General Shade Sail Product Information

This page has general information about our shade sails and shade products. The more you know and understand about our products, the easier it will be for you to decide on the perfect solution for your next outdoor living space project. Below, you'll find a brief summary for various shade sail related topics such as: how to tension a shade sail, how to choose the right shade fabric color, wind speed and UV ratings of our shade fabric, and whether our shade fabric is waterproof and fireproof. There is a lot of information available in this section, however, if you still can't find the answer you are looking for, please contact us so that we can address your needs one on one.

◄

3 Methods for Tensioning a Shade Sail

The 3 main techniques for tensioning a shade sail are: 1. Perimeter wire rope, 2. Height variation, and 3. Tensioning hardware. When utilized properly, these methods work together to create an artistic structure that can add to the beauty of any outdoor living space. To learn more about tensioning a shade sail, follow the link below.

Learn More

◄

Shade Sails, Weather, and Wind

Our shade sails are built tough and made to stand up to normal weather conditions for many years. However, we recommend the shade fabric be removed during extremely high winds and when there's a chance of snow accumulation. If you purchased engineering services, your shade sail will be rated to a specific wind rating. For more specifics on wind speed ratings and weather recommendations for your shade sail, click on the learn more button below.

Learn More

◄

Are Shade Sails Waterproof?

 

Tenshon's shade sails are not waterproof, but they are water resistant. The HDPE shade fabric we use for our products is woven together to allow for breathability and, as such, allows some water to pass through. Our fabric, however, is water resistant so it is not subject to mold or other water damage. We have a great video that illustrates our shade sail water resistance and permeability attributes; or click through to learn more.

Learn More

◄

Are Shade Sails Fireproof?

Tenshon Shade Sails have a fairly low flammability index but they are not fireproof. The HDPE shade fabric we use to make our sails is woven together with threads made of a plastic polymer. As such, the cloth will melt or burn when exposed to high heat. We recommend that our customers avoid placing their shade products over fire pits and grills to avoid melting, discoloration, or other heat related damage. To learn more, click the button below.

Learn More

◄

How Long Should My Shade Sail Last?

Our shade sails are designed and manufactured to last for many years when installed properly and well maintained. Many of our installations have been in place for over a decade and they still look great. To learn more about the lifespan of our shade products, click the learn more link below.

Learn More

◄

Blocking UV and IR Radiation

All of our shade fabric options do a great job of blocking both infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As a matter of fact, they can block as much as 99 percent UV radiation. As a result, our sails keep you cool and safe. To learn more about how this works, click on the learn more button below.

Learn More

◄

Shade Sails and Height Variation

What is the purpose of height variation when designing a shade sail? Height variation not only gives your shade structure a unique look and pleasing esthetic, but it also is required to provide maximum tensioning and to prevent sagging. It also provides necessary slope to allow for maximum runoff during rainy weather. For more details on shade sail height variation, click the learn more button below.

Learn More

◄

Wire Rope & Catenaries: Keys to Stretching Your Sail Tight

Wire rope is crucial for proper tensioning of your shade sail. Without a wire rope, all of the tension on the shade fabric is concentrated at the anchor points. This will increase the possibility for tears at the corners and cause the center of the canopy to sag. To learn more about the importance of using a wire rope during your shade sail installation, click the learn more button below.

Learn More

◄

Playground Shade Sails and Shade Structures

Shade sails and structures are the perfect solution for keeping playgrounds and parks cool and protected from the sun's harmful rays. There are a few options when it comes to these larger, commercial installations with the most popular being the hip structure. To learn more about shading your park or playground, follow the link below.

Learn More

◄

Shade Sails and the 4:1 Mechanical Advantage of Pulleys

Pulleys are fantastic and they make for a super easy shade sail installation and take down. This is due to the 4:1 mechanical advantage of pulleys. What that means is: even though there is only 1 of you, it's like 4 of you are pulling. Click the link below for more information, or if you want a mathematical explanation of how it works.

Learn More

◄

Infographic: Top 10 Pools That Make a Splash

Providing shade coverage for pools of all shapes and sizes is one of the many things we do at Tenshon. From olympic sized pools to backyard swimming pools, we've manufactured shade sails for pools all over the world. If you like swimming pools as much as we do, click the link below to see a top 10 list of some of the most incredible pools in the world.

Learn More