Shade Sails

Shade sails are pieces of permeable fabrics spread wide over an area and attached to trees, metal posts or timbers. They are designed to provide cover, shade, and protection from the sun, wind, and rain. Shade sails come in a variety of colors, styles, and shapes. The triangle or square models made of high-density shade materials are the most popular shade sails around.

Shade sails are seamless fabrics. They are wide and large enough to be stretched between posts, trees, and even buildings. They are made of durable materials that can resist heat and water. Shade sails made from impervious fabrics are also known as patio shades.

Typical features of shade sails

Shade sails are made of high quality commercial-grade fabrics to prevent more than 90% of the harmful UV rays of the sun from penetrating the sails. These fabrics are breathable, enabling the circulation of cool air to provide comfort and coolness on hot days.

Most shade sails are also made with reinforced fabric knitted with polyethylene fabric that does not rot, shrink, tear, fray, or deteriorate from the UV rays and other external factors. Shade sails are specially treated to minimize fading. They are designed with heavy-duty D-ring corners made of stainless steel for safe and secure tensioned installation to existing structures such as trees or poles.

Types and price range of shade sails

There are two types of shade sails available in the market today: ready-made and a made-to-order shade sails. Ready-made shade sails are those that have been previously designed and cut to specific dimensions. They usually feature a high percentage of UV ray protection, high quality shade mesh, perimeter webbing, reinforced corner rings, and double rows of locking stitch. They are ideal for residences and areas with common measurements. Depending on the size and materials used, ready-made shade sails usually cost $100 to over $300.

Made-to-order shade sails are customized shade sails. They are designed according to the customer's choice and preference in color, size, shape, design, materials, style, and other features. They are ideal for special applications or areas with unique measurements. Similar to ready-made shade sails, made-to-order shade sails also feature a high percentage of UV ray protection. They can be made from quality fabrics according to the choice of the customer such as shade mesh, shade cloth, canvas, architectural grade PVC, and other fabrics. They also feature perimeter webbing, reinforced corner rings, and double rows of locking stitch. Made-to-order shade sails are generally more expensive than ready-made sails, and they require a waiting time of a couple of days or weeks before they can used.

• 21/05/2009 Things to consider before purchasing a shade sail

  Things to consider before purchasing a shade sail

  Purchasing a shade sail should not be done impulsively. There are many things to consider before purchasing one like the ones listed below:

  General considerations

  1.Location. The main thing to consider before buying a shade sail is the location where it is going to be installed. Consider the size of the area and determine if it is large enough to accommodate a shade sail. Find out where the sun rises and sets in that area so you can position your shade sail properly. Make sure there are nearby trees or posts where it can be anchored. It is important to consider these factors because it can turn out that what you need is not a shade sail but something smaller and less permanent like a patio umbrella.

  2.Fixing points. Make sure that your desired installation site is surrounded by at least three or four strong and stable fixing points. These fixing points can be trees, fence or metal posts, and fascias. It would be impossible to install a shade sail without them.

  3.Building permit. Prior to purchasing and installing your shade sail, check if there are any existing building regulations--like getting a building permit--that you should follow. If there are, then make sure to complete the requirements right away. You can ask your local government authorities about these regulations.

  4.Budget. If you have a limited budget, get a ready-made do-it-yourself (DIY) shade sail. You do not have to hire and pay extra for a professional to install it because you can do it by yourself. But if money is not a problem, then go ahead and buy a custom-made shade sail and have it professionally installed.

  Features to look for in a shade sail

  Aside from the location, you also have to consider the features you want to have for your shade sail before buying one.

  1.Size and shap. Choose a shade sail with a size and shape that can accommodate the area you want to cover. Before buying one, make sure that you have already measured the areas A ready-made shade sail usually comes in the shape and size of typical areas. If you think your outdoor area is unique, get a custom-designed shade sail for it.

  2.UV-ray protection. Make sure your shade sail is made with a fabric treated with a high percentage of protection against the sun's harmful UV radiation. The best models can provide up to 98% protection. This type of shade sail allows the circulation of cool air under the area covered and gives the people using it protection from sunburn and skin cancer.

  3.Quality materials. Look for a shade sail made of heavy-duty and high-quality materials to make sure it can withstand the wear and tear caused by heat, rain, and wind. Also, choose one that is waterproof, mold-and dirt-resistant, and fire retardant.

