As soon as the sunny days return after winter, the question quickly arises of how to protect yourself from sunlight, which includes UV radiation that can be harmful to your health. There are several options available – one of the most flexible and straightforward is a shade sail. Below, we answer common questions about shade sails, which you can find in our Garden/Balcony range, alongside privacy screens and lawn edging.
What is a shade sail?
Shade sails are sails made from different types of fabric, designed first and foremost to protect against sunlight. Usually shaped as a triangle, rectangle or trapezoid, shade sails not only create a shady outdoor area, but can also provide privacy from prying eyes. A shade sail can be used anywhere suitable fixing points are available or can be created. Whether on a balcony, patio or in the garden – shade cloths offer many possible uses. Depending on the material, the sail can also provide protection from rain. Unlike parasols, shade sails don’t require extra floor space, so you can use your balcony or patio without restrictions.
Another advantage of shade sails is their high flexibility: they can usually be attached wherever they’re needed and are not permanently fixed to one spot like an awning. This means the position of the shade sail can be adjusted as required, for example when the midday sun appears. This flexibility also makes a shade sail a popular companion on camping trips with a motorhome or caravan, providing reliable sun protection and extra comfort.
What material is a shade sail made from?
In principle, shade sails can be made from various materials. We offer sails made from high-quality HDPE polyester. Key properties of this material include breathability (wind permeability) as well as resistance to weathering, colour fading and mould. In addition, polyester shade sails are dimensionally stable, tear-resistant and easy to care for.
There are also shade sails made from polyethylene – a more open-mesh fabric that is breathable, yet still durable and waterproof. Finally, acrylic is another possible material for shade sails, known for its robustness, stain resistance and tear strength.
What shade sail options are available?
Shade sails also differ in shape. In general, there are square, rectangular and triangular versions. Triangular sails look great and are particularly suitable for smaller areas or as an additional source of shade. Thanks to their triangular shape, they can be tensioned flexibly wherever needed, for example as a privacy screen.
Alternatively, you can use a four-sided shade sail. Whether as a rectangle or square, these shade sails are excellent for creating shade. In addition, they not only provide sun and privacy protection, but are also generally suitable as rain protection. However, bear in mind that triangular shade sails can be tensioned with a single pole, while four-sided shade sails usually require two poles for installation.
How is a shade sail installed?
When installing, first tilt the sail poles by about 10 degrees against the direction of pull – this improves tension and stability. It’s important to allow sufficiently large distances to the attachment points as well as a reserve for re-tensioning. It should also be possible to tension in the direction of pull from each fixing point, and you should re-tension the sail from time to time to maintain proper tension.
For the best direction of pull, always tension the shade sail diagonally from corner to corner. Due to the concave cut of the sail, the tension is transferred outwards, preventing sagging and creases. Ideally, set the sail with a slope of 20–25% (approx. 8–10 in per 3.3 ft), so water can drain off well and water pockets are avoided.
Which colour is best for a shade sail?
Shade sails differ not only in shape, but also in colour. Essentially, it comes down to choosing between dark and light colours. If you want plenty of light to pass through the sunshade and brighten the shaded area, it’s best to choose a shade sail in white or beige.
If, on the other hand, you want dirt (for example from insects) to be less noticeable, a dark-coloured shade sail is a good choice. A dark shade sail can also be a real eye-catcher in the garden.
How can I fix a shade sail without drilling?
For balcony shade sails without drill holes, one option is to use pipe clamps to secure height-adjustable poles and hang the sail from them. Rope-tensioning methods are also a way to tension the sail between fixed points such as roof beams or railings. It’s important to note that no-drill installation is only suitable for balconies in sheltered locations with low wind exposure.
If you want to install the shade sail on a patio without drilling into the house wall, using a frame is a very practical solution. If you’re planning a free-standing installation on the ground or lawn, you can use heavy base plates for grass, ground spikes or ground anchors that can be screwed or driven into the soil. The key is a firm, secure hold and a tightly tensioned sail.
Feel free to get inspired by our range of shade sails and easily bring shade and more privacy to your outdoor area.
