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Recent Guest Post · May 20, 2021

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Choosing Shade Sails

When the sun is scorching outside, all you want to do is find the nearest shade. Whether you are lounging inside your house or on the front porch, you might be thinking of how you can avoid the glaring sunlight.

By installing shade sails on your windows or backyard setting, you can effectively protect yourself and your family from intense heat and harmful ultraviolet rays during summer days.

In choosing a suitable shade sail, a homeowner should consider several factors to have a functional yet modern shade solution.

Type of Fabric

Shade sail fabrics are carefully designed for both indoor and outdoor heat protection. Some of the most common fabrics include:

  • High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a relatively cheap material thatcan effectively deflect the sun’s rays and provide thermal insulation. It is also mildew resistant.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a widely available and affordable material that is durable, long-lasting, and purely waterproof. It is a thermoplastic polymer known for its high resistance to weathering and insulation properties.
  • Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is known for its excellent strength and resistance to abrasion. Like the other fabrics, nylon is also a highly elastic and cost-effective material.

Form and Functionality

Shade sails are generally used to provide shade for boats but are now widely used in homes as a functional and decorative protective measure. There are many styles to choose from, but shades are commonly sold in three shapes: rectangle, square, and triangle.

A triangular sail is the most popular choice due to its practical design. Unlike square or rectangular shade sails, triangular-shaped sails won’t have water build-up. They are also versatile and well-suited for both small and large areas.

Aside from the shape, you should also consider the shade’s construction. A shade sail is typically weaved in various ways. You can choose a lockstitch design that ensures that the fabric will be safe from tears and damage for an extended period for maximum benefits.

Weather Resistance

The primary function of shade sails is to block the harmful rays of the sun. Like your sunscreen, your shade sail should have a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).

Besides ensuring that your shade sail fabric has 90% UPF or above, you should also check whether it is weatherproof. It should be able to withstand harsh wind conditions and rain showers.

If you choose an HDPE material for your shade, you can benefit from its stretchability and highly breathable feature. This allows wind and rain to pass through the fabric without destroying the shade sail itself.

With PVC, you have the advantage of both a weatherproof and waterproof fabric. This is the perfect option for light to heavy summer showers.

Colour and Measurement

Color also plays a significant role in choosing your shade sail. Aside from its aesthetic purpose, it also has a lot to do with the shade sail’s functionality.

Lighter colours such as whites, neutrals, and yellows are more energy-efficient since they better reflect the sun’s rays. You won’t have to worry about sitting under the shade sail and feeling the heat emanating from the fabric.

On the contrary, darker colours absorb more heat but offer less light through the fabric. Understanding these different factors allows you to decide the most appropriate shade sail for indoor and outdoor set-ups.