ShadeMakers
When It Comes To Shade... We've Got You Covered
What are Shade Sails?
Shade Sails are made using a high-density, UV-resistant polyethylene knit fabric that is specially 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 the direct sunlight. Depending on color, the average shade rating is approximately 90% with 95 % UVR block. |
| Made to
fit, our Shade Sails can be formatted to any outdoor arena such as schoolyards,
child care centers, community centers, outdoor sporting venues or any commercial
application where shade is desired. |
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There is no limit to
the size and types of structures that ShadeMakers can create. We can help
you design and build the perfect structure for your application. The Sky Is the Limit! |
| Custom and commercial shades
are manufactured with a stainless steel cable double locked stitched into
the entire perimeter. This cable terminates 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 thread is used throughout. The stainless cable and rings,
and attachment hardware are engineered for each application. |
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The perimeter of each sail
has a catenary curve designed into it that controls the fabric tension in
the center of the sail. Therefore, when tension is placed on the perimeter
cable, the fabric will have uniform tension. They do not sag or flap in the
wind. Attachment hardware is all marine grade stainless steel and has locking mechanisms to assure that sails do not detach or come loose accidentally. Generally, one turnbuckle is used per sail, and the remaining corners are attached using "D" or "Twist" shackles of the appropriate size for the expected corner loading. |
| Sails can be attached to
existing structures with a variety of common or custom made brackets and
hardware. 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. The columns can then be powder coated
or painted to help protect them and provide the desired color. If timber
posts are used, then we generally use temporary power poles with a preservative
added to the wood. |