Shade Sails Information - So-Cal Shade Sails

Made of high density polyethylene shade cloth, Shade Sails are especially manufactured with tensioned fabric structures in mind. The knit is made using monofilament and tape filler. The fabric is treated with UV stabilizers to give it long life in direct sunlight. The average shade rating is approx. 90% and the UVR block is approx. 95%, depending on the color that you choose.

Manufactured with a stainless steel cable that is double locked stitched into its perimeter, these cables terminate at a stainless steel ring located at each corner. These rings are then used to fasten the sail by either a shackle or turnbuckle to a hard point either on a post or existing structure. Each corner is further reinforced with extra layers of cloth and strapping to distribute forces. All stitching is performed using a locking stitch; outdoor "awning maker" thread is used throughout. These stainless steel cables are made to fit the specific Shade Sail appropriately.

The fabric will have uniform tension when tension is placed on the perimeter cable. Shade sails will not sag or flap around in the wind.

One turnbuckle is used per sail, generally, and the remaining corners are attached using "D" or "Twist" shackles of the appropriate size for the expected loading of the corner.

Using a variety of common or custom made brackets and hardware, your Shade Sail structure can be attached in a many different ways. They can also be supported by their own columns made of either timber or steel pipe. We prefer to use schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe embedded in concrete footings. The dimensions of the pipe and the footings are engineered for each sail and its application depending on the size of the sail and the expected wind loading. Columns can be powder coated or painted to protect them and provide the color of your choosing. We like to use temporary poles with a preservative added to the wood if we choose to use timber posts at all.

Adhering to local building codes and engineer’s requirements, we add either threaded rod or rebar to the footings or posts to tie the concrete and post together. Often, there is little gravitational load, but uplift is the concern, and footings can be deep.

Complete design, engineering, and construction services is provided by us. We provided full service for you and your design goals. Contact us today.

Or you can build your own. Check out Do it yourself section.