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.

Shade sails are excellent shade options for any outdoor space. They offer superior sun protection and an enhanced curb appeal. However, they’re continuously exposed to weather elements that result in its wear and tear. Many people do not focus much on the maintenance of their shade sails. As a result, the shade sails start to lose their integrity, functionality and appeal sooner than later.
However, if you’re one of the conscious homeowners who wish to keep their shade sails in the best shape beyond their lifespan, following the maintenance tips below will help you a great deal.

1. Correct Installation

Believe it or not, the lifespan of shade sails is more or less defined at the time of their installation. Many do-it-yourselfers think they can pull the job of themselves. While they do install shade sails successfully, the shade sails that aren’t installed by a professional are bound to give way sooner. Make sure that you hire a professional to help you with shade sail installation. Professional shade sail installation is the prerequisite of longer-lasting shade structures.

2. Clean Your Shade Sails Regularly

To maintain your shade sails in the best condition, you need to clean your shade sails regularly. Dust, debris, and fallen leaves from surrounding trees may accumulate on the surface of the shade sails and put unnecessary pressure on it. The excessive weight can lead to the loosening or tearing of the shade sails. Moreover, during the monsoon season, the shade sail fabric stays wet most of the time, leading to mold formation. With regular cleaning, you get a chance to get rid of all weight of the debris and clean the mold from the surface and keep your shade sails in the finest condition for years to come.

3. Use Appropriate Cleaning Tools

You can’t use any cleaning tools to clean your shade sails. The use of sharp or pointed tools can tear the shade sail fabric up. A torn shade sail isn’t of any real use since it fails to offer the required protection from the sun and rain. Using the right tools or hiring a professional to do the job is the wisest thing to do.

4. Store Your Shade Sails When Not In Use

Shade sails are made to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, one of the most promising shade sail maintenance tips is to store the shade sails away when they aren’t in use. Not many people spend much time outdoors during the winter season. Thus winter season is the best time to pull your shade sails down and store them away till the weather gets better.

Summary

Shade sails maintenance is something you can’t skip. Shade sails are high-maintenance additions, and you should only decide to install them if you can keep up with their maintenance. Having a professional install shade sails only does a part of the job. How long it stays intact is on you!

Patio shades are vital when it comes to adding an awning and creating a comfortable space in your backyard. And while there is a myriad of patio shade options a homeowner can choose from, a lattice shade seems to be the popular choice among the most sought-after suburbs. Some might find the choice of a lattice awning for the patio outdates, but the popular belief deems it classy, and rightfully so!
A lattice shade is well-liked in suburban houses for many reasons. Here are all the reasons why it is the go-to shade choice in most white-picket-fence homes.   

It can be decorated further

The grids in a lattice shade make it ideal for enhancing the shade. Homeowners love to hang pots and plants from their lattice shades to add character to their decks. Furthermore, a lattice shade makes for a perfect platform to drape beautiful verdant garlands to add more greenery to a yard.
It’s relatively inexpensive
Lattice shades are cheaper to install in comparison with other more modern shade choices, such as a retractable awning. Stretching out a lattice shade in a yard is easier on a homeowner’s pocket. All you need is some wooden beams and a drill with an expert to install a shade.

It compliments lush climbers

Lattice shades are versatile in their ability to work with different types of decorations. They don’t only go well with flower pots and garlands, but they also submit themselves to lush climbers to create a forest-y natural backyard setting.
Shades that allow cascading plants to cover them up to make for the best domestic sun shades, as they create a verdant look while adding a shelter over a yard.

It allows the Sun to enter

The open spaces in a lattice shade allow the sun to come through in broken films so that anyone sitting under the shade is not entirely deprived of the light. For a bright sunny day, a lattice shade provides the ideal amount of sunlight to enjoy the day while not completely exposing oneself to the sun.
It can be covered according to the need
The best part about installing a lattice shade is that you can thread canopy cutouts between the beams to add more coverage in summer. And if someone wants to add a romantic touch to their deck setting, they can add flimsy curtains to their lattice shade. The swaying curtains under the moonlight can make any date under a lattice shade a memory to be cherished later on.

