Sun Shade Sail

Installing a shade sail is one of the smartest moves a homeowner can make. However, it is also a good investment; you must protect it, as it protects your home and enhances its value. From promoting the aesthetics of your home to mitigating the cooling and heating bills, the shade sail does it all.

Need for maintenance:

Even if you install the best-quality sunshade sails at home, they require regular cleaning and maintenance. With regular maintenance, you can ensure the functionality of the shading structure and allow it to provide full protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you want the shade sail to stay in proper shape down the line and look great, compromising the quality of the shade is necessary. 

Cleaning the shade:

Several things may cause the shade to stain, such as bird droppings or wet leaves. So, when you notice debris on the shade, try to remove it as soon as possible to clean the shade sail’s surface. The longer it stays, the more dirt and dust the fabric may absorb. Read the points to understand the cleanliness routine. 

• Mold and mildew must be removed from the fabric, but when cleaning it, you must avoid losing it with high-pressure water or using a brush to remove the dirt and debris.
• When cleaning the shade sail fabric, avoid harsh detergents containing chemicals such as halogens to remove tough stains and dirt.
• Chlorine water can harm the shade fabric, so avoid using chlorine-treated water and use Mils liquid soap to maintain cleanliness.
• You must look for signs of patches and spots, as the former indicates worn-out fabric, eventually resulting in tears and big holes.
• If you notice a weak spot in the fabric, contact the suppliers and seek remedies.
• You must also notice the shade sail’s edges, typically layered with bands. Avoid looking for loose threads and ask the supplier to repair the fabric.

Installation tips:

When installing the sun shade sail, keep it away from grills and avoid using barbeques beneath the shade structure. Although the sparks from the fire may not harm the fabric, the smoke may cause soot to form and eventually cause the fabric to burn down.

Dealing with strong winds:

The sun shade sails can withstand the sun’s heat and protect the outdoor area from mild rain, but they are not designed to protect from strong winds. Therefore, when a cyclone, gusts of wind, or a storm alert is issued, you must remove the shade sails immediately. Leaving them under excess rain may cause the water to accumulate and cause the shade sail to sag.

Installing a shade sail is smart, but you must maintain it for several years. You must appoint professionals, clean the shade regularly, and take it down when unused.

Choosing the right Sun Shade Sail color

First of all, the choice of your Sun Shade Sail must meet aesthetic criteria. The choice of color is often a headache: Should we match the color of the Sun Shade Sail to the garden furniture? To the covering of the terrace and to the color of the joinery? To the shape (square or round)? There are so many questions that can be a source of debate!

We will have to consider when choosing the color of our Sun Shade Sail two other important criteria:

– What color is needed for an increased lifespan of my Sun Shade Sail?

– What color to best protect me from the sun‘s rays?

Opinions differ on aesthetics: Some believe the Sun Shade Sail should blend in with the exterior decoration and match the colors already on your terrace. Thus, the whole constitutes a homogeneous whole.

Others consider the Sun Shade Sail to be a breakthrough in decoration: the color will bring a touch of freshness to the terrace and better place it in the garden.

The aesthetic question remains a personal and taste question. The best thing is to listen to your desires and ignore what will be said!

In certain cases, the choice of color may be guided by more “technical” considerations, such as the canvas’s aging, protection against ultraviolet rays, or photosensitivity to light.

The strong sunshine we have encountered in recent years should be considered when choosing the color of your Sun Shade Sail. Dark colors will fade over time more quickly than light colors. Dark colors need a protective cover for your Sun Shade Sail if you do not want it to discolor unevenly (once the Sun Shade Sail is folded up, only certain parts of the canvas are exposed). Likewise, some believe that moonlight can affect the aging of the Sun Shade Sail, so it is best to cover it up when not in use.

We will also favor Sun Shade Sail models whose canvas can be easily replaced. After a few years of use, we only have to exchange the canvas for a like-new Sun Shade Sail!

Another criterion of choice is photosensitivity. Often forgotten, this aspect is no less important for your comfort. Well installed under your Sun Shade Sail, light colors will let the light pass significantly, while dark colors will tend to darken the environment.

Thus, if the terrace is not very well exposed when you are going to enjoy it, we advise you to opt for light colors that keep as much light as possible. Conversely, if your terrace is well exposed or very sensitive to light, opting for a dark color such as charcoal gray will be more relevant.