• 21/05/2009 Benefits of shade sails

  Shade sails are water-resistant semi-permanent structures that provide protection from the sun. They are now popularly used by many homeowners and business owners in many parts of the world because of the advantages they provide.

  The applications of shade sails

  Shade sails can be used in a number of residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They are used to cover outdoor areas where people usually hang out. They are popularly used in outdoor home areas such as backyards, patios, verandas, barbecue areas, poolsides, and landings. They are also ideal in public places such as parks, playgrounds, preschool areas, rotundas, and amphitheaters. Many recreational areas also take advantage of the benefits of shade sails including golf clubs, sport courts, resorts, and country clubs. Yachts and large ships also make use of shade sails to cover and protect their passengers from the sun.

  Protection from the sun

  Shade sails are designed to cover outdoor areas and protect people from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. The best shade sails offer up to 98% UV protection. With shade sails, almost no harmful solar element can penetrate and damage the skin even on the hottest time of the day. Using shade sails protect people from getting sunburn and skin cancer.

  Aside from turning away the UV rays and the hotness of the sun, shade sails also provide ventilation. They are made of breathable materials that allow cool air to circulate in the area they are covering. Shade sails usually provide more than 15 degrees of cool atmosphere than ordinary steel roofs can.

  Resistance from water

  One other benefit of shade sails is that they provide dry outdoor areas even when raining. Most models are waterproof so no amount of water can ever seep through the cover. The cables and wirings used in the shade sales are made of stainless steel. They would not rust or corrode even when they get wet.

  Semi-permanence of shade sails

  Unlike roofs, shade sails are not permanently installed. They can be set up whenever there is a need to and taken down when they are not needed anymore. Shade sails are not designed to withstand wind storms and other extreme weather conditions. In case these conditions occur, the shade sails can easily be taken down to protect them from being damaged, and then set them up again when the weather gets better.

  Aesthetic value

  Shade sails add aesthetic value to the areas they cover. With the right design, they can make gardens, patios, and verandas more appealing and welcoming. Shade sails come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, designs, and fabrics that can complement any outdoor area. They can also be customized by experts and professional designers to meet the customers' preferences.

• 21/05/2009 Shade Sails – The Drawbacks

  Shade Sails – The Drawbacks

  Despite the many advantages offered by shade sails, they also have drawbacks. However, do not be easily discouraged from buying one. The disadvantages of shades sails have minimal effect on their usefulness.

  Some shade sails sag in the middle

  If your shade sail is not properly installed, it would most likely sag in the middle. If this happens, your shade sail would not be able to provide you with maximum protection from the sun, wind, and rain. A sagging shade sail also tends to accumulate water, leaves, bird's nest, and other foreign materials. It can fall apart when it becomes heavy.

  A shade sail made of cloth is usually prone to this disadvantage. If your sail is made from this material, make sure it id waterproof, has sufficient pitch, and makes use of stainless steel cables. A shade sail should have at least one meter of pitch so that water can spill over the side when it rains. Stainless steel cables, on the other hand, can help stop the shade sail from excessively sagging under its own weight. They are often used for large shade sails. Stainless Steel cables provide enough adjustment especially when the cloth material stretches with age.

  With the right design, appropriate choice of material, and right installation, your shade sail should not sag no matter what the condition is.

  Most shade sails cannot withstand severe wind storms

  A shade sail is designed to bear up against the sun, rain, and wind. However, most shade sails cannot endure the severity of wind storms and other extreme weather conditions. A wind storm can easily damage, tear apart, and break down a shade sail. It doesn’t matter how securely tied it is to posts or trees because such an extreme weather condition can still destroy it.

  To avoid this problem, choose a shade sail designed for quick and easy removal, so that whenever a windstorm, cyclone, or any destructive weather condition should happen, you can easily uninstall it. This type of shade sail is lightweight, small, and measuring less than 500 square meters.

  Other drawbacks of shade sails

  Some shade sails are not fire retardant. They can easily burn and cause fire to quickly spread to the house or nearby establishments. These sails are not suitable for commercial building use.

  Most cheap shade sails are susceptible to abrasions, tears, and scratches. It is recommended to buy a more expensive shade sail so you would be assured of its durability and quality.

  In areas without surrounding posts or trees, it is difficult to install a triangular or square shade sail. A triangular shade sail needs at least three existing structures, while a square or rectangular shade sail requires at least four existing structures before it can be installed and used properly.

