There are many shading solutions and you can sometimes get lost between umbrellas, pergolas, shade sails and other blinds. We offer you to analyze in key points the advantages of opting for one or more shade sails. Here is why we are convinced that the shade sail is the best solution for shading its exterior.

Efficiency

First of all, you should know that the majority of commercial shade sails offer UV protection of between 90 and 97% filtration. This depends, among other things, on the specific characteristics of the fabric and the color of the latter.

Regarding protection, shade sails are generally divided into 2 main categories:

1. The waterproof “water repellent” sails which will protect you from UV rays but also from the rain

2. The permeable sails called “openwork” which will protect you only from UV rays and light rain but will tolerate much better the strong winds which will pass through.

Another advantage, the shade sails will cover much larger areas than a simple parasol for example. In addition, the shade sail is attached to the periphery of the terrace, which provides a completely free shaded area.

Design

This is what is obvious from the first contact with a shade sail. These original shapes that immediately remind you of the sails of a boat make it a shading solution unlike any other. Available in many shapes, colors and materials, they will sublimate any type of terrace and provide an undeniable aerodynamic effect. The possibilities are endless, you have the choice of installing several sails, whether they are identical or not, symmetrically arranged or not. Let your imagination run wild!

Ease of installation

There are many ways to install a shade sail. You can opt for fixing between walls if your terrace allows, between a wall and masts, only between masts. It is extremely rare that a terrace cannot accommodate installations of this type for technical reasons. The wall fixings are suitable for brick, concrete, wood (exterior insulation or not) or stone walls. The same applies to the masts available in a screw-on version, to be fixed on a wall, to be sealed or simply to be installed in the case of guyed masts.

Lifetime

Specially designed for the outdoors and the attacks it implies, the installation withstands environmental attacks very well. First, the sail, equipped with a reinforcement strap inserted in the lining and reinforced sewing threads, it develops a very high tensile strength. In addition, in most of the ranges, the colors are tinted which increases the resistance of the colors to UV and chlorine. As for the bindings, they are directly inspired by the nautical environment, the ropes are therefore rotproof and the stainless-steel structures do not fear corrosion.

Little Maintenance

The shade sail requires very little maintenance. Cleaning is simply done with a soft brush and soapy water. In addition, the carabiner system allows the disassembly of the sail in less than 2 minutes. This gives the possibility of removing it quickly in case of severe weather or for the winter period in order to extend the life of the sail.

Shade sails - useful tips and advice

The veil is available in different shapes and designs. It plays a dual role - decorative and practical. The biggest advantage of the shade sail is that it provides good sun protection even over large areas. You can often see it in the gardens, on the terraces, next to the swimming pool, etc.

Opt for the triangular shade veil

The shade veil has many applications, we use it for different purposes. You can fix it at home, on the terrace and even on the trees in your garden. It can be very easily installed and, depending on the season, it can be easily removed. It is decorative and makes the atmosphere modern and elegant. Many people create an even more original effect by locating a few different shade sails. When you no longer need it, fold it and store it in the cellar until the arrival of the following summer. 

Close-up on the shade sail

An economical decorative solution, the shade sail is the essential item to enjoy your terrace in summer. Designed to provide shade, this rectangular or square shade sail is a space-saving solution that protects a section of the terrace from the sun’s rays. Light, practical and design, the use of the shade sail has many advantages compared to the parasol but nevertheless needs to be well installed and maintained according to the materials of which it is made.

What is the advantage of the shade sail compared to a cantilever parasol?

Aesthetic and light, the shade sail is dedicated to the garden. Designed to be fixed to the wall, the shade sail makes it possible to extend the house outside and to protect family, friends, and plants against the rays of the sun, even against rain depending on the material of which it is made ( like openwork sailing). Sailing also finds its place near the swimming pool and at the level of the vegetable garden where one can use it to put in the shade of its cultures.

This triangular, rectangular or square sail has many advantages compared to a deported parasol. Its first advantage is undoubtedly its space-saving. Simply attached to the wall or partition of the house, it can be hung above the terrace, veranda or vegetable patch, like an arbor.

The shade sail, ideal for your garden.

The protection of the shade sail is clearly superior to that of the parasol. Depending on the quality of its construction and its material, this canvas not only resists the sun’s rays but also the violent winds, which is not the case with the parasol. The lightness and design of this garden accessory allow it to blend in with nature unlike the parasol supported by stainless steel poles. Finally, unlike the parasol, which is heavier, the installation of the sail is much easier and can be carried out alone in a few minutes

What are the means to protect your shade sail?

Once it is installed, the shade sail must be maintained and protected. Designed to provide optimal protection against the sun’s rays, shade sail, whatever the model, whatever its size, must be dismantled when autumn comes to be installed again when the sunny days are on the horizon. For good reason, the lightness of some sails will not allow it to withstand the force and power of strong winds. When the gusts of wind exceed 60 km/hour as it is often the case in winter, it is strongly advised not to leave the sail outside. If you leave a canvas exposed outside during cold periods (fall and winter), it may quickly deteriorate. Whatever the material with which it is made, it is not designed to withstand frost or snow.

Conclusion

Do you have a shade sail? If you spend a lot of time outdoors, there are a few variations that will provide protection from the sun’s rays and provide you with pleasant shade - tent, pergola, awnings, etc. We have introduced you to the original ideas of shade veil which is very fashionable. Its elegant design is perfectly suited for contemporary exteriors.