Shade Sail Installation: 3 Things I Wish I’d Known Earlier
Shade sails are arguably the most versatile and most popular of all shade products. This is because they are affordable and easy to install. However, if you do choose to install a shade sail by yourself, you need to make certain considerations to avoid ending up like one of the many customers that have turned to Ashadya for professional shade sail installation in Sydney only after having made multiple mistakes with their shade sail installation.
To help you avoid such problems, today I’ll list some of the considerations you need to make when installing a shade sail.
1. Shade sails can be installed in a variety of ways
You are probably not aware of it, but shade sails can be installed in a variety of ways. The installation design contributes both the look as well as the functionality of a shade sail.
Hyperbolic style installation using square or rectangular shade sails is by far the most common installation design. In this design, two diagonal corners of the shade sail need to be fixed higher than the other two diagonals. Such a design minimises sagging and also maximises the shaded area underneath. The hypar shape is also ideal in a wind event. Hyperbolic shade sail installations can commonly be seen in homes, marketplaces, parks, school play areas and carports across Sydney.
Resort style installation using triangular shade sails is also quite popular here in Sydney. In such a design, one corner of the shade sail needs to be fixed lower than the other two corners. This provides a striking look, while also ensuring maximum longevity of the shade sail. Such installations can be seen across resorts, hotels and swimming pool decks in and around Sydney.
2. Shade sail fixing points should be structurally sound
Shade sail post installation at one of our recent installs – Glenorie Preschool
One of the most common mistakes people make with shade sail installation is using weak fixing points. Weak fixing points can lead to heavy sagging of a shade sail with time, and it can also cause the posts or attachment points to become loose.
Make sure that your corner posts or fixing points are structurally sound. This is very important. Shade sails need to be able to withstand a wind or hail event. Sydney has been experiencing a lot of storm activity recently, so structural connections are critical to the longevity of your shade sail. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of structural fixing points.
If you have any doubts about creating a secure structure, it pays to invest in professional shade sail installation in Sydney. Professionals such as those at Ashadya can help ensure that your shade sail fixing points or corner posts are secured properly and that you won’t face any problems after installation.
3. Shade sail attachment accessories
Shade sails need to be attached to corner posts or fixing points using different types of accessories. These include anchors, joiners and tensioning devices. Examples of these are eyelets, shackles and turnbuckles.
Eyelets are meant to be attached structurally to the wall or post, while shackles should be attached to the corner of the shade sail joining it to the eyelet. Turnbuckles should be used to connect the shackles to the eyelets so that you can create the correct amount of tension in your sail. This results in proper tensioning of a shade sail.
Shade sail anchors, joiners and tensioning devices come in different types. Depending on your space, you will need to choose accordingly.
Conclusion:
When it comes to installing a shade sail by yourself, there are certain considerations that you need to make. First of all, know that shade sails can be installed in a variety of ways. The installation design contributes to the look and functionality of a shade sail. Before installing a shade sail, make sure that the shade sail attachment points are structurally sound. And finally, to install a shade sail properly, you need to use various shade sail attachment accessories such as anchors, joiners and tensioning devices.
If you live in Sydney and you’d rather leave your shade sail installation to the experts, get in touch with Ashadya Shade Sails & Blinds by calling 1300 570 901.