• 21/05/2009 Shade Sail Installation

  Shade Sail Installation

  Installing a shade sail is more than just anchoring it to several fixing points. It requires doing a number of essential steps to ensure its proper installation. Below is a list of steps you should follow to install a shade sail properly in a particular area:

  1. Measure the area you intend to cover with a shade sail. Measure its sides and diagonals to help you determine which type of shade sail you should purchase and install.

  2. Before installation, read the instructional manual that comes with the DIY shade sail. For any questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to contact your shade sail dealer. Ask for guidance and, if necessary, have a professional come by your place to give you a hand. Remember that this service does not come for free.

  3. Consider the height and the direction of the sun to help you identify how high your shade sail should be. Also, make sure that there are nearby existing fixing points like posts and trees where the shade sail can be anchored at such a height. Ensure than these points are stable and strong enough to hold your shade sail.

  4. If there are no existing or available fixing points, you can make some from steel or treated timber. These fixing points are ideal for particularly large shade sails. The artificial posts should have lengths that correspond to the depth of the footings and the height of your shade sail.
  
  5. You need to have three fixing points if you want to install a triangular shade sail. For a square or rectangular shade sail, you need to have four fixing points. When anchoring your shade sail, stretch all the corner points tightly between the fixing points. Make sure that the posts are positioned to lean away from the shade sail to reduce the strain from the highly-tensioned fabric.

  6. If you intend to use the fascia or the edge of your house roof as a fixing point for your shade sail, make sure it is properly secured to your house. For more stability, affix your shade sail to the main structure of your house.

  7. Allow shade sail curvature to maintain its stability. To achieve this, pull the shade sail tautly and slightly twist it, anchoring each pair of diagonally opposite corners at different heights. The shade sail's curvature and uneven placement provide greater stability against strong winds and other environmental pressures. A flat shade sail tends to hold water, causing it to be weighted and compromising its stability.

  8. Seek assistance from other people when you have to remove your shade sail in the winter or in an event of a cyclone. A shade sail is designed for easy installation and removal, but it is still best to have somebody help you uninstall it to prevent it from being damaged. Follow these steps again when you have to reinstall your shade sail to ensure proper installation.

• 21/05/2009 Do-It-Yourself shade sails

  Do-It-Yourself shade sails

  Do-It-Yourself (DIY) shade sails are ready-made products that come with instructional guides so you can set up and install shade sails all by yourself. They are usually less expensive than custom-made shade sails since you do not have to pay more for the services of professional installers and designers.

  Advantages of DIY shade sails

  1. Most DIY shade sails come with a 10-year warranty. They are treated to withstand the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, other sun damage, rain, and general outdoor use.

  2. With DIY shade sails, you can save a lot of money by not hiring trained installers.

  3. You can test or practice your handyman skills with DIY shade sails.
  
  4. Setting up DIY shade sails with your friends or family can be a great bonding session for everyone.

  5. There is nothing more fulfilling than setting up your shade sails successfully. Most DIY shade sail customers say that one of the greatest rewards brought by installing DIY sails is the feeling of accomplishment after every successful installation.

  Features of DIY shade sails

  DIY shade sails are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to match different outdoor areas. Rectangular shade sails measuring eight feet long and six feet wide are good covers for backyards, while square shade sails measuring six feet on all sides are ideal for patios and decks.

  All DIY shade sails are made and designed by professional and experienced shade sail makers. Most DIY shade sails are made with double-stitch locked hems that protect them from wearing and fraying. They also come with reinforced corners that can hold up to the greatest tension and stress.

  Most DIY shade sails use rust-resistant stainless steel rings to protect the bolted points of the shade sails to the frames. Most models even have stainless steel rope running through the hems to ensure even tension distribution, greater stability, and wind resistance all throughout the shade sails.

  All DIY shade sails offer maximum sun protection that can resist almost 98% of UV radiation, quick and easy installation, minimum maintenance, attractive designs, and long-term quality. They are ideal for many outdoor areas such as patios, verandas, gardens, playgrounds, car parks, sporting venues, parks, swimming pools, and resorts.

  Some considerations on installing DIY shade sails

  Choosing the perfect location is the first and most important step when installing shade sails.
  If you plan to install them in your garden, consider the size and shape of your shade sails and where the sun rises and sets so you can position them better. Make sure there are existing structures where the shade sails can be anchored. If not, then check if your garden has enough space where fixing posts can be inserted.

