What factors influence the strength of shade sails?

A shade sail is a significant investment. Therefore, you want your shade sail to last as long as possible. Not all shade sails are of equal quality. For maximum strength and durability, it’s best to choose a high-quality, custom-made product.

So what are some of the factors that determine the strength of shade sails?

Material Quality

The material quality is a crucial factor in determining the strength of a shade sail. Opting for off-the-shelf shade sails with cheap materials may lead to less durability and potential deterioration over time. In contrast, custom-made shade sails are crafted using high-quality fabric, ensuring maximum strength and longevity.

Design and Shape

Choosing tensioned shade sails is a key factor in ensuring maximum protection for your outdoor space. This design feature ensures that stress is evenly distributed across the sail, preventing stretching and potential damage. Custom-made sails, tailored to your specific space, guarantee the highest level of protection.

Wind Load and Weather Conditions

When installing shade sails, you should take into account the typical wind speed and weather conditions in your area. Choose a local installer. Local installers know the conditions of the area. You should also check the wind load rating of your shade sails. Studies have shown rainbow shade sails can withstand winds of up to 90 km p/h.

Installation Quality

Get your shade sail installed by a professional. If it is not installed correctly, it can reduce its life. Shade sails must be correctly tensioned and angled. Make sure the sail is secured by strong hardware, such as stainless steel fittings. Ensure posts or anchors are sturdy to withstand weather.

Testing Standards

Custom-made shade sails are made using materials that are designed to withstand harsh conditions. They have all undergone rigorous testing processes to illustrate their effectiveness. For example, Rainbow Shade has heavily tested the durability, breaking force and tear resistance of their products. The product demonstrated incredible durability. Importantly, studies have shown this durability is maintained over a long time period.

After 15 years still had 80% of its original warp.

After 15 years, the sail still provides 95% UV block.

Rainbow Shade has also load tested its products. See our article about the 20 year test!

Maintenance

To ensure your shade sail maintains its strength and longevity, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes inspecting the sail for signs of wear, tear, or UV degradation, which can affect its strength over time.

Regularly inspect the shade sail for signs of wear, tear, or UV degradation, which can affect strength over time.

Once a year, you should get your shade sail inspected by a professional. This can help identify smaller issues before they become larger ones.

You should also get a shade sail professional to re-tension your shade sail as required. If your shade sail is loose, it is more prone to damage.

Over the years, the sun can cause the stitching in your shade sail to break down. Therefore, you should get your shade sail re-stitched by a shade sail professional as required.

Having your shade sail professionally cleaned every six to twelve months can also increase it’s life by removing stains and decreasing the chance of mould growing.

Testing standards

Rainbow Shade is tested to ensure it is hailproof. It has been certified with the highest level of hail protection that is available. In one simulation, hail was fired at the sail at 191km per hour but no damage was recorded.

When purchasing a shade sail, you want to choose a product that will last. Therefore, it’s essential you consider the strength of the fabric you select.

Why choose a custom-made shade sail?

• High-Quality Materials: Custom-made shade sails use premium fabrics, ensuring greater durability and a longer lifespan compared to cheaper, off-the-shelf options.
• Tailored Design and Shape: Custom designs allow for optimal tensioning and a perfect fit, ensuring stress is evenly distributed across the sail for maximum protection
• Long-lasting durability and sun protection: Rainbow Shade sails are tested for long-term durability, maintaining up to 80% of their original strength and 95% UV blocking after 15 years.

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6. Rainbow Shade (2022) What should I look for in a shade sail? Rainbow Shade, accessed 10 October 2024