Installation

Worried that installing your new Durashield product will be a task too big to manage? Don’t fret – at Durashield we make installation easy. Simply follow the instructions below or use our handy guide and you will be relaxing in the shade in no time !

BUILDING APPROVAL
It is important to check prior to installation for any relevant building regulations with your local authorities (council).

SELECTING THE LOCATION
Before installing your shade product consider what your needs are. Factors which should be taken into account are:

  • Sun direction
  • Local wind conditions, speed and direction
  • Surrounding environment such as trees, location of barbecue, electrical/telephone cables, water pipes etc
  • Ability to install fixing points (ensure fixing points are structurally sound)
  • Size of the shade sail

SHADE SAIL CONSTRUCTIONS – STYLES

NOTE: It is important when deciding on the positioning of the shade sails lower points, that the slope of the fabric will allow good water run-off.

DETERMINING SUITABLE FIXING POINTS

After deciding on the location of your shade sail/s it is important to identify structurally suitable fixing points for sail corners. This stage is critical. Your shade sail is under significant tension as such fixing points need to be strong. If using existing fixtures, such as side facia or the roof of your house, be sure to check the structure carefully to ensure it can bear the load. If unsure about the most suitable fixing points obtain independent advice from a qualified builder or engineer. It is recommended that the fixing height be at least 2.4m.After identifying the most suitable fixing points, lay the shade sail out on the ground in the proposed position to confirm the positioning is workable. It is recommended to allow a minimum of 10% of the sail length between each fixing point and the corner D Rings for tensioning. Consider using Durashield stainless steel chain to reach certain fixing points.

UTILISING OF EXISTING SUPPORTS

If fixing your shade sail to a facia, it is strongly recommended to use a facia support. A facia support will reinforce the overhangs of rafters or trusses and provide a stronger connection between the two and improving the overall strength. Facia supports are available from your local hardware supplier.

UTILISING A TREE FOR FIXING

It is not recommended to use a tree for a shade sail fixing due to the overall strength required.

POSTS – ADDITIONAL

Steel Posts
It is recommended to use galvanised or painted posts to prevent rust. Steel posts are available from your local hardware or steel supplier. The steel post colour can be matched to your shade sail and environment and can be cut to pre-determined lengths. It is recommended to either use a round steel post with a minimum diameter of 90mm, or a 90x90mm square steel post. Post wall thickness should be a minimum of 4mm. It is advisable to lean posts at an angle of 5 degrees, sloping away from the centre of the shade sail for additional support.

Timber Posts
For timber posts it is recommended to use treated timber with a minimum 125 diameter. It is advisable to lean posts at an angle of 5 degrees, sloping away from the centre of the shade sail. To ensure you obtain the appropriate class of timber for your region consult your local timber merchant.

FOOTINGS FOR SHADE SAILS

All posts should be embedded in concrete (min 20Mpa) footings. Measure out centres of the footing positions. Dig holes to the required size for your posts height, the centre of the footing as the approximate locations of the point of the sail. For a 3M size shade sail dig footing holes 400mm square and 800mm deep as shown below. For 5M or larger shade sails dig footing holes 400mm square and 1200mm deep, as shown.

Firm Ground
If installing your shade sail post on firm ground lay a 100mm (4″) depth of 20mm (3/4″) diameter gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and position post at a 5 degree angle sloping away from the centre of the shade sails position.

Soft Ground
If installing your shade post into soft ground firstly pour a 100mm (4″) depth of concrete to set completely. Add a gravel bed, 100mm (4″) in depth. Position post and add the required amount of concrete. Position the post at a 5 degree angle, sloping away from the centre of the shade sails position.

CONCRETING

It is recommended to use concrete with a minimum of 20Mpa. Conditions vary for different environments, if unsure of the concrete type best suited to your area contact your local concrete supplier.Mix the concrete to the manufacturers instructions, these should be clearly labelled on the packet. Pour the concrete into the post footing hole on top of the gravel bed and pack well. The top of the concrete surface should be sloping away from the posts to assist with water drainage. Concrete should be left to set for 48 hours, bracing maybe required.

SHADE SAIL CONNECTION

Lay your shade sail out to commence installation. There is an extensive range of Durashield fixing accessories available to help you secure your shade sail. It is important to note that your shade sail will require at least two of the accessories to be tensioning devices. If required stainless steel chain can be used to extend your shade sail corner to a fixing point. Ensure that all accessories face towards the middle of the shade sail and are secure. Connect the shade sail to the fixing accessories, leave one of the tensioning fixing points to last for connection.

TENSIONING THE SHADE SAIL

Once all corners of the shade sail have been connected adjust the tenson in the fixing accessories. A shade sail which has been mounted and tensioned correctly will have little to no creases. Stop tensioning when the shade sail is rigid with little creases. A ratchet tie down strap can be used to assist in tensioning the structure.You may find that after a period of seven days, the sail has settled and a little more tensioning is required. Tensioning maybe required periodically. Your shade sail should be firm and tight to reduce windflap. Shade sail fabric which is loose can cause premature failure due to mechanical breakdown in the fabric.CAUTION: Do not over tension. Tension only by hand, and only tight enough to remove creases. Over tensioning can cause damage to your shade sail.

INSTALLATION OF SHADE CLOTH

Durashield shade cloth is simple to install. Use Durashield shade cloth accessories for a professional finish.

USING BUTTERFLY CLIPS

  1. Tension the shade cloth to a wire or metal frame
  2. Position the clip over the wire or rope and close over the cloth to secure
  3. For fixing shade cloth to fencing attach on diagonal as shown
  4. If using butterfly clips and lacing attach a clip approximately every 50cm, threading the lacing or wire through the hole in each clip as you secure the shade cloth to the frame

USING TIMBER FASTENERS

  1. Place shade cloth over structure and gently pull into position (straighten as required)
  2. Place the timber fastener approximately 5mm from the edge of the shade cloth or centre on the timber batten. Note: It is best to start on the long edge first working from the centre to the edges
  3. To affix the shade cloth directly over the timber structure use a hammer to drive fastener approximately every 20cm. Apply a little tension to the shade cloth as you go along keeping the knitted lines in the shade cloth straight. When all edges are fastened trim off the excess shade cloth.