Shade sails clinic

Published On: October 17, 2018

On October 17 at IFAI Expo 2018 in Dallas, Texas, Brydon Roe from Shade Sails Canada Inc., Revelstoke, British Columbia, led a shade sails campfire session where he shared his business’s top dos and don’ts for installing shade sails.

When it comes to shade sail fabric options, Roe recommended polyester, Commercial95 (or a mid-grade shade fabric), Monotec (commercial grade, four seasons, 15-year warranty), and waterproof cloth (WeatherMAX).

When thinking about the corner construction and thread for a shade sail, it’s important to consider corner details with reinforcement, thread and stitching details (Roe recommended UV thread), and stainless ring options.

Once at the posts, finish and footings stage, Roe recommended HSS (hollowed structured steel) 6.5 O.D.-12” O.D. depending on the sail size and type as well as wall thickness. Before installing posts, be sure to consider soil conditions as well as pier or ballast footing. Posts can either be plumb or splayed. A splayed look is always a safe option and allows room for error.

During sail attachment, Roe suggested that posts be pre-dilled to receive the threaded rod. If the sail hasn’t been pre-cabled, be sure to feed the cable through the perimeter of the sail. Add hardware on the ground and always be sure to install high points of the sail first.