10 Best Shade Sails and Buying Guide
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Shade sails are an excellent way to create a semi-permanent and versatile shaded area in your home. They are made using recyclable materials and are available in various sizes, colors, and shapes to complement your outdoor space. You can easily fit shade sails to different surfaces such as trees, walls, structures, etc. However, with numerous options to choose from, buying the right shade sail for your outdoor area can be an overwhelming experience. You also must carefully consider the one that suits your outdoor space perfectly. To make this process easier, we have curated a guide to help you choose the right shade sail for your outdoor space.
Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy when you invest in shade sails
One of the benefits of installing a shade sail in your outdoor space is that it will provide extra ventilation and cooling. And you would need this if you live in a humid and hot environment. Shade sails can help to keep the sun out of your home directly if correctly and strategically installed. This will, in turn, help to prevent harmful sun rays. This is because shade sails are made using semi-permeable materials. So, they enable air circulation and help lower the area temperature by up to ten degrees.
If you are for the environment and “team green earth,” you will love shade sails. This is because most shade sails are made using recyclable materials. Using these materials significantly lessens the need for other materials during production. So, this is incredibly useful in recycling materials such as timber, glass, plastic, and other common materials used in producing building or housing extensions.
One of the top benefits of shade sails is that they easily complement artistry in residential homes and commercial buildings. They will give your outdoor space an attractive look while enhancing its aesthetic value. Shade sails are available in different colors and sizes, giving you numerous options. Their affordability makes them an ideal way to style outdoor spaces without breaking the bank.
Choosing shade sails for your outdoor area goes beyond aesthetics. Other vital factors must be considered before buying the right shade sails for your outdoor space. Here are some of them.
The material of your shade sail is the most crucial factor determining its durability and sturdiness. Shade sails usually come in three primary materials. And the weight of each of these materials indicates their overall quality. The higher the density of the material, the stronger the shade sail. The weight of shade sails is generally between 150 and 340 grams per square meter. Here are the three primary materials shade sails come in to decide on the one you want to go for.
Polyester Shade Sails: they are weather- and UV resistant. So, they offer protection from the sun and rain. Polyester shade sails will also retain their shape for a long time. So, you don’t need to worry about them slacking. They also won’t tear because they are heat-resistant. Polyester shade sails do not require much maintenance because they are straightforward to clean. All you would need is a gentle soap and some warm water. However, this material collates heat if you install it too low. So, ensure you install your polyester shade sail a bit higher if you decide to go for it.
Polyethylene Shade Sails: the woven fabric used to make polyethylene shade sails are less tightly. They are waterproof and sturdy. They also allow air to circulate in your outdoor area freely. Although polyethylene shade sails are incredibly lightweight, they also resist wind. So, they won’t be easily blown away due to their lightweight construction. However, buying one with a stain and UV-resistant treatment is advisable if you want it to last long.
Acrylic Shade Sails: are usually waterproof and significantly resistant to weather conditions. Manufacturers also use the batch dyeing method for acrylic shade sails. This is where the dey was gradually transferred from the dye bath to the acrylic shade sail. Doing this helps to ensure enhanced color fastness in the long run. Acrylic shade sails usually come with a stain-resistant treatment. They are also resistant to tears, making them one of the best options for outdoor space.
While your shade sail’s material and quality are essential, you should also prioritize the quality of fittings. You must ensure that the fittings you choose for your shade sail are made using high-quality materials and will last long. Buying a quality shade sail and using subpar fittings will have you changing them in no time. Here are some standard accessories you would need to fit your shade sail in your outdoor area.
Shackles or Carabiner Clips: you can use these accessories to secure your shade sails to hooks or rings.
Pulley and Reel System: these are crucial to changing or adjusting your shade sail’s height easily and quickly.
Turnbuckles: these are used to adjust or maintain your shade sail’s tension. This accessory is essential because it prevents your shade sail from slacking in the long run.
Cables: these fittings help to boost the distance between your shade sail and its fixing point. However, they may also cause your shade sail to vibrate when it’s windy.
Other accessories for fitting your shade sail include wall plugs, bolts, studs, and poles ( wooden, aluminum, or steel).
Shade sails are usually available in square, rectangular, and triangular shapes. Each of these shapes has its advantages and disadvantages. However, the rectangular and square shade sails usually have the same functions. To get you started, here are the three main shade sails shapes.
Square And Rectangular Shade Sails: if the space you want to cover is ample, you should consider getting a square or rectangular shade sail. They offer ample space where you can stay with your loved ones. However, you must not forget that your anchor points must also be strong to support your shade sail. They might also tend to say or balloon up in the middle. This usually happens when the water has been collected on the shade sail, or there is little to no tension. So, you must always check your shade sail and correct the tension if necessary.
Triangular Shade Sails: unlike a square or rectangular shade sail, triangular shade sails are ideal for small outdoor areas. And you also won’t have to worry about your shade sail sagging. This is because their shape helps them to keep tension better than rectangular or square shade sails. Triangular also allows you to channel your creativity. And you can use them as an architectural focal point for your outdoor area. However, you’d need more than one triangular shade sail to cover an ample outdoor space. And they don’t seamlessly fit into each other, which creates gaps between them. This can be inconvenient when rain falls. So, it’s ideal only to use triangular shade sails for smaller outdoor spaces.
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing suitable shade sails for your outdoor area is the size. The general rule of thumb is to match the size of your shade sail with its shape. The three primary shapes of shade sails are available from small to extra large. So, you’d have the right size to complement your patio. If you intend to use your shade sails to entertain guests, it’s advisable to choose your size from square or rectangular shade sails. And if your shade sail will only function as a relaxation spot for your immediate family, you will find the right size with triangular shade sails.
Shade sails are available in various colors. However, choosing your shade sail color should not only be dependent on aesthetics. It would be best if you also tried to avoid colors that attract heat. Generally, colors like black are great conductors of heat. You should go for lighter shades if you live in an often sunny environment. Also, choose a color that seamlessly fits the outdoor furniture you want to put in your shade sails. Depending on the functions you wish your shade to serve, the color you go for can make a lot of difference for general appeal and comfort.
While shade sails are not as famous as other coverings for outdoor spaces, they are significantly helpful. Shade sails are simple yet have the unique ability to enhance your outdoor area. However, it’s best to consider some crucial factors before choosing the right shade sail for your outdoor space. These factors include the material you want for your shade sail, the fittings, the shapes, sizes, and colors. This guide makes choosing the right shade sail for your outdoor space easy.
This post was last modified on September 16, 2022 11:00 am