Purchasing Coastwide Shade Sails is a significant investment, which makes it perfectly understandable why many would consider to DIY its installation of shade sails. The question is, is it worth the risk or are you better off calling in expert Gold Coast shade sails installers to get the job done right?

Before you get started, it is important that you take time to understand the process involved and what are the key considerations to keep in mind:

What to Consider

• Size of your shade sail
• Strength of existing structures to be used as anchor points
• Sun direction
• Ability to insert fixing posts

Determine Correct Fixing Points

The first step in this process is to carefully plan out where you want to install your shade sail. Once you have determined the location, you need to identify the ideal fixing points for the corners. If you have a pergola, fence post, or a large tree, you can consider them as possible fixing posts for your shade sails.

Fixing Accessories

As the types and designs of shade sails, there is a large selection of fixing accessories to choose from. This will be used to secure your shade sail in place and are normally available in regular hardware stores. If you are not quite sure which one to pick, consider soliciting the advice of professionals to determine which one best suits your installation.

When Attaching to Trees

If you plan to attach your shade sail to a tree, please keep in mind that this should just be a temporary use and should have a diameter of at least 250mm. You will need to assign a permanent fixing post.

When Attaching to a Fascia

If you are planning to fix your shade sail to a fascia, it is highly recommended to use fascia support, which can be connected to overhangs of trusses or rafters. This will provide a sturdier connection and better stability.

Attaching to Additional Supports

If you have determined that your installation will require additional support, it is highly recommended that you use treated softwood with H5 level treatment. Another alternative is a hardwood with a class 1 durability. You can seek the assistance of a local timber supplier. When calculating the length of your post, you need to take into account the height of your shade sail as well as the depth of your footings

Footings

Here is a simple guide for choosing footings:

• Firm Ground

Lay a 100mm (4”) depth of 20mm (3/4”) diameter gravel at the base of the post.

• Soft Ground

Pour a 100mm (4”) depth of concrete at the bottom of the fixing post hole in order to provide a solid pad. Temporarily brace the posts.

• Concreting

Mix concrete following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check for any special instructions that may be required for your particular application.

As you may have deduced by now, installing shade sails on your own can be quite tricky. If you don’t have the basic knowledge of shade sail installation, it might be a good idea to call in the experts.