A shade sail is similar to a boat’s sail except it’s attached to a roof or an outdoor structure to form a canopy. Tilted or twisted overhead, shade sails offer protection from the sun on hot summer days.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shade Sail
If you’re looking for a way to add shade to your outdoor space, a shade sail may be the best solution for you and your home. These beautiful backyard canopies block out harmful UV rays while adding elegance to your outdoor area. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a quality shade sail.
All shade sails should offer maximum sun-blocking power. Look for fabrics with 90 percent UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) or higher. Like sunscreen, sun shade sails are designed to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Beyond UV protection, shade sails are built to withstand varied weather conditions, especially rain and wind. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to stow your shade sail until spring.
The benefit of HDPE material is its stretchy breathability, allowing wind and rain to pass by without harming the shade itself. Although HDPE sails can withstand heat, wind, and rain, they’re not equipped to protect you during a storm. If you know there’ll be a strong thunderstorm or hurricane coming through, you should take your shade sails down to prevent them from getting damaged.
Before settling on a sun shade sail, be sure to measure your outdoor space correctly. Leave a perimeter (1.5 to 2 feet) around the shaded area for the turnbuckles, which will attach the sail to your roof or other elevated structure. Remember: Shade sails are measured from the edge of their D-rings, which are fitted to each corner for hanging purposes. In most cases, you’ll need to purchase a hardware kit intended for either a triangle or rectangle sail.