It alludes domesticity

As bizarre as it may sound, but a lattice shade indicates homey-ness. It gives the idea of a complete and happy household. Lattice shades in backyards are often the choice of families living in a house, which is why people consider them a harbinger of family life.
 
If you plan on getting a backyard shade for your place or wish to change the existing one, don’t forget to consider lattice as an option. Need to know more about choosing the perfect patio shade for your house? Reach out to us at Cali Shade Sails and let us guide you towards the ideal shade sail for you.

Canopy structures are highly versatile with applications in numerous areas. Building a canopy is an excellent way of protecting any outdoor space from the harmful UV rays of the sun. As far as schools are concerned, there is a greater need to have some sort of shade so that the kids can be allowed outdoors without having to worry about them getting sunburned.
There are numerous benefits of canopy structures for educational institutes that make them a worthy investment. Some of these benefits have been listed below:

1. Outdoor Learning Opportunities

Children learn best when there is an element of fun in their everyday learning curriculum. Outdoor activities can teach children a lot more than books can. Building a canopy structure in the school’s yard creates a dedicated area with plenty of shade where you can involve children in outdoor activity-based learning.

2. Sun Protection

The most obvious benefit of a canopy structure is that it provides protection from harmful UV rays of the sun. UV rays are incredibly harmful to the skin, more so for children whose skin is already quite sensitive. They get sunburned quickly. However, with canopy structures in place, the children are protected from sunlight and hence, from all sunlight-related risks.

3. Increased Play Opportunities

Bad weather, like rainfall, can keep children from going outdoors during their break time. This makes them restless and uninterested in the classroom. However, a canopy structure will keep the outdoor space open to children, no matter what the weather is. It increases the play opportunities for children, regardless of weather conditions.

4. Cooler Classrooms

Heated windows can make the interior of a room feel warmer, which is why double-pane windows are getting so popular, both in residential and commercial settings. Canopy structures keep the sunlight from reaching classroom windows. As a result, the heat from the sunlight doesn’t affect the indoor temperatures, leaving the classrooms relatively cooler during warm summer months.

5. Lower Electricity Bills

When the heat of sunlight doesn’t affect the indoor temperature of the classroom, there is no additional stress on the air conditioning system. Usually, the air conditioners get overloaded during the summer months that results in higher energy bills. Canopy structures help you cut down on your air conditioning bills by keeping excessive heat from the sunlight from affecting the temperature inside the classrooms.

6. Safe Waiting Area

One of the most significant benefits of canopy structures is a designated, safe waiting area for the parents. Whether it’s the scorching sunlight or a heavy downpour, the parents can conveniently wait for their children to come under the shade.

7. Improved Aesthetics

Canopy structures can improve the overall aesthetics of a property. The school building looks a lot more attractive and welcoming.

Summary

Canopy structures are a valuable addition to school property. Every school should consider building a canopy structure in their playground to ensure that the children are protected against harsh weather conditions and are given the maximum opportunity to learn.

While humans can find shelter and comfort in their homes with adequate cooling during the hottest summers, have you ever thought about cattle and other farm animals? Just because they’re animals doesn’t mean summers do not get hard for them.
Hot temperatures can have serious effects on cattle. Sure, you cannot keep them in an air-conditioned environment, but you can surely take measures to keep them from getting a heat stroke. We have listed down some tips that will help you protect your cattle during the harsh summers.

1.     Install Livestock Shade Sails

The first and the most obvious way of keeping your cattle protected from direct sunlight is installing livestock shade sails on your farm. Cattles will be at a much lower risk of heatstroke if they aren’t under the direct sun all day long. Shade sails will make sure the cattle are protected from harmful UV rays and the intense heat of the afternoon sun.

2.     Sufficient Water Supply

You don’t want your cattle to die of dehydration, do you? To make sure the summer sun doesn’t get better of your livestock, you have to ensure that they are provided with sufficient water throughout the day. Adequate water intake is crucial for cattle’s health, much in the same way it is for humans.

