When designing a shade sail structure it is important to develop a vertical slope into your design and plan for run off. A 4-point sail with a twist develops a three-dimensional shape, which stretches the fabric along both the warp and weft. This will be a better looking and more structurally stable sail. Photo Courtesy of ShadeSailsUSA Inc.

The United States has the second highest rate of skin cancer in the world. As health concerns grow, the demand for shade protection is increasing. Shade structures are a practical solution. Tensioned fabric structures offer an innovative way to provide protection in public areas you maintain against the majority of the harmful UV radiation that bombard us every day. They can be used to create a destination landmark and are an inexpensive way to raise the profile of any setting.

This lifeguard umbrella has fiberglass-ribbed components for increased strength and flexibility to absorb strong wind and abuse. A number of companies offer anodized versatile aluminum poles that can fit most lifeguard chairs and tables. Stainless and aluminum hardware with nylon parts help the frame stay rust free. Photo Courtesy of waterloo tent & tarp Co.

The steel frame of this shade structure is powder-coated. The two-post design results in less clutter, while still providing optimal shade. Many manufacturers offer fabrics providing excellent protection from UV rays that are also flame retardant and mildew resistant. Photo Courtesy of waterloo tent & tarp Co.

One benefit of shade structures is to greatly reduce the temperature underneath by allowing hot air a way to escape.

A few months after a shade structure is installed it may require retensioning to ensure proper wind resistance. Tensioned fabric structures do have a tendency to attract air-borne pollutants that can easily be power-washed away, often with a standard garden hose, depending on how far above ground the membrane rests. It is also important to have enough slope for run off.

Fabrics are available in a number of square, rectangle and hexagonal shapes, as well as a variety of colors and designs. The structure pictured is designed to allow for maximum capacity and has an easy to use turn buckle system that allows for quick installation and removal of the top. Photo Courtesy of waterloo tent & tarp Co.

A number of manufacturers offer shade cloth made from knitted HDPE (high density poly-ethelyne). Depending on the color of the sail, this material is capable of reducing both UVA and UVB rays by 85-96 percent and will not break down due to UV exposure. While it is available in different weights, the recommended commercial grade is 330 g.s.m. (grams per square meter) but can vary to as low as 185 g.s.m. Photo Courtesy of ShadeSailsUSA Inc.

The structure may require removal during winter months due to its inability to handle large amounts of snow but can be equipped for easy removal. The main costs associated with any tensioned fabric structure involve digging the holes, filling them with cement and then attaching the steel masts that hold the structure in place.

Source: ShadeSailsUSA Inc.