Sun Shade Sails or Sailshades help beat the heat of the sun

How are shade sails constructed?

Shade sails are constructed using durable materials that can withstand wind loads, have a resistance to UV light breakdown of its shade fabric, and a design that allows them to provide effective sun protection while enhancing its structurally integrity. The construction of a shade sail involves several key elements:

• Shade Sail Fabric Material:

  The choice of shade cloth depends on factors such as UV protection, breathability, durability, and aesthetics. There are different types of shade fabric made such as tape, monofilament, tape + monofilament, woven, knitted and waterproof solids. They are made in different densities, tightness of weave, woven or knitted that provide different levels of shade, UV blockage and/or durability.

• GSM: GSM is grams per square meter. This is how much a single square meter of the shade cloth weighs on a scale that measures in grams instead of ounces. Typically the heavier it is the more durable the fabric. GSM less than 220 have lifespans of 1-5 years, and over 250gsm have lifespans 7 or more years.
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This is by far the most common material for shade sail fabric. HDPE is known for its durability, it is rot & mold resistant. Most have UV inhibitors blended in the material so to slow UV light rays from the sun breakdown of the threads. It is breathable, allowing air to pass through keeping it cooler underneath. Its thickness and tight weave aids in blocking sunlight and make it stronger to resist tearing from wind loads on the sail. Commercial 95 is an excellent HDPE, knitted, tape + monofilament shade fabric at 340gsm.
• Waterproof Fabrics: Typically made of polyester, nylon, HDPE or woven acrylic. Sun shade sails with watereproof frabrics need to have a slope or angle of the fabric to allow for adequate water runoff otherwise the water will collect on top creating a mosquito breeding pools at best or become too heavy for the fabric and it will tear. Sunbrella Marine Awning material is waterproof woven acrylic material that is commonly used for shade sails.
• UV inhibitors enable these state of the art fabrics to block the sun's harmful IR/UV rays yet remain totally unaffected by moisture and natural temperature extremes. Both ultraviolet and infrared energy are invisible to the human eye, and are both capable of damaging the skin. Infrared (IR) is heat energy, so an excess of heat energy will damage (burn) the skin. IR has a longer wavelength, however, so it won't penetrate the skin deeply. UV energy, because of its shorter wavelength, has the capability of penetrating more deeply into the skin, and in doing so damaging deeper layers of skin cells. Shade Sails help protect against this harmful UV and IR energy, keeping you and your family safe from the the sun.



• Sun Sail Shapes and Design:

  Shade sails come in various shapes, including triangles, squares, and rectangles. Custom shapes can result in nearly any polygon shape like diamonds or trapazoids. The choice of shape depends on the intended use, mounting point locations and aesthetic preferences. Shade sails have inward curved sides to enhance their visual appeal and improve tensioning of the middle part of the fabric.

• Sailshade Edge Reinforcements

  The edges of the shade sail are often reinforced with webbing or cable to add strength and durability. This reinforcement helps distribute tension and wind loads evenly along the edges and to the corners or attachment points.

• Sail Shade Attachment Points

  • Delta Rings or D-Rings: Triangular or D shaped metal rings, usually made of stainless steel, are attached to the corners of the shade sail. These rings serve as attachment points for securing the sail to the mounting points on the supporting structures.

  • Perimeter Attachments: Additional attachment points along the perimeter of the shade sail help distribute tension and provide flexibility in installation.
  
  

• Shade Sail Support Structures

  Poles or Mounting Points: Shade sails need support structures to which they can be attached. This may include existing structures like buildings, or additional supports such as posts or poles.

• Sun Sail Hardware

  • Snap Hooks or Carabiners: These are used to connect the shade sail to the attachment points, making installation and removal easier.

  • Tensioning Devices: Various devices, such as pulleys, ratchets or turnbuckles, may be employed to achieve proper tensioning and adjustment. Adjustable turnbuckles are the most popular often used to tension the shade sail and achieve the desired level of tightness.
  
  

• Sun Shade Sail Installation Accessories

  • Cables or Chains are often required to span the distance between mounting points on support structures and a corner of the shade sail as most sail fabrics will stretch over time.
  • Hardware for Mounting: Depending on the installation site, pad-eyes with screws, eye-bolts, and other mounting hardware may be needed to create a sturdy mounting point on a building, structure or post.
  
  

• UV-Resistant Thread for Shadesails

  The stitching in the seams and perimeter of the shade sails are typically stitched using special UV-resistant thread to ensure longevity and prevent degradation due to sun exposure.

It's important to note that the specific construction details can vary based on the manufacturer and the intended use of the shade sail. Proper installation, tensioning, and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of shade sails. Manufacturers typically provide guidelines for installation and care to maximize the lifespan of the shade sail.