Sail shades for a cooler garden

With temperatures soaring in the summer months, shade in the garden is just as essential as sunblock.

 

Shade sails can be either attached to existing structures, or a freestanding structure can be installed. Existing structures include the walls and roof of your house, a strong tree or exterior wall. They are a range of common or custom made mounting systems for attaching to such structures, including plates and brackets, and/or stainless steel screw eyes.

In the majority of cases some sort of freestanding structure will need to be installed and galvanised steel poles are normally recommended because of their strength and longevity, as well as the fact that they can be powder coated to the colour of your choice. Alternatively wooden posts can be used, which is sometimes the preferred choice in the garden setting. In many cases posts can be mounted into an existing patio surround, or alternatively they can be concreted into the ground. The dimensions of all poles and fittings is engineered for each sail depending on its size and the expected wind loading.

Shade sails are tensioned by means of stainless steel cabling running though perimeter pockets of the sail, as well as turnbuckles (otherwise known as bottle screws) at each corner.

A turnbuckle is required for each corner along with a 'D' shackle that is of the correct size depending on the square metres of the sail .When the tension is correct shade sails do not flap but rather wave in the wind.

The most desired layout for shade sails is to attach the corners of shade sails at alternating heights, which improves aesthetics. A flat sail not only holds water, but quite frankly looks boring! Bold changes in height, as well as overlapping sails, or multiple sails, gives a far more interesting look. Some really dramatic effects can be achieved by using shade cloth as it has the ability to stretch and mould in all directions.

Shade sails provide such an exciting visual effect and a well designed shade sail, or sail system (2 or more shade sails designed to compliment one another), has the ability to transform any outdoor setting.

So what are you waiting for? Get sailing!

Top Tips:
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. As the seasons progress the sun moves from low in the sky during the cooler months, to higher in the sky during summer. Your structure should be planned to provide maximum shade protection during the height of summer, or summer solstice, as this is when it will be needed most. Mid-day and late afternoon sun is the hottest and most dangerous, hence shade sail systems should be designed to block this sun as a priority to morning sun.

Which shape of sail gives the best shade coverage?
Any sail with four or more sides will provide the best coverage, of course this depends on size. Whilst triangular shade sails are aesthetically pleasing they do not provide as much shade as other shapes due to the narrow corners and necessary catenary cut in each side. Alternatively sail system of 2 or more sails can be designed to give the look desired while increasing the shade cover. Square and rectangular shade sails can be erected with a twist effect, which is also very appealing to the eye.

Did You Know?
The single most important factor affecting ultraviolet radiation levels is the time of day and season. UV levels peak at noon when the sun is highest in the sky. UV levels are also much higher in summer when the suns rays are more intense. It is recommended that we stay under shade between 10am and 3pm, October to March.

Shade comes in many forms with varying degrees of protection. Shade sails offer some of the highest shade protection available. Manufactured from Knittex shade cloth for its guaranteed long life UV protection and the fact that it absorbs up to 96% of UVA and UVB rays, depending on your chosen colour, creating a safe environment for young and old alike.