How to properly install a shade sail over your deck area

Shade sails are a great add-on to your backyard area, highly functional in commercial establishments; they are a great style icon. When you want to make the most of your deck area and want that little extra shade, shade sails makes all the difference. Not to mention, they add on a whole extra living space to your property. Installing a shade sail is pretty straightforward, but you will have to know certain things before you commence installation which is listed out below in no particular order:

• Size of the shade sail(s); what are the available sizes and what space do you want to cover
• Location- the attachment; marking of poles and barbecue points
• Shape- triangle, square or rectangle
• Strength of existing structures intended to be anchor points;
• Ability to insert fixing posts;
• Sun direction etc.

• Ascertaining the right fixing points: When you are done with the identification of the location, determine the appropriate corner fixing points. Seeing that, this phase of installation is decisive, it is good to have a word with the builder or engineer or from the experts pertaining to that particular industry. As a matter of fact, some of these inlets could already be present like the pergola/sundeck, large tree, fence post or fascia.
• Approval: Prior to it, get approval from the local authorities for building regulations if any.
• Fixing accessories: putting up a shade sail may look like a cinch, but there comes an extensive range of accessories to help you secure your shade sail.
• Rope/chain - to extend your shade sail to a fixing point if required.
• Turnbuckle: is used to fasten Shade Sail corner loop to a fixing point and give tension on the Shade Sail. It ensures that the tension is even across the whole shade sail.
• "D" shackle: to link Shade Sail corner to Pad Eye or Eye Bolt.
• Pad eye: To put together Shade Sail angle ring to a wall in conjunction with "D" Shackle.
• "S" hook: it is used to connect its corner to Pad Eye or Eye Bolt.
• Eye bolt: used to firmly attach a securing eye to its structure through a timber stud, steel pole or solid support.
• Snap hook: it is an interconnecting hardware used to connect Shade Sail corner to pad eye.
• Strap tensioner: Used to apply tension, it allows you to make sure your sail shade is pulled tight.
• Post supports- if you require additional posts, then the use of treated softwood are suggested. Consider the guidance of your local timber supplier in selection. Post lengths, the proposed height, plus the depth of your footings are some considerations to take account of. You can also consider steel posts and get it painted to match your outdoor setting.
• Footings – the footing positions should be measured out and holes has to be dug accordingly.

Installation

Fasten and link all fixing gears to mounting points as required, as you do that, ensure the connections are facing towards the center of the sail and tightened securely. All mounting points should be solid, ensure you lay your shade sail out and start the installation.

Tensioning

By making use of the chosen fixing accessories, start connecting all the corners to the fixing points. In order to gain an elevated leverage, hook up all points and make use of a tensioning tool, you can stop that when the awning becomes rigid with no wrinkles.

• CAUTION: Do not over tension. Re-tension from time to time if required.

Warning

Make sure that the shade sail is not exposed to harsh chemicals this can lead to early collapse of the fabric. Do not have any open flame close to the fabric and barbecue under the shade structure is not recommended.

Care instructions

Cleaning your shade sail at any time is fine, but make sure you are using a solution of mild detergent and water. DO NOT put the fabric in your washing machine, clothes drier, apply the solution with a sponge and rinse thoroughly with water.