|
Sail Shade Installation Guide
There are 5 steps in creating a custom made sail shade structure:
1. Planning your structure
2. Installing your fixing points (posts/brackets etc.)
3. Choosing your sail shade and Accessories
4. Measuring your area
5. Installing your sail shade
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, depending on the season depends on the height of 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 upto 30cm additional space between fixings
to allow for this.
3. 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.
4. Posts
We recommend you use steel or aluminium posts rather than timber posts which may bend.
5. 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. We do 3 different colours (Bluestone, Dessert Sand and Forest Green)
in two different shapes (Triangular & Square). The triangular shades come in a 3.6m and a 5.0m Equalateral Triangle. The square shades
come in 3.6m and 5.4m Square.
Our 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.
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.
Galvanised Steel Accessories
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:
A Pad Eye for each corner that will be fixed to a strongholding (usually 2).
A Snap Hook per corner.
A Turnbuckle per corner.
A Strap Tensioner to tighten the final fixing.
Important: At least two of the sail shades accessories must be tensioning devises.
Step 5 - Tensioning 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.
Note: For the last fixing you may not be able to force the sail to fix. We recommend using a Strap Tensioner to pull the
last points up, pulling the sail shade as tight as possible. Your turnbuckles should still be fully unwound.
3. Once all fixings are connected simply move from corner to corner tightening each turnbuckle. These sail shades are designed to placed under
very heavy pressure. The tighter the better!
|
