Shade sails are very effective in protecting your outdoor area while giving your home that extra flavour. Many people are using shade sails to cover their pool area, patios, or garage not only because it can block 90% of the sun’s UV rays and rainwater but because of its aesthetic look.

However, the time will come that the shade sail will not look good anymore due to the dirt and damages. To maintain its aesthetic look and its efficacy it is best to regularly replace your shade sails when you notice the following signs.

Too Much Dirt On the Shade Sail

Too much dirt on the shade sail will reduce its efficacy in providing protection. You also wouldn’t want to have a shade sail that looks nasty hanging above your property. Although it can be cleaned and reused, time will come that no matter how hard you clean it, the shade sail will still look dirty and ugly.

Once you notice that dirt, algae, and mildew stains are still appearing right after you cleaned your shade sail, then it is a clear sign that you already need to replace it. There is no reason why you need to keep such sail as it will not be very effective in providing protection plus it doesn’t look good at all.

Redesigning Your Landscaping

If you are thinking of redesigning your landscaping it is also best to consider replacing your existing shade sails. Landscaping and shade sails often come together and changing your entire landscaping design means that you must also replace your shade sail.

Landscape designers will also include the design, layout and colour of the shade sail on their landscaping plan. Once the designer thinks that your existing shade sail does not go along with the new design then you will have to follow and get rid of your old sail. You will have to replace it according to the designer’s recommendation.

Change of House Design and Colour

You must have bought and installed your current shade sail according to what your house looks like. This is why you must also replace your shade sail if you will change your house’s design or colour. Your existing shade sail may not compliment the new colour palette of your house or the shape might not be suitable for the house’s new design.

It is not advisable not to include and consider your shade sail when redesigning your house as it is already considered as part of the structure. Not replacing your shade sail will only ruin the new design you want for your home.

Colour Fading

Due to the long exposure to the harsh elements of the environment, shade sail colour tends to fade. Once the colour is not as vibrant as it was when you first bought it, it will not block enough UV rays from the sun anymore as it does previously.

A faded shade sail is already worthless as it will not serve its purpose anymore. If left unreplaced, the next thing that will get damaged will be whatever it is that you are protecting. For example, if you are using a faded shade sail on your garage, chances are your car will be exposed to the heat of the sun and will eventually damage its colour as well.

Once you noticed that the colour of the shade sail is not blocking too much of the UV rays anymore then it is time for you to consider replacing it.

Rips, Tears and Damages

Shade sails experience wear and tear, especially if has been serving their purpose for so many years. A properly maintained shade sail will last up to 30-50 years. However, you must still consider other factors as well when deciding whether to replace the shade sail or not.

If you are living in a location where you experienced strong winds, snow, extreme heat and other harsh weather conditions, your shade sail may not last that long. If you are constantly experiencing storms in your area, the chances of your shade sail getting damaged prematurely is high. You must regularly check the sails if there are any damages such as tears or rips.

Even the sail’s stitches should be checked too. There is a huge possibility that its stitches are coming undone that will worsen if neglected. Your shade sail can collapse during strong wind or a storm which can cause damages to the stitches and their fabric as well.

Safety Issues

Another sign that you must watch out for to know whether your shade sail needs to be replaced is the fact that it is not safe to keep it. Damaged stitches are one of the indications that your shade sail is not safe anymore.

Once the stitches failed, the whole structure of your shade sail will fall apart and if someone is staying under the shade when it happens, it can result in injury and damages to your property. To avoid these things to happen, it is best to replace your shade sail when you think it is not safe anymore.

Aside from the stitches, you must also examine the attachments for any loose bolts and corrosion. Constant exposure to the natural elements can cause the fabric of the sail to weaken. The possibility of corrosion on the posts and their bolts and nuts are also high.

Want To Redecorate The Area

If you think that your outdoor area’s design is starting to get boring, you might consider changing its theme or design. It can be from your current Boho theme to a minimalist and sleek design. Whatever you want to do with your outdoor area, changing the decorations will also mean changing the current shade as well.

Unless you will retain the theme of the space, keeping your current shade sail may not be suitable for your new concept and it will only look like it is out of place. If you do not want to purchase a new shade sail and wanted to reuse your old one, you must redesign your area that will go with the existing shade.

How to Properly Maintain Your Shade Sails

If you want your shade sail to last long, it is best to do proper maintenance. Cleaning alone is not enough. You must also ensure that your shade sail is installed properly. A properly installed shade sail should be sturdy and do not sag. The shade sail posts should also firmly buried at least 36 inches deep and should also properly attached to the sail itself.

During cleaning, avoid using cleaning products with harsh chemicals as they can damage its fabrics. If you can clean the shade sail without using any detergent do so as much as you can. However, if you need to use a detergent to get rid of stains and dirt, choose a detergent with no sulphur or halogens. You can opt for using a dishwashing liquid instead and make sure to avoid chlorine-treated water too.

During your regular check-up and maintenance, always look out for some damages on the stitches and fix it as soon as you can. This way, when a strong wind or a storm pass by, you will be confident that your shade sail is secure. Small tears can be sewn but huge holes cannot. Do not try to fix large holes and tears on your shade as it will not do any improvement you will only waste your time and effort.

If a storm is coming, take down your shade sail to ensure that it will not get damaged. Leaving it installed during strong wind and rain will surely damage your shade. Additionally, when storing your shade sail, make sure that it is completely dry before putting it away.

Wet or damp shade sail fabric can cause moulds and mildews to build up and will eventually make it rot. For waterproof shade sail, it is best to roll it up when storing than folding it. The coating of a waterproof shade sail might crease and peel off if you fold it. Furthermore, Shade sails should be taken down every 8 to 10 years to be cleaned and re-sew.

In Summary

You must not ignore the signs your shade sail is giving you. Once you have noticed one of the signs mentioned, it is best to replace your current shade sail as soon as possible to ensure that you are getting the protection you needed. Additionally, properly maintaining your shade sail will also contribute to how long it will last.