Today I have decided to write a post on tensioned shade sails because this is a product that has been really trendy on the neighbouring island of Ibiza for years and is just starting to become popular in Mallorca.
As I said above, we have been installing this product in restaurants, bars, beach clubs and private homes in Ibiza for ages with some wonderful results. In fact, when I’m asked for this product in Mallorca, I’m asked for “Ibiza style shade sails.” I prefer calling them “Mediterranean style shade sails” because the great number of shapes and styles they lend themselves to means that they can be adapted to modern, rustic or old architecture, or to vintage decor.
You’re probably now wondering why, if these types of shade sails are “a very modern thing…” My response would be, not at all, if we think that, in olden times, people would use a large canvas anchored from wall to wall or from the wall to a pole to shield themselves from the sun on their terraces. And this is precisely the origin of these shade sails. The concept is the same, only that they have developed more and are more designed, and create their own style and combine with the architectural elegance.
Here are some of the questions I get asked most often:
What shape are they?
Canvas allows for endless colours and shapes. There are triangular ones, rectangular ones, wishbone shaped ones, etc.
It is functional?
Definitely. It adapts to any space and offers up to 95% sun protection (depending on the fabric), keeping the hot air out.
Moreover, you can have them put up in summer and when it gets cold and you don’t need them, you can unclip them from the poles, clean them, (depending on the type of fabric) and keep them rolled up and in a case so that the fabric does not get damaged or damp.
One of the advantages I find with this product is its versatility. You can decide how it should be.
The ideal thing to do is create a novel design to decorate and protect yourself from the sun at the same time.
You can create designs:
-With a shade sail in a novel shape
– By combining triangles or rectangles
– By mixing different shaped shade sails
– By playing with the height of each shade sail
– By playing with different heights for the ends of the shade sails, etc.
Here are some images to give you examples of what I have just mentioned:
:
And here are some tips for you to bear in mind when choosing a shade sail or planning your designs:
– The easiest structures to install are triangular ones, since they have fewer anchors, provide greater tension and have a simpler drainage system.
– The rectangular structures’ drainage system is more complex.
– The triangular ones are the most economical because they require less fabric and the installation of fewer poles.
– The larger the shade sail, the more difficult it will be to tension it and organise its drainage.
– We should bear in mind the angle at which it is going to be installed, since drainage is this product’s most important factor, so that, when it rains, the water does not accumulate on top and end up causing damage.
– The shade sails can be easily removed for maintenance during the cold and rainy months, so that they are impeccable for every new season. Therefore, they should be installed in such a way that makes them easy to dismount.
– A shade sail made from micro-perforated fabric enables the wind to pass through, making it perfect for placing on buildings or light structures, and avoiding the shade sail swelling or become deformed.
– The shade sails should have its edges reinforced and with protection against UV rays.
– Another thing to bear in mind is that we should choose the right orientation of the shade sail, so that it provides greater sun protection.
– The decor also plays a very important role in the installation site, so it should fit in with the environment.
– It is also vitally important to make sure that there are no codes restricting construction that prevent us from installing tensioned shade sails.
Here are some more images of shade sails:
If you need any more information, do not hesitate to call us on 971 57 74 19 or visit us at Calle Islas Canarias, 33, polígono Son Bugadelles, Santa Ponsa, where we will be happy to assist you.
