Some frequently asked questions….

What is included in the quotation?
You should ask for a written quotation which should have all inclusions noted.

What is not included in the quotation?
Most written quotations have exclusions noted but ask if in doubt.

Can I do my own installation?
You should discuss this with your supplier – much depends on the scope of works and your skills, experience and resources.

What warranty is there?
Good shade cloth has a manufacturers UV degradation warranty of ten years ask for specific warranty details. PVC (waterproof) fabrics vary greatly in quality, longevity and warranty; ask for the specific fabric warranty. Ensure that any sewing thread has a lifespan/warranty that matches the fabric to be sewn. The supplier’s workmanship warranty on the overall project will vary, most likely from one year to five years and may be conditional.

Can I take the shade sail down in winter?
Most shade sails can be removed in winter but are not. Shade structure canopies generally require professional expertise.

How will it cope with strong winds?
Shade sails and shade structures should be designed, engineered and installed to cope with local conditions; this is where the designer’s experience is most valuable. In known cyclonic regions special measures and precautions are implemented.

What maintenance is required?
Your supplier will provide care and maintenance instructions. To get the maximum lifespan periodic cleaning with mild detergent and soft brushing is recommended. It is important to observe any change in the shade sail or shade structure shape or condition and notify the supplier.

Are building authority permits required?
In most places there will be a need for some sort of compliance, your supplier will know or be able to find out what is required. In some areas your shade industry professional also needs to be licensed and often appropriately insured.

What questions should I ask?
Don’t be afraid to ask any question of your shade industry professional it is your right – and their obligation is to provide answers that satisfy your enquiry.

Why do some shade sails sag?
Shade sails can sag due to a number of reasons. Poor design/poor installation is the most common. A sagging sail will cause problems and should be attended to immediately.

Why is there a curve in the edge of the fabric?
All shade sails and most shade structures have curves (catenaries). This curvature is integral to maintaining constant membrane tension. The edge maybe reinforced with webbing or steel cable.

Why to some shade sails have steel cable in the edge?
Most advanced design shade sails have webbing reinforced catenaries however some sails, depending on design and size, will have steel cable in the edges. Shade structures tend to have steel cable rather than webbing.

Can I have timber posts?
Most shade industry professionals avoid using timber as it is less predictable and somewhat unreliable from an engineering standpoint.

What colours are available?
Shade cloth, PVC waterproof fabrics and powder-coating for steel components comes in a very wide variety of colours.

Can I shade my swimming pool?
In tropical areas shading swimming pools is common however in more temperate zones if more than 20% of the pool surface is shaded the water may become too cold (or shorten the swimming season)

How long will installation take?
The majority of shade sails and shade structures are installed in two stages; generally two single days often separated by as much as 2 or 3 weeks.

How much will it cost?
Waterproof sails and structures will cost more than if made using shade cloth. Your shade industry professional can sometimes give an on-the-spot estimate but most prefer to give a firm price in writing after having considered the design ramifications carefully. You should seek alternative quotations ensuring that you are actually comparing like with like. If a quoted price is noticeably higher or lower than another ask why.

What about ready-made sails?
They are generally a much lighter weight and have a shorter lifespan. Most have a limited range of sizes and colours and the “hardware” is often sub-standard. Useful for temporary DIY situations but difficult to make them look good.