3.     Work Cattle in Cooler Times

Working the cattle should be done either early in the morning or the evening when the sun is not very high in the sky. This will keep the cattle protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sunlight, hence offering adequate heatstroke prevention for your cattle.

4.     Alter Rotational Grazing Strategy

Instead of taking cattle for grazing in areas where there is short grass, take them to areas with taller grass instead. Taller grass stays cooler as compared to short grass. Moreover, avoid intensive grazing practices to avoid excessive sun exposure. Altering the grazing strategies will keep the cattle protected from the hot summer temperatures and hence will prevent the cattle from falling victim to heatstroke.

5.     Work Out an Emergency Plan

You can never tell when an emergency can arise. It is always better to have an emergency plan already in place. If the weather turns too hot unexpectedly, an emergency plan will help you save your cattle from drying of heatstroke. In such a situation, wetting of cattle and the roof and walls of the building they are kept in will offer some cooling. The roof and walls should be wetted every 20 to 30 minutes to make sure the cattle are cool throughout the day.

Summary

​Installing livestock shade sails is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways of protecting cattle from getting a heat stroke. No matter what the weather is like, livestock shade sails will ensure that cattle are safe and sound. 

Installing shade sails to an outdoor area in your property is one of the simplest, quickest, and cost-effective home improvement projects. They are associated with numerous benefits, which marks the reason why so many homeowners are getting shade sails installed.
The benefits of shade sails are not limited to providing shade during hot summer afternoons or during rainfall, but they go a long way. Shade sails are highly versatile structures that have numerous applications. We have listed down some of the most common applications below:

1.     Weather-Proofing Of an Outdoor Area

The first of many applications of shade sails is weather-proofing an outdoor area. They keep your outdoor area protected from sunlight, wind, and rain. With shade sails, you don’t have to worry about pulling all your outdoor furnishings indoors when the weather turns harsh, neither do you have to worry about your furniture fading due to excessive sun exposure.

2.     Pool Shades

If you have a swimming pool at your property, getting a shade sail is a great idea! It can be used as a pool shade that will keep your kiddos safe from UV rays while they play in the pool. It will also keep the water in the pool from getting too hot during the summers. Another benefit of using shade sails as your pool cover is that it will reduce the rate of evaporation of water. This means that the frequency at which you have to re-fill the swimming pool will be reduced and you will be able to cut down on water costs!

3.     Sandpit Cover

The list of applications of shade sails is nowhere near the end yet! If you have a sandpit that you kids love to play in, you might be looking for ways to keep debris, leaves, and insects from getting in it. Why don’t you consider installing a shade sail over the sandpit? You can thank us later!

4.     Home Insulation

If you are wondering how you can keep your home cooler without putting too much stress on your cooling system, you can simply use shade sails as awnings! You read that right. One of the coolest applications of shade sails is installing it on entryways of your home. This would keep sunlight from entering your living spaces. It will also serve as a barrier to heat and UV rays, keeping your house cooler and furniture protected from the effects of UV rays.

5.     All-Year-Round Functional Entertainment Space

If you are big on parties and gatherings, you may want to consider investing to make your outdoor entertainment space functional throughout the year, whether it’s raining or snowing! Installing shade sails to your outdoor entertainment space will do the job done is minimal amount!

Summary

​Who knew there were so many applications of shade sails? When we say shade sails are extremely versatile, we mean it! If you want to get the shade sails installed, get in touch with the best shade sails company and bag in all the above-mentioned benefits!

If you wish to make the most of your outdoor space, shade sails are the best option for you. Shade sails are available in different styles, designs, colors, and sizes for you to choose from. Choosing the right shade sail depends upon the size of the area you wish to cover, the purpose for which you are installing it, and, most importantly, your budget.
You may have seen shade sails in a number of residential and commercial settings, but did you know that you can create a dramatic impact with shade sails? Yes, you read that right. You can use shade sails in a number of ways to create a strong, super-attractive, and a dramatic effect! We have listed down the tips and tricks which will help you achieve the desired impact.

