Shade Sails

What are shade sails?

Shade sails are one of the most common shade structures, especially for schools and councils/local governments. They may simply look like pieces of fabric attached to multiple posts to provide shade. But the type of fabric, how they are attached, and where the shade falls is where the good sails get separated from the great!

Common Applications.

The most common applications for shade sails are Playgrounds, Outdoor Learning Areas, and Eating Areas. Along with this they are also often used over sand pits, entryways, steps/amphitheatres, and cafeteria areas.

Any place where people sit, stand, or play in the sun is a good place for a shade sail that protects you from 90-100% of UVR.

Size

Commercial shade sails sizes typically range from 36m2 (a 6x6m sail) to 144m2 (a 12x12m sail). All our structures are custom designed and manufactured, so we can provide exactly the right size for your area.

Adding in multiple sails is the best way to cover a large area. To increase the shade they provide without adding to the cost, we use ‘kiss points’. This is where the two side by side sails are joined at one of their sides. This halves the gap between the two sails and maximises the shade provided. You can also attach multiple sails to one post – rather than having two sails with four posts each, we can put 2 sails on 6 posts.

The height of your shade structure will be worked out in the design process. We will make sure any play equipment or seating underneath is far enough away from the lowest point of the sail, and that any lines of site are unobstructed (ie. for CCTV cameras). Keeping the shade sails high enough also makes them a lot less likely to be targeted by vandals.

Choosing Shade Sails: What to look for.

Tight, well-tensioned fabric that won’t flap in the wind. This means the sail will be safer, and will last longer.

The right type of fabric for your needs. Decide whether you want it to be waterproof as well as protect from the sun. This also determines how much UV can be blocked – shade cloth tends to be between 90-98%, whereas PVC (waterproof fabric) gives 100% protection.

Welding, not bolting: When fabric is attached to the columns using bolts, this allows for moisture to enter the steel column and cause rusting. Welding ensures they remain moisture free.

Reinforced seams and corners. This will ensure the longest lifespan of your structure by minimising the risk of ripped or torn sails at high stress points like seams and corners.

Correct Engineering: All Greenline structures are site specific engineered. The location of your school, and the structure within the school, will be considered to ensure that we maximise the lifespan of your structure and minimise maintenance.

Colour! Choose a supplier with a good selection of colours to choose from so your structure complements the look of the existing area and gives the space the right feel.

Benefits of Shade Sails

1. Make your space sun safe

Increase the safety of your facilities by limiting exposure to harmful amounts of UV. Depending on the type of shade mesh you choose, you can block between 80% and 100% of UV rays.

2. Use your existing facilities for more of the year.

Installing shade sails gives you more use of areas usually impacted by rain or high UV. This is especially true for play equipment which may get too hot to use during summer months, and eating areas where people often spend a long time sitting in the middle of the day.

3. Revamp dead space

Get rid of dead or unused space and transform it into a useable, collaborative space. Whether you are expanding facilities for the local community or catering for increasing student numbers a small structure can change unused outdoor space into useful learning or playing space. 

4. For schools: More teaching options

Grow your teaching options to allow flexibility with outdoor classroom space. The more options, the easier it will be for staff to choose to conduct their classes outside. Fresh air = Fresh thinking!

Add-Ons for Shade Sails

Post Pads

Including Post Pads on your shade structure is a simple and effective way to minimise risks for anyone using your facilities and is very important when the space is for children. These come in an extensive range of colours, so you can choose to seamlessly integrate with the post colour or opt for a striking contrast.

Anti-Climbing Devices

Anti– Climbing devices are mounted on the steel columns to prevent, as the name suggests, people climbing on the structure! These can be in the form of an unobtrusive fin, finished in the same way as the steel so they don’t disrupt the look of the column.