Sail Shade Installation Guide

Step 1 - Planning Your Sail Shade Structure

You will already have in mind the area you would like to cover and how you would like it to look. You may be attaching your sail shade to existing structures such as you house or garage. If not then you will need to consider buying posts to hold your shade. These are the points you need to cover:

1. Movement of the sun

The sun rises daily in the east and sets to the west. Also, the seasons determine the height of the sun in the sky. It is generally lower in the winter months and higher in the summer. You need to plan the position of your shade so that you provide maximum shade in the hotter months.

2. Sail size

You'll obtain maximum effect and maximum lifetime by making sure the tension on the sail is as tight as possible. It's advisable to leave up to 30cm additional space between fixings to allow for this.

3. Angle of Sail

Waterproof shade sails should be installed so that rain water can run off.
This just means that you need to make sure that the lowest point of the shade is a corner. If a corner is not the lowest point, rain water will accumulate in the shade like a bag, which can cause the material to stretch. If the lowest point is not a corner, you need to tighten the shade, or set it at a steeper angle. Also make sure that there are no other low points on the sail where water could accumulate that would prevent water running straight off.

4. Fixing to existing structures

When purchasing a sail shade you should be fully aware that the pressure on the fixings are huge. If you are wanting to attach a sail to an existing structure you will need to make sure that it will hold in instances of poor weather. It may be better to consult a professional before installing. We recommend removing your sail if bad weather is forecast.

5. Posts

We recommend you use steel or aluminium posts rather than timber posts which may bend.

6. Footings

Footing sizes vary dependant on the size of the structure and the height of the post out of the ground. A concervative method is 1 third in the ground, 2 thirds out.

Firm Ground If you are laying your posts into firm ground then a 2cm gravel base will be fine to hold the post (Shown Below)	Soft Ground If you are laying your posts into soft ground then it is a good idea to lay a concrete base then a gravel base for extra support (Shown Below)

Step 2 - Installing Your Fixing Points

Once all points reviewed in step one are complete you can now start installing your fixing points. Do not underestimate the the importance of being conservative with your footing dimensions. If you get this part right then your sail shade will last many years therefore becoming a very cost effective way of shading. Again, make sure your existing stronghold is capable of supporting the shade.

Step 3 - Choosing Your Sail Shade and Accessories

There are a range of sail shades available on our website:

Coolaroo

Our Coolaroo sail shades are made using a 90% UV Block Fabric. They come complete with a 10-Year manufacturers guarantee. The fabric alone carries a 5 year warranty against UV degrading. The outskirts of the shades are fully reinforced using 25mm seat belt webbing. In each corner there is a stainless steel ring sewn ready for affixing.

Kookaburra

Our Kookaburra shades sails are made using a 98% UV Block Fabric. The outskirts of the shades are fully reinforced using 25mm seat belt webbing. In each corner there is a stainless steel ring sewn ready for affixing.

Involved with a school? Your school should have a sun policy to protect young skin. Click Here for information about sun policies.

Fixing Accessories

You also have the opportunity to select either Stainless Steel or Galvanised fittings for your sail. Your selection of fittings comes down merely to the look you desire. Stainless steel fittings, whilst more expensive, offer a dramatic enhancement to the product overall and are our recommended option.

Pad Eyes 5cm x 5cm square and 3.5cm depth	Snap Hooks 8cm x 4cm	Turnbuckles Adjustable length 18cm - 28cm long	Strap Tensioner Tightens sail shade for maximum effect.

Galvanised Steel Accessories

Pad Eyes 5cm x 5cm square and 3.5cm depth	Snap Hooks 8cm x 4cm	Turnbuckles Adjustable length 18cm - 28cm long

Steel poles

4.0m Pole 5cm x 5cm square and 3.5cm depth	2.5m Pole 8cm x 4cm

Step 4 - Measuring Your Area

Once you have identified the location for your sail shade it is important to determine the most suitable fixing points. Lay your sail in your located area in a relaxed state. Now you need to determine the fixing points and fixing devises you require. Allow a minimum of 10% of the sail length between each fixing point and each corner of your sail.

To get the full effect and longest lifetime from your sail shade we recommend the following:

Important: At least two of the sail shades accessories must be tensioning devises.

Step 5 - Installing the sail

1. Firstly unwind all the turnbuckles to full extension and use the snap hooks to connect each turnbuckle to the sail shade.

2. Fix your first turnbuckle to the relevant fixing point. Move from point to point until all points of the sail are fixed as required.

3. Once all fixings are connected simply move from corner to corner tightening each turnbuckle by swiveling the middle section. These sail shades are designed to placed under very heavy pressure. The tighter the better!