You go outside and you are going to take a rest in your shade sail, and there you see a few leaves, and perhaps a spot of stain or other. And with Shade Sail Maintenance, you have the ability to have your outside area well maintained.

Key Takeaways:

• Check your shade sail often, inspecting at tears, hanging, and loose hardwares so that you can spot minor problems as early as possible before they develop into major problems.
• Wash your shade sail with a little detergent and light brush at least or once a year otherwise they will develop stains and mildew.
• When not using your shade sail, it is best to store it in a cool, dry area that is not exposed to the sun as this will help to increase its life.

Overview

What Is Shade Sail Maintenance

Shade Sail Maintenance implies that you care about your shade sail as completing its maintenance to ensure that it remains strong, safe, and attractive. You would like your outdoor area to be friendly, would you? That is why you go and check your mainsail whether you have a sag in her, or whether it is tearing, or whether it is loose. You wash it after a few months so that you can remove dirt, pollen and leaves. You also ensure that you store it well when you are not using it particularly in bad weather.

Why It Matters

You might wonder, why you must keep your shade sails?

The solution is easy; frequent maintenance has your sail ship in excellent shape, and clean. In what you wash down and search in your sail you snare little evils before they become great. By screwing down loose fittings and repairing the minor tears immediately, you can save on the finances and trouble in the future. Extra, an amazingly maintained sail looks more durable and safe around the home. It is not only about appearance but also safety, comfort and making the most out of your investment.

Keeping your shade sail clean and taut helps:

• Maintenance of tensile strength of the fabric.
• Water pooling and sagging should be prevented.
• Prevention of the corrosion of the support structure.
• Reserve its fashionable look in your backyard or patio.

Pro: You can get twice a year of care and weep several seasons out of your sail.

Cleaning

One of the simplest things that you can do to get your shade sail last longer and look good is to keep it clean. People believe it to be a huge task but when properly taken through the right steps, you will be able to accomplish it in an afternoon. We can deconstruct the optimum method--no severe chemicals and hose downs required.

You’ll need:

• Mild detergent or dish soap
• Soft bristle brush or sponge
• Garden hose

Steps:

1. Cleaning Detach the sail (if possible) thoroughly.
2. Flush the two sides using low pressure water.
3. Add water to slightly soft soap and rub with a soft brush.
4. Rinse under again until all the soap is removed.
5. Air-dry it completely before reinstalling.

Then again do not use bleach or strong detergents these may damage finishes and stitches as well.

How Often:

• Clean your shade sail at least twice a year. Spring and fall are perfect times.
• You may have to wash more frequently in case you are in a dusty or polluted place.
• Take away leaves, twigs and debris once every week so that stains and accumulation will not develop.

How to Prevent Sagging

The shade sail can get loose with time as a result of the stretch of fabric and hardware relaxation. Not only a drooping sail is unsightly but also gathers water.

Let’s look at the cause of sagging and the ways of ensuring a sharp look of your sail.

Tension Adjustment

Thou also wouldainst want to loosen thy shade sail, yet wouldainst want to strangle it tight. The following is the way you can make it perfect:

• Check the tension on a regular basis of a few months. Fabric has the ability to stretch or shrink as the temperature varies.
• Avoid over-tensioning. Excessive force has the capability of shredding the cloth or straining the posts.
• Don’t let it get too loose. A loose sail will slop and take the water.
• Find a balance. Tension should be adjusted to make the sail firm and at the same time give a little.

Tip: Try to use spring turnbuckles or ratchet tensioners. These ensure that one can easily adjust the tension as needed.

Water Pooling

One of the largest causes of sails to fall is water pooling. You will be able to prevent this in advance:

• Install your sail with at least a 30° slope. Steeper is better.
• Regulate the frame/ posts so that water can flow in a natural angle.
• Place support rods (or cross bars) in case there seem to be low spots.
• Try a hyperbolic style, i.e. two corners high, two low. This appears trendy as well as assists in the drainage.

Tightening your sail and angeling translates to less of it hanging as well as the extension of your shade sail life.

How to Prevent Fading

Even the materials resistant to UV can fade in the course of the excessive demonstration. KGORGE shade sails are made of Fadenomore™ polyester that is resistant to fading in intense sunlight.

To prevent discoloration:

• Use materials that are UV-protected or fade-resistant.
• Dust and pollutants which hasten fading should be removed.
• One should not touch the metal roof tops or rusty hardware.
• In hot weather (as in Florida or Arizona) light coloured sails should be used, they are reflective of the light.

Did you know? Darker colors can take up more heat and hence they fade away more rapidly than lighter colors.

Shade Sail Structure Care

The fabric does not only determine shade sail longevity. The structure matters too.

Regularly inspect:

• Posts and brackets: Make sure that there is no rust and movement.

• Cables and turnbuckles: Keep evenly tensioned.

• Anchors: It is necessary to replace the worn parts.

Apply anti-rust paint to metal fittings and in the event that your installation is close to the coastline, a now and then rinse with fresh water to clear the salt.

Shade Sail Cleaning Frequency

In the majority of climates, clean your shade sail every 3–6 months.
In dusty or seaside climates, it is better to clean shade sail every three months to avoid accumulation of salt and dust.

Seasonal checklist:

• Spring: Cleaning and tension adjustment, full cleaning, complete tension adjustment.
• Summer: Quick rinse and UV inspection.
• Fall: Remove Leaf and debris.
• Winter: Detach if not in use for long periods.

Quick Tip: Look into cleaning regularly before they can be tough stains or some mildew.

Mildew Removal from Sails

When you see black or green spots, most probably it is the mildew or mold due to the trapped moisture.

To remove mildew:

1. Mix 1 cup white vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Painting Put on with soft brush and leave it 15-20 min.
3. Rinse thoroughly and air dry in sunlight.

No bleaching should be admitted, it softens the thread and coating of the fabric. When the mildew is still remaining apply marine grade mold remover when used with polyester or HDPE.

Lifespan & Longevity

A high quality shade sail will have an average lifespan of 5-10 years depending on the material, weather and care respectively.

To extend the life of your shade sail:

• Clean and re-tension change of tenure.
• Apply UV or waterproof or fade resistant fabrics such as Fadenomore™ polyester.
• Do not keep sails in wet condition, wipe them.
• When there is a bad storm or it is in winter, take off and leave the sail inside the house.

Regular maintenance may raise effectively the useful life of your sail twice.

FAQ: 

1. Is it possible to pressure wash a shade sail?
No. Water in a high-pressure has the potential of ruining the weave or waterproof finish. Instead use low pressure of hose.

2. Should I take down the sail during winter?
Should there be heavy snow or heavy wind in the place, yes, then take away the sail lest heavy the posts and the fabric.

3. How do I know if my sail is too tight?
The only way is to sound it when you hear the popping of the turnbuckles, or to observe the distortion of the fabric, in which case you must loosen the turnbuckles only slightly until they act even.

4. What is the most appropriate material for long-term outdoor use?
Polyester that is UV stabilized and has a fade resistance quality such as KGORGE’s Fadenomore™ provides longevity use information.

5. Is it possible to install shade sails on driveways or car ports?
Yes, as far as they are tensioned in right way and are created out of the materials which are UV-protected.

Summary

It only takes awareness and consistent care to keep your shade sail in good condition.

Season after season, your shade sail can continue to offer protection and comfort with proper cleaning practices and prompt tension checks.