Big Sky SHADE™
Cool Your World

*Can I install a Shade Sail myself?
Yes. Our installation guide contains step-by-step instructions for installation. We recommend the Readymade Shade Sail for the homeowner who wants to install the sail themselves.  Big Sky Shade Big Sky ShadeÔ can provide all the material and hardware required and can also help with design and installation tips.

*What do I need to install a Shade Sail?
Shade Sails are "tensioned" structures. This means that you must have strong anchor points (trees, house, posts, poles) from which the sail is suspended. We offer installation services and detailed instructions for do-it-yourself installation. You will get the best results by installing the Shade Sails to fixed anchor points with galvanized or stainless steel hardware. We can help you with this. You may also install sails with high-strength nylon cords and mountaineering knots, though this is a less desirable and less durable method of installation.
 
*What are the weight, grade and type of fabric used?
The fabric is UV-treated high-density woven polyurethane. The weight of the fabric is 320 grams per square meter. Our Shade Sails are equipped with stainless steel "D" rings on each corner for strength and durability.

*How long will it take to receive my Shade Sail?
A Readymade sail takes 4-5 days to receive after the order is placed.  If steel posts are required for attachments, the posts take 7-10 business days after the order is placed.  Once the posts are set, the sails can be installed two days later.
A Custom sail requires pre-installation of all the attachment hardware and then custom measurements are taken.  The sail takes 4-6 weeks to receive after the order is placed since the sail is custom made.

*Are shade sails difficult to take down?
No.  Tension can be taken off the sail by loosening the turnbuckle and then attachment hardware can be easily removed. 

*How much UV protection and shade will a Big Sky Shade™ Sail provide?
Shade Sails will provide as much as 97% shade and 99% block of harmful UV-B rays depending on the color.  A white Shade Sail will block approximately 76% of UV-B rays and provide 64% shade while black will block approximately 99% of UV- B rays and provide 97% shade.

*How much maintenance is involved with a Shade Sail?
Sails should be checked periodically for the proper tension and the turnbuckles may need to be tightened as the sail may stretch slightly after the initial installation.  Sails can be scrubbed gently with a mild detergent or just washed down with a garden hose occasionally to keep the sail in its best condition.

*Can a Shade Sail stay up during the winter months?
Shade Sails are not engineered to handle snow loads, so the sail needs to be taken down in the fall and reinstalled in the spring.  Shade Sails are easy to remove by releasing tension on the turnbuckles and unhooking the hardware from the attachment points. 

*Are Shade Sails waterproof?
Shade Sails are made with a permeable material so during a heavy rain some water will pass through the sail.

 

*How long will a Shade Sail last?
Depending on installation, climate and weather conditions that the sail is exposed to, a custom sail will last approximately 8-10 years and a readymade sail will last approximately 3-5 years with proper installation and basic care.  Colorado Shade Sails makes no guarantees or warranties to the length of time a Shade Sail will last.

*Are the UV and shade blocking the same with all colors?
No.  The darker color shades block more UV rays and provide more shade.  For example, white shades block 76% of UV rays while our black shades block 99%.  Most shade sails block between 90-95% of UV rays.

*Do shade sails require maintenance?
Yes, but not much.  They should be cleaned annually with a garden hose.  Periodically, the shade sails should be checked for proper tension and turnbuckles may need to be tightened (this is not difficult).

*Are shade sails waterproof?
No.  A light rain will roll off, but a heavy downpour will cause some water to pass through the sail.  If you require waterproof shade sails, please contact us.

*Do you ship internationally?
Yes, while we are based in the USA, we ship globally.  When going through the checkout process shipping cost will be based on the weight of your order.

*Can I leave my shade sail up year-round?
Shade sails are not intended to support snow loads.  Shade sails installed in areas that do not receive snow can stay up year-round.