1. Plan Your Installation Thoroughly

Some regions require you to get the necessary permits from the authorities to install shade sails. Once you have everything sorted, plan the installation thoroughly – how high or low you want the shade sails to be, how inclined or bent you want the installation to be, etc. You can have shade sails posts as high as 14 feet. Moreover, you can allow the shade sails to lean a bit backward from 5 to 10 degrees to give it a nautical feeling. Depending on how strong you want the impact to be, you can modify your installation plan accordingly.

2. Different Colors

If the area to be covered is quite large and you need to cover it with multiple shade sails, you can create a dramatic impact with shade sails that’s worth drooling over! If you think you have to use the same colored shade sails all over the area, you’re wrong! You can use different colored shade sails in the same area to produce a colorful and overly dramatic impact. Using different colors will add depth to the design. If you let the two colored shade sails overlap at some points, the effect will be even more profound.

3. Different Heights

Another way you can create a dramatic impact with shade sails is by installing shade sails at varying heights – some taller than the other. You will see an impact that you may have never seen before, and trust us when we say, you’re going to love it.

4. Shape

Shade sails are available in different shapes and sizes. Instead of using the traditional square shade sails, opt for cooler shapes like an equilateral or right-angle triangle. They will not only look more attractive but will also deliver the impact that you want to create!

Summary

​If you wish to create a dramatic impact with shade sails and make your outdoor space something people talk about, you will have to think out-of-the-box. Combining different colors and sizes, and using more uniquely-shaped shade sails will most likely do justice to the final look that you are so eager to achieve!

Cars are one of the most valuable possessions that people own, and you should take as much care of this possession as much as you can. If you own a car, you’ll know how much it breaks your heart to see your car damaged, even slightly. However, you can’t keep an eye on your vehicle 24 hours a day. What you can do is make sure that you have parked your car somewhere where it stays protected.
Parking the car in a garage is the best practice. However, if you don’t have a garage within your property, you should consider installing shade sails in your car parking area. Getting shade sails for your car is an excellent idea for a number of reasons, all of which have been listed down for you.

1. Protection from All Natural Elements

Your car is exposed to the sun, wind, dust, and rain throughout the day. When the weather turns ugly, you find comfort indoors, but your car stays outdoors. These natural elements can affect the paint of your car.

However, when you have a covered car, not only will your car stay protected from the UV rays of the sun but also from excessive exposure to other natural elements. If you want to maintain your car and keep it looking stunning, you should consider getting shade sails for your car.

2. Safety

A car parked under the open sky, without anything guarding it can be enough of an invitation for thieves. However, if you have a covered car parking, the miscreants will know that there is someone who cares about the car and might be on guard somewhere. Shade sails for your car when it’s parked give an impression of a guarded car parking area, which serves to deter any thieves in the area.

3. No Unwanted Outdoor Surprises

Outdoor car parking makes way for outdoor surprises that you don’t want to face; a fallen branch on the windscreen, hailstorms, bird droppings, and so on. You wouldn’t want your car to get scratched or worse as a result of any of these unwanted situations. Shade sails for your car when it’s parked ensure that you’re saved from any of these unanticipated and unwanted outdoor surprises, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.

4. Cooler Interior

Have you ever shrieked at how hot your car seat or the steering wheel is when you leave your car under the sun for too long? In such situations, no matter how strong your car AC is, it just doesn’t seem to work. However, when you park your car in the shade, the interior of your car remains cooler and more comfortable, no matter how long it was standing there.

5. Better Value

A car that is parked under direct sunlight loses its shine and appeal, whereas a car parked in covered parking most of the time make it look more appealing as the rays of the sun aren’t able to cause the color of the paint to fade. This increases the resale value of the cars that are parked in covered parking. This is yet another reason why you should consider getting shade sails for your car when it’s parked.

Summary

​Shade sails for car parking are extremely beneficial for your car. Your car stays safe and protected from outdoor elements and maintains its appeal for longer. 

