SHADE SAILS - TIPS FOR DIY INSTALLATIONS

Before commencing installation consider the strength of existing structures to be used as anchor points, position, and the ability to insert posts.

Consider the size posts you may need and the depth in which they have to go into the ground.

It is also advisable to make sure that you know where your underground services are located before commencement (eg. Storm water pipes). If you are unsure of where the pipes on your property may be located there are companies that will come and scan the site, they will advise the location of any pipes. You can find these companies under: underground pipe locating services (fees apply). Listed below is a guide of posts sizes you may require for the size sail you are considering.

 It is advisable to lean posts back 5 degrees  (minimum 3 degrees) and to embed them in a concrete footing of 900mm to1800mm deep and 300mm to 500mm in diameter with one third of the poles total length in the ground.            

Concrete should be left to set for 24 hours before final tensioning of the sail.

FITTING THE SHADE SAIL – TO THE POSTS/ANCHORING POINTS

Place the sail on the ground in the proposed position; provide enough room to add hardware, screw turnbuckles out to full extension.
To accurately fix hardware in the correct position, which is very important, use a string line the size of the sail and fit the hardware to each end of the string line and connect fittings to the posts, this will give you a better idea of the position and angles of the shade sail. For a more effective look use more than one sail, with various corner heights and a variety of colours.

Sails should have a separation of 400mm to avoid chafing. Fixing to fascias is not recommended unless fascia can be reinforced or connected to the rafters. We can supply you with all the hardware you will need, custom made brackets, marine quality 316 stainless steel turnbuckle, shackles, pad eyes, eye bolts, eye nuts, snap hooks and chain for extensions to remote fixing points. It is advisable to have stainless steel wire rope ran through the hem to ensure that there is even tension on the sail and most importantly this will provide added strength, wind resistance and stability this is included in our DIY Shade Sail packages with Hardware.

When all fixing points are fitted and concrete set, pre-tension sails evenly by tightening turnbuckles DO NOT OVER TENSION this will damage your sail. When the sail has settled in and the fabric has had time to stretch usually this takes around 7 days, a little more tensioning may be required.