. Shopping online is always the place to find deals on sun shades and other covers. These sails are a lot of fun and add style to your backyard but you do have to know how much they cost and what you’re getting from them. Make sure that you consider this in your decision and do what you can to find the sun shade sails that you like best without spending a fortune. Shopping online with a retailer that knows what they’re doing is going to be the best way to give you what you need out of your investment. Try it for yourself and see what you can find.

Shade Sails for Every Need to Protect Your Investments

Shade sails

Shade sails are a great way to spruce up your backyard and get more enjoyment out of the outdoor living space that you have. There is something for just about everyone and you have to make sure that you get what you want. These innovative shades are all about protecting your patio and your outdoor furniture, no matter what you are trying to do. Whether you want more time outside or to keep your pool from getting too hot or dirty, these sails will help. When you shop online, you can find a wide selection of shade sails to choose from. No matter how much you have to spend, it will be easy for you to get the best shades for less. There is so much that you can choose from and you can even get custom designs made today that will protect your family and your outdoor belongings so that you can get everything that you need. Plus, you are getting a lot of protection for a lot less compared to building a porch or a deck or some type of shade structure that is more permanent. Shop online to explore the different styles of shade sails that are out there. Learn about how these sails work and what they can do. They are strung up carefully over your patio, blocking out harmful UV rays and allowing you to have more fun outside without being put at risk. They also look really stylish and add a touch of fun to your backyard or outdoor space. These can reduce heat in the house, too, which can reduce cooling costs. There is so much to love about these shade sails and there are sizes for all of your needs. The colors and designs available will give you the chance to customize your backyard in a whole new way. You can design a cooler living space, literally, and give yourself the chance to protect your family or outdoor furniture. It doesn’t matter what you have in mind because you are going to get everything that you want when you shop online. Make sure that you take the time to explore your options and customize your shade sails to get the best protection for your backyard for less. It’s affordable, fun, and stylish so that you can get more for your money with shade products no matter what you have in mind.

How to Choose a Shade Cloth for Pergolas

Shade Cloth for Pergolas

There are a lot of different types of shade cloth that you can find for your pergola that will make it more accessible and enjoyable throughout the year. It doesn’t matter what you have to spend or what type of pergola you have because there are all kinds of shade cloth for pergolas out there. You will have to take a minute and think about your needs so that you can buy the perfect shade cloth, regardless of what you have in mind. Here are some things to think about:

-What kind of pergola do you have? You need to know the measurements and shape so that you can get fabricated shade cloth that fits appropriately. If your pergola is round, find a round cover. If it is rectangular, you need a cover that matches. It’s basically common sense.

-Look at the materials and colors of the shade cloth that you can find. No matter what you have in mind or how much you want to spend, you can find a full selection of different materials and styles that will fit your needs. Don’t settle until you find exactly what you want because that’s what you deserve.

-Consider the weather that you need to protect yourself or your family from. A simple sun shade is fine, but you might be looking for a water-resistant shade cloth like Sunbrella canvas fabric, too. There’s something for all of your needs. You just have to know what those are and be willing to take the time to look.

-Consider your budget. You can’t spend more than you can afford. The good news is that even custom pergola shade covers aren’t that expensive when you shop online. Just set a budget so that you don’t break the bank and find the shade cloth that you like best within that price range.

There is something for everyone in the world of shade cloth for pergolas. Using these tips, it will be easier for you to get what you need from your investment. There is so much to choose from and you really have to make sure that you get everything that you want. You do have more information now so it should be easier for you to make the right decision. Just remember to choose a reputable shade manufacturer so that you know you’re getting quality work in the products that you buy regardless of what you choose.

How to Buy Shade Sails

Shade Sails Shade sails are a newer shade product that will give you the chance to get more for your money when it comes to protecting your backyard. These stylish shades are strung to poles, creating a unique and geometric sail-type design. This adds a touch of décor. They are also available in many different colors and styles so that you can pick and choose what you want. These can help reduce a lot of the UV rays on your patio and even in your home if they’re close enough, giving you more ways to enjoy the outside without the dangers or the heat. If you are shopping for shade sails, you need to know what you are doing. You can’t just buy these like any other shade and hope for the best. They need to be measured for size so that they cover the space appropriately. They also need to be appropriately proportioned to the backyard space that they are covering. It’s best if you talk to a professional and learn about different sizes that are available. You should also ask about custom sizes so that you can get the perfect fit. You might pay a little more, but you are still getting great deals if you choose to shop online. Shade sails are a very unique design concept that people love for sprucing up their backyard. They’re cooler than any umbrella or structure and cost a lot less than you might think. These need to be purchased based on size and installation, so having a professional is going to make all the difference. When you shop online with reputable companies that know what it takes to give you more for your investment, it will be easy for you to get what you need. Shade sails aren’t expensive when you shop online. Plus, they make a great investment in your home and give you the chance to get more out of your outdoor living space. Whether you need a custom design or just need a little help buying the right styles, you will have no trouble getting everything that you need when you choose to shop online. Take the time to check out everything that’s out there and get what you need for less. With a little help, you will be on your way to the perfect backyard in no time at all, no matter what you have in mind.

Shade Cloth for Pergolas Makes the Outdoors Enjoyable

Shade Cloth Fabric for Pergolas When you are considering a shade cloth for pergolas, you will have to think about what you want and need. This can give you a chance to enjoy the outdoors more and get more from your furniture and fixtures. There are a lot of different ways that you can get shade in the backyard and everyone seems to have the next best thing to offer. A standard shade cloth that goes over the pergola, however, might be perfect for your needs. This shade cloth will provide cover from the outdoor sun and give you a chance to get more time outside. It will also offer protection from rain and other elements and give you a chance to spruce up your backyard with small changes that can make a big difference. There’s truly something for everyone when you’re in the market for a shade cloth like this. You just have to shop online. Shopping online gives you the chance to get the selection that you want. It will be easy for you to find different products and even get custom shade cloth that is sewn to your size, hemmed and grommets so that you can have the perfect fit. There are professionals who specialize in covers and shades and make it easy for you to get the pieces that you need for less, no matter what you have in mind. This will give you more time to enjoy your outdoor space and be a great investment in your home. When you are looking to buy a shade cloth, you will need to check out the stock styles that are available and see if there is something that you can just buy to suit your needs. Most people can find something. If you don’t, however, you can have custom shade tarps made so that you get what you want precisely without any settling or doubts. There is a lot to choose from so it should be easy for you to get what you want. Make sure that you take the time to check out all of your options. Learn about custom styles and look at what is within your budget so that you can plan accordingly. There is truly something for just about everyone. The choice is yours to make. As long as you get what you need in a shade cloth for pergolas, you’re making a great investment in your outdoor space and going to get what you need for less.