How to Ensure Your Shade Sail Serves You for a Long Time

Shade sails are a great addition to schools, swimming pools, playgrounds, care facilities, home backyards and even businesses like restaurants with outdoor seating space. You only have to ensure you choose the right shade sail for your needs in terms of size, material composition, colour, design, features and maintenance. Here are some important tips to help you get the most out of your shade sail and ensure it serves you for a long time.

Installation

The first thing is that you want to make sure that you get a qualified and experienced contractor to install the shade sail for you. Why? If you install the shade sail incorrectly, you might overstretch it, causing quicker wear and tear. You might also tie it too loose, which is not ideal for windy conditions, which also quickens wear and tear.

Cleaning

Rainwater does not clean your shade sail effectively; therefore, don't assume that because it rained, your shade sail is clean.

Effective cleaning involves taking down the shade sail and cleaning it as instructed by the manufacturer. Don't use a high-pressure hose or harsh chemicals like bleach. Low-pressure hoses and regular detergent are recommended. Also, avoid hard brushes; if you feel like you need to scrub, use a soft brush to avoid damaging the shade sail fabric.

Cleaning is important because it helps get rid of or prevent mildew and mould. These are harmful to your shade sail, especially during the winter. They make it look aesthetically unpleasant, destroy the fabric if left to sit for long and may also make the air under your shade sail foul. Imagine hosting guests under such conditions; this can cause embarrassment.

How frequently should you clean your shade sail? Once or twice a month is enough (check with your shade sail manufacturer); keep in mind that over-cleaning can damage your shade sail fabric.

Additionally, always ensure that your shade sail is dry before hanging it. If you put it back when it is wet, warping and damage can occur, meaning you might need to replace your shade sail sooner.

Storage

You may want to store your shade sail if:

• You have several that you switch out after cleaning or based on various occasions
• You live somewhere with harsh weather (snow and storms)

What you need to remember is that before storing your shade sail, it needs to be dry. Additionally, avoid storing it anywhere it might get wet.

To learn more about shade sails, contact a home and garden store today.