Do you like spending time outdoors but are worried about the harmful effects of sunlight? Too much sun exposure can lead to health problems like immune system suppression, skin damage, and eye injuries. If you like to alleviate these risks, then you should invest in shade sails. Historically, these coverings were first used by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks to provide shelter from the harsh sunlight. Nowadays, you can typically see this outdoor fixture in many patios, play areas, and pools. If you would like to have this covering outside your home, here are some necessary information to help you pick the best one and install them at your place:
Choosing the fabric
One of the best fabrics for shade covering is polyethylene. This material can adequately block 80% of harmful UV rays while allowing ample natural light to transmit at the same time. Polyethylene sails are also waterproof, so you do not need to worry about getting wet if it starts to drizzle. Furthermore, they are wind-resistant and highly effective for maximizing air circulation. Additionally, polyethylene sails are highly durable because they are tear-proof.
Alternatively, you can also opt for acrylic shades. While they are not as durable as polyethylene fabrics, they offer better colour fastness. As such, you can expect acrylic shades to maintain its minted look even after many years.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for a cheaper product, get one made of canvas. Canvas shade sails can offer sunlight protection, but they are less resilient to harsh weather conditions.
Choosing the anchor
The designs of this product vary in sizes, shapes, and colours, but all are tensioned by means of a pulley system or turnbuckle. If you are going to place your shade sail in a permanent location, it is best to anchor it with a stainless steel turnbuckle. However, if you are going to remove it from time to time, then utilizing a pulley is a more practical choice.
Installing the sail
One of the first things you need to do when installing your shade sail is to secure your post. If you do not have one yet, get timbers or steel pipes to act as your poles. When planting them, make sure that their footing depth is at least 1/3 of the exposed pole. As such, if you want your sail to be nine meters up the ground, your poles should be planted at least three meters deep.
You may also consider laying down unequal heights of poles. Changing the architectural torsion by varying the height of attachment polls allows rainwater and fallen leaves to not accumulate on top of the sail.
Once you are done with the poles, the next step is to attach the sail to its mounting points. After that, adjust the tension accordingly. As a general rule, a tension of 25-30 kg on each corner should be used for every 25 square meters of sail. If you live in a windy area, make sure to make the tension as tight as possible.
Choosing a shade sail comes with many considerations, such as the type of material and anchor you will use. Furthermore, while installing them is not rocket science, you still need to factor in many things like the height of the pole, the torsion, and the tensions on every corner so that they will not fly off. Spend some time mulling over these things, and you will get the perfect shade sail for your place.
Author Bio: Anne Davis is a freelance writer who offers to ghostwrite, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.