Fed up of the monotonous routine that you and your partner were leading, you decided to take a well-deserved one-year-long sabbatical and set out on a road trip. You always wanted to book an RV and set out on the road to reach an unknown destination. The goal, in this case, is to be as far as possible from the dull, mundane life.
Now that you have decided to take the leap of faith and say adieus to your 9-to-5 job, you are planning to make your RV travel-friendly. While you have taken care of all the essentials, here is one thing that you might be forgetting: a shade sail.
You probably be thinking what is the point of a shade sail if you are planning to go on a road trip soon. Well, here's why.

Reasons Why You Need Shade Sail for Your RV

1. Protection from the Sun

Your RV will be out on the road literally 24/7. Since it will be directly exposed to the sun, it is highly likely that you feel a bit uneasy. On a trip that is meant to be relaxing, you don't want to feel like being trapped in a burning oven. This is why it is especially important to install a shade sail on your RV. It will keep the harmful sun rays from making the inside of your RV unbearably hot.

2. Conserve Energy

As established above, an RV can remain hot for a long time. This means that you have to install a larger number of fans to cool off the hot air. This leads to greater costs. On the other hand, with shade sail, you can beat the heat to a considerable level. This will help you cut down on the huge cost of maintaining the inside of the RV.

3. Cool Air

What is your most preferred parking spot whenever you are parking your vehicle outside? Under the trees, right? On a road trip, you can't be sure where you can find a tree. But shade sails can perform the same role as the tree. Parked under the tree, your RV will not have to bear the brunt of the blazing sun. The inside of the car will also be cool, allowing you to take a break from the long hours of driving and enjoy a short nap.

Summary

​Off to a road trip, but unsure about how you'd bear the heat while being inside a car 24/7. This is the time for you to think about the solutions that help you keep your vehicle cooler. The best solution is, undoubtedly, a shade sail. It is an economical option that will keep your RV safe from overheating. Regardless of how exciting it looks to have a family road trip, it becomes increasingly difficult to bear the heat especially when you are inside a closed vehicle. Taking the above-mentioned reasons for using a shade sail for RV, it becomes irrefutably real that a shade sail is among the essentials of a road trip in an RV.

During your spring cleaning activity, how many times have you considered taking off the shades in your garage or the backyard and cleaning them? Not many times, are we right? It is understandable why this important segment of the exterior of your house is often ignored.
You just don't think that it should be cleaned in the same ways as your carpets or upholstery. We cannot emphasize enough on the importance of cleaning your shades. Here are some of the few reasons why you should carry out this activity as soon as possible.

Why Should You Clean the Shade Sails
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1. The First Impression

The shade sails are installed in the exterior of your house. This means that anyone who visits your house will first notice the long fabric suspended in the air. A dirty shade will give an awful and ugly look to your house. You don't want your guests to hate your house, or do you? To avoid any embarrassment, it is better to regularly clean your shades.

2. They Smell Awful

The dirty shades give off a revolting stench that will force you to cover up your nose every time you step outside your main door. And why do they smell so bad? The shades are exposed to all kinds of animals and can easily be turned into a litter tray for not only birds but also four-legged domestic animals especially cats.  

3. Regular Cleaning Extends their Life

The useful life of shade sails is quite long. However, if you don't take care of the fabric the shades can worn out in a short span. When you clean the shades regularly, you are actually ensuring that they have a long life.


How Should You Clean the Shade Sails

It seems an uphill task to clean the shades - given their enormous size. But it is indeed manageable. All you have to do is to follow the below mentioned easy steps to clean the shades.
1. Remove the shades and lay them down on a clean surface.
2. Use the hose to get the shade thoroughly wet. Be careful when handling the hose and set it to low pressure to avoid any damage to the fabric.
3. Fill a bucket with dish soap and water and get the scrub wet with the soapy water. Thoroughly scrub the shade from top to bottom. Once the entire shade is properly scrubbed, use the hose to clean the soapy water.
4. Leave the shade to dry.

Bonus Tip
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Choose a sunny day for washing your shade. Under the sun, the shade will take less time to dry.


Summary

Keeping the shade clean and tidy is important to enhance the exterior appeal of your house. The method of cleaning the shade is simple, and if followed properly, you can get done with the cleaning in no time. The only thing that you have to take care of is being gentle with the scrubbing process to prevent the shade from all kinds of damages.