Maintenance Tips for Shade Sails

Shade sails play an important safety role by protecting your family from harmful UV radiation while also bolstering the curb appeal of your property. Regular maintenance will go a long way in extending lifespan and improving their maximum effectiveness.  
A properly maintained shade sail looks aesthetic, but a shabby, sagging sail that looks worse for wear can hurt your property’s aesthetic appeal. For starters, it is important to install quality sails from a reputable vendor and then do what you can to maintain the seals to ensure the best outcome for residents.
Here are the basics of shade sail maintenance.
Repair the Shade sails After Major Weather EventsWhile regular maintenance goes a long way to ensuring the longevity of your shade sails, extreme weather events may require an emergency inspection. Physical checks should be made to determine if the connection points and fittings are sound and secure. It is not uncommon for extreme weather events to result in the steel fittings rubbing against the fabric.
Plant matter such as twigs and leaves can also harm the fabric, especially in tears and cuts.
Make Sure to Check the Structural Integrity of the Sails Fabric structures are always moving, as is expected, and while that looks mesmerizing in its own right, it does create a few safety problems. You have to make sure that the sails never lose the tension binding them to the property.
Most shade sails are designed to require little maintenance work, but extreme weather conditions may warrant servicing. As a rule, you should check and, if needed, re-tension each sail once every twelve months to maintain the effectiveness of the shade and protect residents.
Removing Overgrown Trees and BranchesIf you notice trees and branches breaching the shade structure, you’ll have to take immediate action. This is because the debris from trees can impair the structural integrity of shade sails and damage them. In such a case, it is necessary to trim the branches or, if needed, cut down the encroaching trees to prevent further damage.
Cleaning the Shade (choose a sunny day) You can clean the shades yourself with the help of mild detergent and water. Ensure the detergent does not contain any acidic chemicals because they can erode the fabric’s natural resistance against ultraviolet radiation, and, therefore, its overall effectiveness.
Note: Never put your fabric in the washing machine or an abrasive cleaner.
Always check the fabric tension before reinstalling the shade sail. Use a durable tensioning strap to prevent any creases or sagging from the fabric when refitting it.
Always Take Photographic Evidence of Sails During InspectionsMake sure to take regular photographs of your shade sails to see how they change over time. Photographs are especially important during inspections and maintenance to compare the results.
 
If you take good care of your shade sails, you should expect them to last for several years. Contact us to learn about our maintenance services here!