Shade sails, without a doubt, are the most commonly used types of outdoor shade structures in residential and commercial setups. They not only offer excellent sun protection, but they’re also very affordable and easy to install. They’re highly versatile and can be made to fit any outdoor space. While you may already know all these benefits, we’re sure there is still a lot of things about shade sails that you don’t know.

If you want to know all there is to know about shade sails, continue reading this blog post. We’ve listed down some facts about shade sails that we’re pretty sure you didn’t know before.

1. They Can Be Installed Anywhere

One of the reasons why shade sails are so popular is their versatility. Shade sails can be installed anywhere. No matter your outdoor space is big or small, narrow or wide, regular, or irregularly shaped, there is a shade sail to fit your needs. They aren’t limited to certain commercial or residential properties. If there is an outdoor space that you wish to get covered, there will be a shade sail for it; be it a parking spot, a small garden, a patio, restaurant, rooftop, an alley, or any outdoor space that you can think of.

2. Shade Sails Can Be Waterproof

While shade sails are known for the excellent sun protection, you’ll be surprised to know that shade sails can be waterproof too. Does that mean that you can sit underneath a shade sail while it rains and not get wet? It means exactly that! This fact about shade sails is the reason why so many restaurants install shade sails to their outdoor dining areas. You can install a shade sail made of waterproof fabric in your backyard and enjoy a cup of tea while it rains. How surreal!

3. They Are As Good As Permanent Shade Structures

If you’re wondering if shade sails are as good as permanent shade structures when it comes to sun protection, you’ll be surprised to know that they are! They offer great projection from sun and water, in case of waterproof shade sails, and come with an added benefit of being able to be taken down for storage when not in use. We would say they’re better than permanent shade structures!

4. You Can Install Shade Sails Yourself

One fact about shade sails will surely leave you stunned. You can install shade sails yourself. You read that right. DIY shade sails kits are available in the market. If you want to cover a small outdoor space, you can do it yourself. Although we won’t recommend it, if you think you can pull it off, you most definitely can. However, you’ll need services of a shade sail professional for shade sail installation if you want to cover a larger area, or if there are reliable attachment points available.

Summary

Shade sails are highly popular for all the right reasons. The above-listed facts about shade sails may have made you see shade sails in an entirely different light. If you’re convinced about the effectiveness of these outdoor shade structures, call a professional today and get them installed!

There are many decisions regarding an estate that a property owner has to take. From choosing the paint inside the building to deciding on a roofing style, a property owner faces many home décor dilemmas. And out of them all, choosing between a fixed or retractable awning is probably the oldest one. While we believe that the latter is by far the better choice, we decided to review both types objectively so that you can come to a conclusion yourself. So, here is a rundown of the pros and cons of both a fixed and a retractable awning to help you decide which one you should get.

A Fixed Awning

Fixed awnings provide continuous protection to the inhabitants of a building from all the seasons. Whether it’s the summer or fall, you will have a shed over your patio at all times. While it can be ideal for beating the scorching heat in the summer, it can rob you of all the opportunities to view the sky when the weather is pleasant and cloudy.

A fixed awning is the cheaper shading solution between the two options and requires minimum to no maintenance. You don’t have to spend big bucks to install a fixed awning or to look after it later.

Fixed awnings generally cover a large surface area, so they need structural supports. They are better suited for offices and corporate buildings. However, they are also a popular choice of covering above small spaces such as alcoves, windows, and entryways.

The longevity of fixed awnings makes them ideal for creating a secluded space in the yard. If you want to have a small room sequestered away from the main house, then a fixed awning can provide you with the privacy you need.

A Retractable Awning

Retractable awnings are popular among homeowners as they offer full, partial, or no shade options. Residents of an abode get to enjoy the sun when the heat is pleasant and protect themselves when the sun is relentless. The convenience of drawing a shade as per the need is what gives the retractable awning an edge over its fixed counterpart.

However, a retractable awning is pricier than a fixed shelter and requires thorough maintenance. Since a rolling mechanism is embedded in fixed awnings, they must be checked frequently to ensure that all the parts are rust free and working correctly.

  Retractable awnings are free of structural supports as they are attached to the adjacent wall, which makes them aesthetically more appealing than a fixed shelter. They also offer advanced high-tech varieties controlled by an electric system, giving users the utmost ease.

 
The Final Verdict

Although a fixed awning is cheaper, it doesn’t have a lot of benefits. But on the other hand, a retractable awning has multiple benefits, even if it costs a little more.

You should make the final choice based on your personal preference, but we would recommend you go for a retractable awning because it’s worth the money it costs, especially in the sunny California where you want to enjoy the weather one day and hide away the other.