  DIY shade sails are great fun, cheaper than customized shade sails, and worth well worth the effort of installing them yourself.

• 21/05/2009 Shade sail design ideas

  Shade sail design ideas

  Shade sails come in a wide variety of designs according to shape, size, color, material used, and style. You can choose from ready-made or customized shade sails. To help you decide on the type of shade sail to get, consider the following factors:

  Shapes and sizes

  While shade sails are available in different shapes and dimensions, they are often customized to perfectly match the area to be covered. A domestic installation usually makes use of a triangular or rectangular shade sail. A triangular shade sail is attractive, and it can be used to accent your garden area. But if you want a shade sail that can cover a larger area, get a rectangular shade sail instead.

  Ready-made and customized shade sails are available in different dimensions. The smallest shade sail measures three meters in length and three meters in width. A large shade sail usually measures eight meters in length and five meters in width or larger. A rectangular shade sail measuring five meters in width and eight meters in length is ideal for a spacious yard, while a shade sail measuring six meters in length and six meters in width is perfect for a patio.

  When installed, shade sails are still farther stretched between several fixing points, making their actual sizes vary. The stretching is done to ensure that water or leaves would not be trapped in the center of the shade sails. Most designers give their shade sails distinctive twisted shapes by accentuating the difference between the low and high diagonal fixing points.

  Styles

  The best and most common style in installing shade sails is giving the corners of the shade sails a significant difference in height. One corner should be much higher than the other. This style gives the shade sales a more striking look and provides an angle that offers more protection from the sun, rain, and wind.

  Another popular installation style for shade sails is the overlapping effect. This is done by installing a series of shade sails to form an overlapping effect. This installation design provides a dramatic sculpted look. It also provides more protection and cover from flying debris compared to installing a single shade sail.

  Materials used and colors

  Most shade sails are made of woven mesh shade cloth that can block out at least 90% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This material is also effective in partially resisting water to keep it from penetrating the shade sail. However, if you want complete water resistance, get a shade sail made of PVC vinyl material. It should be made as a whole piece to ensure its durability and strength. A shade sail made up of pieces of cloth material stitched together does not offer much sturdiness.

  The shade sail colors are more than just for design or style. They also affect the penetration of light and heat through the shade sails. Dark-colored shade sails tend to absorb the dominant temperature in the surroundings, while light-colored shade sails reject the dominant temperature. If the temperature is very hot, a black shade sail produces an even hotter environment, while a white shade sail lowers the temperature down. On the other hand, if the temperature is cold, a black shade sail produces an even colder environment, while a white shade sail produces a warmer one.

• 21/05/2009 Shade sail fabrics

  Shade sail fabrics

  Aside from color, size, shape, and style, shade sails also come in different types of fabrics. Each shade sail fabric has its own benefits and drawbacks that determine the price and performance of shade sails.

  Shade cloth

  Shade cloth is a soft and light fabric used for shade sails. It is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) filament that absorbs light, fluids, and wind. It offers 50% to more than 95% ultraviolet (UV) radiation protection. Most shade sails made of shade cloth also have UV stabilizers that make them resistant to UV degradation. Depending on the frequency of their use and the period of direct exposure to sunlight, shade sails made of shade cloth can last from five to 10 years. Exposure to harsh and corrosive gases and chemicals, however, can reduce their years of service.
  
  The major advantage of using shade cloth for shade sails is that is has a lightweight construction that allows easy handling and easy installation and removal. Shade cloth also has the ability to absorb heat and dissipate it through the entire fabric, keeping the area it covers cool and well-ventilated. Its inexpensive price makes shade sails made of shade cloth popular among the consumers. Shade sails made of shade cloth are ideal for swimming pools, car yards, car parks, and playgrounds.

  Despite its advantages, shade cloth also has its drawbacks. It is susceptible to abrasions, stretching over time, sagging due to rainwater accumulation, and dye fading. Shade cloth is also not fire-retardant. Its seams and binding need to be re-sewn at least once during its lifetime.

  Micro perforated PVC

  Micro perforated PVC is made of polyester and woven and coated with vinyl resins. It has additives like UV stabilizers, dirt resistant coatings, and fire retardant treatments. Micro perforated PVC is a more attractive alternative to shade cloth as it comes in a wide variety of bright pastel colors. It offers the same cooling properties of shade cloth. Most shade sails made of micro perforated PVC are waterproof with seams and binding sturdily welded together. They are virtually maintenance-free and can last from six to 12 years. They are ideal for swimming pools, resorts, entertaining areas, and outdoor cafés and restaurants where shade sails with quality finishes are usually required.

