The leading outdoor shade option of most households in Australia today is the shade sail. This is the reason why the rise of its popularity is undeniable. However, many are still torn between the variations shade sail provides.

One of the options most buyers come across is whether to opt for a retractable shade sail or a fixed shade sail. To help you choose which one to install on your property, here are the details about both options that you might want to take into account.

Retractable Shade Sail

The retractable shade sail is a type of shade sail that can be retracted when not in use. With the retractable shade sail, you can just lessen the effect of the heat of the Australian sun and enjoy your outdoor space. However, it also gives you an option to enjoy nice weather in the same area without the obstruction of shade.

This type of shade sail is lightweight and is easy to use and comes in two variations. One kind of retractable shade is motorized while the other one is manual. The motorized retractable shade sail can be retracted and detracted automatically using a motor.

Manual retractable shade sail on the other hand can be open or closed using a crank. Whichever you decide to choose they still have the same function and benefits. The only difference is how they are open or closed.

A retractable shade sail is best used in decks, balconies, and pool areas. It will give you the option of enjoying the pool water or chill out on the balcony under the hot summer sun or under a shade sail.

Another great thing you can do with a retractable shade sail is that you can adjust its coverage according to your preference. You can just cover half part of your outdoor space by opening the shade halfway. If you want to fully cover the space, what you will need to do is to open it all the way.

The most apparent benefit of a retractable shade sail is its flexibility. Compared to a fixed shade sail, the retractable counterpart can be a great option for you if you are looking for a shade sail that has flexible functions.

Moreover, a retractable shade sail can be custom-fitted on different existing structures on your property. If you are planning to install the shade between posts, your house, or a pergola then you must opt for a retractable shade sail.

Most commercial areas opt for the retractable shade sail option. It gives them effectiveness in shading an outdoor space while still providing it with an aesthetic value plus the flexibility of the shade.

Your options are limitless when you choose a retractable shade sail to install on your property. Whether it is for your garden, your swimming pool, or deck, the retractable shade sail would be a great option.

Different Fabrics For Retractable Shade Sail

Choosing the right fabric to use on your retractable shade is vital. Because the fabric will be constantly retracted and detracted you must make sure that the chosen fabric to use in your shade will last long. another factor to consider is maintenance.

You must choose a fabric that will not be that hard to maintain. Here is the most common fabric that you will encounter when you shop for a retractable shade sail:

• Cotton
• Canvas
• Vinyl
• Acrylic
• Polyester

Choose a fabric that you think will be the best for your shade sail. However, the most recommended fabrics are polyester and acrylic. Keep that information in mind during your shade sail shopping. For more UV protection, you should choose treated fabrics for your shade.

If you opt for a treated shade sail fabric it will become more resistant to UV exposure and slows down fading of the fabric itself.

Fixed Shade Sail

A fixed shade sail is a shade option that will be installed and stay as it is. You cannot close it or open it, unlike the retractable option. If you opt for a fixed shade sail expect it to be there all the time. This type of shade sail is also a very effective way to block UV rays from the sun and protect you from rain.

The fixed shade sail is the most common shade sail option used in residential spaces. A fixed shade sail can be easily installed. There are even available DIY Shade Sail installation kit for you to install it yourself.

Because you can choose not to hire builders to install the shade, you can surely save a lot of money for the installation cost. Additionally, you can buy fixed shade sails in different colours and sizes that can fit your decors perfectly.

There are so many homeowners in Australia who already developed aesthetically pleasing properties with the help of fixed shade sails. If aesthetics is your aim, then there is no question to choose a fixed shade sail.

The disadvantages of fixed shade sail are that it is constantly exposed to the sun which can damage the shade sail fabric. No matter how tough the fabric that is used on your shade sail, constant and direct exposure to the sun will damage it.

You can choose the highest quality of fabric possible that is also UV protected against the sun. If you do so, you can elongate the life span of your fixed shade sail even it is exposed to the harsh rays of the sun all day every day.

Another downside of a fixed shade sail is that it can be damaged when hit by strong winds. Because it is fixed, you cannot retract the shade sail during a typhoon. The strong wind will knock your shade sail posts or rip off the fabric of your shade sail.

The only way to save your shade sail is to stay updated in typhoons or check how strong the wind is outside and take down your shade if necessary. This will ensure your safety and the safety of the shade sail itself.

However, taking down and putting up the shade sail every time the wind is strong can be inconvenient but this is how fixed shade sail works.

When it comes to designing a shade sail on your property, you can choose to install multiple shade sails arranged in layers to add aesthetics to your yard. This is why many homeowners opted for a fixed shade sail as it gives added visual value to their home.

A fixed shade sail is the best option for customized design and installation. Not only a fixed shade sail protects you from the heat and rain, but it can also provide additional decor to your property.

Different Fabric for Fixed Shade Sail

Fixed shade sail also comes in different kinds of fabric. It comes with waterproof or water-resistant shade fabric or commercial grade knitted cloth that is made of high-density monofilament and tape just like what we used in our shade sail.

If you opt for a fixed shade sail, you should choose a shade fabric that can withstand tension and any heavy-duty applications. A fixed shade sail should be tensioned properly to install correctly which can be stressful for the fabric.

You have to remember that the best shade sail fabric will always depend on your specific needs. Each available shade sail fabric in the market today is manufactured based on the different needs of the people.

Other Options

Aside from retractable or fixed shade sails, there are other shade options that you can choose from if you think neither of these two mentioned best fits what you are looking for. You can instead install an outdoor umbrella or an awning to protect your outdoor space.

Even a pergola can be a great source of shade for your outdoor space. But you have to remember that pergolas only offer partial coverage. You can check out out other shade products and explore all your options. But if you are looking for aesthetics, durability, and functionality, shade sail will be the best shade for you.

In Conclusion
Both the retractable and fixed shade sail have their sets of pros and cons. It is to you as a homeowner which you think will complement your outdoor best and that it suits your taste. Choose what you like. Whether it is retractable or fixed, it will surely provide you with the shade that you need.

In Conclusion

Both the retractable and fixed shade sail have their sets of pros and cons. It is to you as a homeowner which you think will complement your outdoor best and that it suits your taste. Choose what you like. Whether it is retractable or fixed, it will surely provide you with the shade that you need.