5 Definite Signs Your Shade Sails Might Need Replacing

5 Definite Signs Your Shade Sails Might Need Replacing

If you no longer like the appearance of your shade sail, it might be time to call your shade supplier and let him get you a replacement. A shade sail should offer protection from the harmful UV radiation; if it’s not doing that again, it’s time to replace them. The following are signs that your shade sails might need a replacement.

The Fabric

If your shade sails are torn, it means that they are ineffective in blocking the UV rays, and you are not getting the most needed protection. Overstretched or worn-out fabrics have minimal UV radiation protection.

Gaping holes and patches in a shade sail gives it a cheap, ugly look and can harm your reputation.

Change of color

Faded color is a sure sign that you purchased a low-quality canopy, or you might have overstayed with your shade sail.

Darker colors work better for shades sail since they provide a better blockage than a lighter color. If black is no longer black and when blue has gained a color that you can hardly define, it’s time to save for a new shade sail.

         Check the edges

The edges of commercial shade canopies have layers of bands, not the simply sewn edges. Check for signs of fraying or loose threads, which might occur if you have overstretched the fabric. Avoid the temptation to repair it since it might be costly for you in the long-run.  However, calling your supplier is a good idea. He can advise on the possibilities available for the worn-out edges of your shade sail.

Check the posts and anchors

The posts on which you attach your shade sails must be firm and secure. If there are any signs of wobbling, reinforce and fix them immediately. Weak posts can cause damage to the structure and the surrounding property. Wooden posts should not be rotten or show signs of rot. If your metallic posts nuts, bolts, and turnbuckles are coated in rusted, you need to have them replaced.

Landscape Change

If you have restructured your outdoor area, the shade sail probably needs replacing too. A change in the design of the outdoors requires a shift in color or shape of your shade sail.

How to Maintain Your Shade Sails

The best commercial structures are made of excellent materials to ensure they can function well. A shade system keeps you protected from the harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays of the sun while providing you with a cool shelter. In addition to purchasing a good quality shade, regularly maintaining your commercial shade ensures you have a great looking for years to come.

If you have lost your manual already, the following instructions will help keep your shade sail beautiful and functional for a long time.

Regular Cleaning

Nothing ruins the appearance of a shade canopy like unsightly stains from bird’s droppings, rotten leaves, molds, and mildew. The best way to avoid stains from setting into your fabric is cleaning immediately you notice the stain. The longer they stay, the harder it is to remove them, and this will compromise the looks of your shade sail. Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your structure since hard brushes can easily damage the fabric.

Avoid strong detergents

To remove dirt and stains from the shade sails, a  commercial shade manufacturer advises their customers typically to use mild dishwashing liquids to remove dirt and stains. Avoid the use of products with harsh chemicals like halogens and sulfur. They can cause irreversible damage to your shade sail. Additionally, you should not use chlorinated water to need to clean your sails.  Do you know what chlorine does to your shade sail? It removes the color. Faded colors typically give your shade sail a repulsive, outdated look, something you wouldn’t ever want.

Keep Them Away From Flames

These shades are not fire-resistant, and you should keep them away from fire. You should not use shade sails to cover grills, or barbeques no matter how high the canopy is. The sparks from the fire will not only cause holes on the surface but can also catch soot, making the shade sail unsightly and dirty. Worse still, the material can easily catch fire if exposed to high temperatures.

Remove It When Not In Use

Strong winds, storms, and heavy rain can damage your shade sails. The best commercial shade can withstand moderate rain, but leaving it to collect water will make it sag and can weaken the fabric.   The weight of the accumulated water can put pressure on the anchoring points, and you might come home and find the whole structure down.

My advice is, take down and store the structure when you’re not using it.

Storing the Shade Sails

Before storing your shade sails, be sure that it is dry. Storing a damp shade sail encourages mold and mildew, which ultimately damages the fabric. Mildew and molds stains will affect the appearance of your shade sail. If you have a waterproof shade sail, avoid folding it since the creases formed when you fold damages the coating making it crack and peel. Your shade sail should ideally have a storage bag.

A storage bag is essential if you want to take care of your shade sail. It ensures your bag is safe from rats and abrasive objects.

Careful Installation

You need to plan your installation before you set up the shade sail. It’s good to have someone around who can assist you. Avoid dragging it on the ground as it can cause scratches on the fabric. Make sure you check where you place the shade sail to avoid sharp stones or sticks, which can pierce the fabric.

Be sure to check the anchor points. The turnbuckles should be easy to move. You can lubricate them if they feel hard to adjust. Make sure the ropes are moderately tight. Over tightening might weaken and damage the fabric of your commercial shade sail.

Conclusion

It might not be easy to maintain a shade sail, but it’s worth the efforts. You need to regularly maintain and care for it if you want to extend its lifespan. It makes sure it remains in its proper condition for long, and you don’t have to keep replacing so often.