  Micro perforated PVC is a good fabric for shade sails, but it is susceptible to abrasions. It is also more expensive than shade cloth.

  PVC composite membrane

  PVC composite membrane is another fabric used for shade sails. It is also made of polyester woven and coated with vinyl resins. High-quality PVC composite membrane is waterproof. It contains additives like UV stabilizers, dirt-resistant coatings, fire retardant treatments, and environment protection coating that enhance the performance and quality of shade sails. The exceptional strength of its high-tenacity polyester fibers give shade sails considerable tension. Shade sails made of PVC composite membrane are popularly used in sporting venues, car parks, car sale yards, car ports, awnings, walkways, and outdoor cafés and restaurants because of the all-weather, all-year-round protection they provide.

  The disadvantages of using PVC composite membrane for shade sails are susceptibility to abrasions, expensive cost, and its need for structural engineering.

• 21/05/2009 Shade Sail Maintenance

  Shade Sail Maintenance

  To maximize the performance of your shade sail, it is very important to care for it and maintain it well. Here are some pointers on how to properly care for your shade sail:

  1.Check every so often if your shade sail is still installed properly. Make sure that your shade sail canopy is always always pulled tight and firm to lessen wind flaps. If you are unsure of its installation, seek the assistance of a professional shade sail installer.

  2.The the time to clean your shade sail canopy whenever it gets dirty. Do not use harsh chemicals, agricultural chemicals, and substances that contain bleach, sulfur, or halogens to clean it. These chemicals can destroy your shade sail's UV stabilizers, reducing its life and negating the warranty.

  3.When cleaning your shade sail, use only a mild dish washing liquid and a low-pressure water hose. Gently scrub it using a soft scrubbing brush. Avoid using high-pressure water to blast your shade sail clean because it can damage it severely. Also, be careful with what you use to clean your shade sail. Avoid using cleaning agents with pesticide components, metal salts, and metal oxides, because they can react unfavorably with your shade sail.

  4.Avoid exposing your shade sail to petrol, oils, and other forms of gas. They can cause your sail to light up and start a fire.

  5.Depending on your preference, you may or may not remove your shade sail in the winter. If you do intend to remove it and store it for a while, seek the assistance of another person when you remove it. A shade sail is designed for easy installation and removal, but you need someone to help you remove it to prevent it from being damaged in the process. Encase your shade sail in a protective container bag and store it in a cool, dry place away from ants, rats, and other small creatures that can bite at and tear your shade sail apart.

  6.Give your shade sail a thorough cleaning once a year. Rainwater can keep it clean for the most time; but the accumulation of dirt, pollution, and dried leaves can seep through the mesh. The cold and moisture of the winter months can also cause the build up of mold and mildew on its surface. Use a low-pressure water blaster and a mild detergent when cleaning your shade sail, and avoid using industrial cleaning agents such as acids, abrasives, and alkaline cleaners.

  7.Do not use the washing machine to clean your shade sail, and do not put it in the dryer to dry it. Doing so causes the fabric of your shade sail to break down easily.

  8.When reinstalling your shade sail, make sure it is properly tensioned to ensure its stability. If you are uncertain about this, contact a professional installer to help you set up your shade sail.

• 21/05/2009 Shade Sail Repairs

  Shade Sail Repairs

  Since it is exposed to many environmental factors such as heat, water, rain, and wind, your shade sail is susceptible to damage. Over time, its fabric can deteriorate and its color can fade. However, it is quite impractical to replace your shade sail every time it gets scratched or torn. To fix your damaged shade sail and bring back its quality and natural look, you can bring it to your shade sail dealer and have it repaired, or you can do the repairs yourself.

  What damages shade sails?

  1.If your shade sail is not installed properly or does not have the right curvature, it would most likely sag in the middle. The accumulation of rainwater, fallen leaves and tree branches, and birds' nests and droppings can cause it to sag. If the weight in the middle of your sail becomes heavy enough, it may not be able to hold it and break down completely.

  2.Fire can greatly damage your shade sail because it is made up of an inflammable fabric. Little burns can still be fixed, but extensive burns are difficult to repair, so you may have to replace your shade sail.

