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Shade sails

Updated: 27 Oct 2009
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Introduction

Not all shade sails are created equal, and you may not be getting the protection you think.

Shade cloths (or "sails") can provide protection from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet light. But they can vary widely in their ability to shade you from ultraviolet radiation. We explain what to look for.

Note: this report is a buying guide only and does not contain test results or brand-specific recommendations.

Getting cover

Shade sails

This country has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world. That means shade from the summer sun is essential in any outdoor area – especially when ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels are at their peak between 11am and 4pm.

Designer colours and styles have made shade sails a desirable addition to the “outdoor entertainment area” – aka the barbie. They’re also popular in day care centres and schools.

Types and grades of shade cloth

There are two types of shade cloth – knitted and woven. Most shade cloths for domestic and commercial use are knitted fabric, available in several grades from light to extra heavy.

Domestic-grade shade cloths are usually sold at hardware stores. Some of these products may make reassuring claims about “maximum sun protection”. But the UVR protection they offer can vary widely – anywhere between 50 and 99 percent.

Confusingly, some labels state the cloth provides “up to” a certain level of protection – for example, “up to 95 percent protection”. But what you really need to know is the minimum protection offered.

The Cancer Society recommends using fabrics with a UVR rating of 94 percent or greater. Anything less won’t provide adequate cover. The Society also recommends finding out whether any claimed rating has been independently tested.

Other options

If you just want shade for an occasional weekend lunch on the deck, a large canvas sun-umbrella may be all you need. If you’re after something more permanent, planting trees to create natural shade is another option.

Installation

Shade cloths are relatively cheap. They usually don’t require major construction work to install. So you can do it yourself or you could choose to have it done professionally.

If you opt to take on the job yourself, there are a few points to note:

  • Take care with the cloth during installation. Research by the Australian consumer organisation Choice has found that if shade cloth’s too tightly stretched during installation, it can reduce the UVR protection. Knitted fabrics tend to be more susceptible to stretching than woven ones.
  • Positioning the shade cloth to maximise protection from UVR is essential. You’ll need to decide where and when you want the shade – so you’ll have to work out where the sun beams down on the site during summer (see below).
  • A shade cloth won’t give you total immunity. A lot of UVR light can be reflected from walls and the ground. Higher screens may also provide less protection – so you’ll still need to cover up.

Shade audit

Don’t be put off by the grand-sounding title – you don’t have to be professionally qualified to do a shade audit. The audit is simply an assessment of the site to help you work out how much shade you need and where you need it.

Essential questions for your audit:

  • How much natural shade does the site get?
  • What will you be using the site for – a quiet read in the outdoors, lunch parties (how many people?), an outdoor play area for children (how many children?) – and how big an area will need to be shaded?
  • What times of day and what months of the year will you be using the site? Sun patterns are different at different times of the year – if you’re designing a shaded area in spring, remember that sun patterns won’t be quite the same in summer.

Before you begin, check with your council to see whether a building or resource consent is required for the structure. Shade structures larger than 15 square metres require a building consent.

Maintenance tips

Shade cloths usually have a short lifespan – around five years, though some are guaranteed for longer. To help yours last as long as possible, take it down over winter if you can.

The life of a shade cloth is more likely to be shortened if it’s used on a windy site or somewhere prone to extreme heat or cold. This means you’ll have to replace the cloth periodically. (And the old one may not be recyclable so it could end up in the landfill.)

Our advice

  • Before you buy shade cloth, check its UVR rating. Look for one that offers a minimum of 94 percent protection – and check that independent testing backs this claim.
  • Make sure the cloth is positioned to give you the most protection from the sun. Remember, a shade cloth won’t protect you from all UV rays. Limit your exposure by wearing protective clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses. 

 

More information

More from consumer.org.nz

 

Report by Jessica Wilson.