Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I get with my custom made shade sail?
- How long will it take to receive my custom made shade sail?
- How do I measure for my custom made shade sail?
- Can I measure my old sail?
- Can you measure my shade sail for me?
- Do you install your shade sails?
- Where is the fabric from?
- Where is my shade sail made?
- How do I keep my shade sail clean?
- How do I maintain my shade sail?
Here you will find answers to the most common questions you ask us when you are thinking about buying a custom made shade sail. If after reading this page, you still have questions, please contact us.
WHAT DO I GET WITH MY CUSTOM MADE SHADE SAIL?
Along with your custom made shade sail, we supply the necessary hardware for you to attach, tension and fly your sail. The hardware is marine grade stainless steel, which is best for safety and longevity.
We provide all DIY installation instructions and are available for support as you complete your home installation, and afterwards as you care for and maintain it.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY CUSTOM MADE SHADE SAIL?
Each of our sails is handmade to order by a master craftsman. As our product is custom made, order fulfilment is not instantaneous, but we are proud of how fast it is. The average time between ordering and dispatch is 7 days – 10 days.
HOW DO I MEASURE FOR MY CUSTOM MADE SHADE SAIL?
Watch our handy How to Order video and take a look at our measuring guide – they should answer all of your questions. If you still have questions, please contact us for further advice at info@custommadeshadesails.com.au or on 0410 454 438.
Measuring Tips
Custom Made Shade Sails prefer you to have your connection points ready before you order (e.g. posts in the ground). We make our shade sails to fit not you putting your connection points to fit the shade sail.
It is much easier to measure with two people. Use a measuring tape to measure from point to point. Avoid using a rope or piece of string if your measuring tape isn’t long enough as the rope can stretch while held tight between points but will shrink when you take it down to measure it. Attachment points must be substantial, for example, a brick or stone wall – preferably not a wooden one –with a minimum 100 mm diameter steel post. You can also make your connection point on your roof (either tin or tiled) or from your rafter.
Measure from connection point to connection point E.g. a-b / b-c / c-d / d-a. If it has more than 4 connection points we require diagonal measurements from each point to each other point (so that we can cross-check the measurements) (e.g. a-c / b-d)
CAN I MEASURE MY OLD SAIL?
Tensioned shade sails, as the name suggests, are under tension. They need to be pulled tight not only so they look good, but also to ensure they are secure on their anchors. When you give us the point to point measurements we use them to make sure your sail fits.
Trying to measure your shade sail when it’s been taken down will actually make things more difficult for you. Each measure will come up short due to the sail pulling in on itself without being tensioned.
There can also be problems with the shape if you’re trying to measure the sail flat, since most shade sails have some kind of angle or twist, for design and structural reasons. This can result in a saggy sail that doesn’t fit properly.
CAN YOU MEASURE MY SHADE SAIL FOR ME?
Depending on your location, if we can send someone, we will. As part of our shade sail installation network, we have teams of qualified installers around Australia who can measure your sail for you. If we do the measure up for you, we need to pay our experienced team for their time, so there will be additional costs involved.
So if you want our best wholesale price, we need you to measure the sail. If your sail has four or more corners and you provide us with all the measurements we need we will guarantee the fit. We use the diagonals to cross-check your measurements, so if there is a problem we’ll call you and resolve the problem before we make your sail.
DO YOU INSTALL YOUR SHADE SAILS?
Yes, we can install your custom made shade sail, as well as supporting you in DIY installation, depending on your location. Please contact us for more information, including how we can support you if your location prevents us from attending your site.
WHERE IS THE FABRIC FROM?
We source premium commercial-grade fabric from textile manufactures around the world. All our products are proven to stand up to the harsh conditions of Australian weather.
The Rainbow Shade fabrics are from South Africa and have been imported into Australia for over 30 years. Monotec fabrics are made here in Australia.
For more information on specific fabrics feel free to contact us.
WHERE IS MY SHADE SAIL MADE?
Custom Made Shade Sails is a wholly Australian-owned company and is made for harsh Australian conditions. Your custom made shade sail is made to order on the Gold Coast by our resident master sail-maker, who has been hand-crafting shade sails for 30 years.
HOW DO I KEEP MY CUSTOM MADE SHADE SAIL CLEAN?
You should simply use a mild detergent (Sugar Soap) and water to regularly clean your shade sail. Choose dry weather to do this, so that the shade sail dries quickly, with no chance of mould or mildew forming. If you have harder to remove dirt and grime a commercial-grade cleaning product will be required (Wet & Forget)
Be sure to choose a detergent that does not contain bleach or mould removal products, as they will greatly reduce the lifespan of your shade sail.
Use a garden hose (never a pressure hose) and a soft-bristled brush, hold the hose at a safe distance, working over the shade sail in sections. There is no need to uninstall the shade sail to clean it, and we recommend against it. A ladder should help you to reach the highest parts of the shade sail.
You can also take the opportunity when cleaning to check the tension to reduce any sagging. This will also help prevent any unnecessary wear and tear.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY SHADE SAIL?
Your custom made shade sail is a sturdy, long-wearing product that we are proud to guarantee for 10 years for both the fabric and the stitching.
You can extend the life of your shade sail even further, by following these five tips:
1. Install it correctly and securely. This will keep it safe in winds.
2. Keep it clean. Use just water, a mild detergent and a ladder, regularly.
3. Check the tension regularly, to prevent sagging and wind damage.
4. Repair any minor tears promptly, so they don’t become major tears.
5. Regularly check the stitching, and if necessary have it re-stitched. A local canvas manufacturer can usually help with re-stitching. If one part has come unstitched it is recommended to get it all re-stitched.