  3.A shade sail is not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, severe typhoons, and windstorms. These natural calamities can damage or tear your shade sail apart. This is the reason why most shade sail manufacturers advice consumers to remove their shade sails temporarily whenever these destructive weather conditions are likely to happen.

  Repairing shade sails

  1.Little cuts and holes in the fabric of your shade sail can be easily repaired by patching them up. Make sure that the fabric you are going to use to patch up the holes is the same as the original fabric so that it can offer the same quality of protection. You can buy shade sail fabrics from your dealer.

  2.If the rope that anchors your shade sail to its fixing point gets cut, you can remedy this by tying the two ends together tightly to form one rope again. However, if you want to ensure your shade sail's durability and stability, you can just replace the rope with a new one. A stainless steel rope is not likely to be cut, but when it does, it is quite difficult to fix. It is more practical to buy a replacement for it than have it fixed.

  Shade sail warranty information

  Most shade sail manufacturers and suppliers offer a limited time warranty for their products. Ordinary shade sails have a warranty of up to five years, while the high-quality and expensive models have a warranty of 10 to 15 years. If your shade sail gets damaged, you can take advantage of this warranty that includes the replacement or repair of substandard materials or faulty workmanship like stitching. The damages not covered by the warranty are those caused by extreme weather conditions and intentional acts.

• 21/05/2009 shade design trends

  Designing The Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Room

  An outdoor-indoor room should be easy to reach, comfortable to use and should look and feel like its part of the house. You might think that Indoor-outdoor rooms are just the latest craze, but they’ve really been a feature of the outback home for close to a couple of centuries.

  Even in its most rudimentary form, the verandah found its place as an extended living room. It was a shaded, sheltered place that became the obvious place to sit with a cup of tea in the morning or a beer after a long, hot day’s work. Some verandahs were made more substantial by the addition of blinds made of timber or fabric that could be pulled down when extra privacy or sun protection were called for. It can be said thus, that indoor-outdoor rooms are about casual living. They’re adaptable, comfortable spaces that look, work and feel different to a conventional, interior room.

  If you are thinking about converting a space into an indoor-outdoor room, you should consider these three main things.

  1. Access

  If the entry point from the interior space to the indoor-outdoor space is broad enough, the combined rooms may well read as a single volume. This will make your house look and feel bigger. It will also encourage you and your family to think of the indoor-outdoor room as thoroughly livable space.

  2. Continuity

  In a temperate climate, there’s no reason why an indoor-outdoor room can’t be used all year round. It doesn’t have to look like a conventional space, but it should feel like its part of the house.

  This kind of connection is most readily made by using building materials that can flow from the true interior into the indoor-outdoor room. Simply put, it’s a matter of coupling an internal wooden floor with an external timber deck, or an internal tiled floor with an external tiled floor.

  3. Comfort

  An indoor outdoor-room should be in touch with the elements. It should be possible to sit with the sun on your shoulders, or to lounge around catching a cool breeze. It must be comfortable…The challenge is to source furnishings that will tolerate the exposure of the space yet feel as welcoming as the three-piece lounge in the living room. Conventional outdoor furniture promises durability, but can’t always be described as comfortable. The simplest strategy is to supplement those hard chairs and benches with loads of cushions. To make the space even cozier, choose armchairs and lounges made from timber or wicker, which incorporate seat cushions and back cushions.

  Indoor-Outdoor Room Design Ideas

  ## Think about outdoor cafes that offer comfortable year round dining and you get the idea. Simply enclose your verandah or pergola with a product similar to your local bistro blind and viola! There you have it! Made from heavy duty PVC products, these shade blinds are affordable, and attractive.

  ## Roller shutters provide privacy and reduce glare. When fully closed, with windows opened inside, air can pass gently through the stutters and into the room. For more information on window blinds, rollers & shutters, visit the Window Blinds Guide.

  ## Retractable awnings add to the element of indoor outdoor protection for decks and garden rooms. Folding arm awnings provide shelter for patios and decks. They can be pitched from 0 to 35 degrees, have corrosion-resistant, spring tensioned arms and have a wind-lock mechanism for stability in bad weather. For more information please visit the Awnings Guide.

  ## Many owners prefer a waterproof shade structure as opposed to the conventional shade sail. Waterproof shade structures can be custom-designed and manufactured to suit your needs. Using only the highest grade materials, such as marine grade high polish stainless steels and Ferrari vinyl. The result is an attractive and functional outdoor area.