Suppliers to the winning schools of the Cancer Research UK Sun Smart campaign

Frequently Asked Questions

What are shade sails made of?

They are made of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a knitted mesh structured fabric incorporating UV stabilising additives, which block out up to 96% of the sun’s harmful UV rays.

This is a very strong durable fabric specifically designed in Australia for outdoor use. The knitted fabric allows air to circulate, thereby producing a significantly cooler environment beneath it.

Our fabric offers up to 96% UV PROTECTION depending on the colour chosen.

Are the shade sails waterproof?

They are shower proof but the primary function of a shade sail is to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. The knitted shade fabric is ideal for installing over grass. Contact us for waterproof options.

Shade fabric vs waterproof fabric

Choosing the correct fabric is essential. Some suppliers state their fabric is UV RESISTANT - these are made of Acrylic and PVC which is a solid fabric which simply means the fabric will not deteriorate in the sun’s harmful rays. A solid fabric – which does not allow air to circulate, will make the fabric waterproof, but remember:

  • rain doesn’t always fall perfectly vertically;
  • it may get hot and sticky underneath in the summer as the heat rises and gets trapped;
  • it is not advisable to install the waterproof fabric over grass as it could turn brown due to lack of light/water.

Do you only supply standard sizes/colours?

No, all our shade sails are bespoke and made here in the UK. This allows you the flexibility of choosing the size, colour and design that best suits your needs and budget. The shade sails are highly versatile and modular in design, allowing you to increase the area of shade as and when funds permit.

Can I have wooden posts?

Yes, we specialise in installing timber posts which have been specifically produced for use in schools and nurseries.

  • The posts carry a 15 year guarantee against rot, fungal decay and wood boring insects.
  • They are both eco and environmentally friendly, and essential if your school or nursery is in a conservation area.
  • They are “Greenguard” certified indicating they have undergone rigorous testing and have met the stringent standards for low volatile organic compound emissions (VOC).
  • They have been Osmose Micronized pressure treated to British Standard BS8417.
  • They are guaranteed not to crack above 8mm. ROSPA guidelines state that cracks should not exceed 10mm.

Can they be taken down easily?

Yes, the stainless steel fixings we use to install the shade sails are designed to make this extremely easy. Our installation team will show you exactly how.

The shade sails are extremely robust BUT we strongly recommend they are taken down when extreme weather conditions are forecast ie heavy snow. They have been wind tested up to Gale Force 12.

What is the time from order to completion?

Installations are normally completed within 3 weeks.

How do we care for our shade sails?

The shade sails require minimal care, however if you wish to clean them we recommend a solution of mild detergent and water applied with a sponge or soft brush and rinsed thoroughly with clean water ie a hose.

What guarantees do you offer?

  • Our fabric comes with a 10 year guarantee against UV degradation based on continuous exposure to the Australian sun!
  • Our timber posts come with a 15 year “service life” guarantee.
  • Our workmanship comes with a 5 year guarantee.
  • All our installers are CRB checked.
  • We have a £10 million Public Liability Insurance.
  • We are CHAS accredited.

If you still have any unanswered questions, please contact us.