Yes, shade sails are a good idea for businesses looking to cover their commercial premise and provide protection from harmful UV rays without the need to invest in construction. They are also cost-effective compared to other options, and as they are classed as a temporary structure, they don’t normally require planning permission.

Shade sails typically last between 8 and 10 years. The exact duration will depend on the fabrics, level of maintenance, as well as the weather. It is worth noting that cheaper alternatives not only don’t last as long, but may also not be able to provide proper protection from UV rays.

A properly installed and well maintained canopy using our Free Form technology should last easily up to 15 years. However, it is vital that the canopy remains tight at all times to avoid movement and fatigue, so it is advised to visually inspect the fittings regularly, especially after high winds.

The exact cost for installing a shade sail will vary depending on the size, material and colours. Other factors also play a role, such as limited site access or challenging surfaces.

Our CSI installation service covers the whole of the UK and beyond, but the cost depends on your locality to our base in West Sussex.  The cost also depends on the type of canopy and the number of corners, but you can get a free no-obligation quote for installation by filling out the questions on the following link https://www.sdsails.co.uk/bespoke-quotation-request-form/

Yes, shade sails are perfectly capable of holding up in the wind as long as they are installed properly. High-quality shade sails that have been installed correctly can withstand high winds, and it will take a lot of pressure.

When properly installed, SD Sails’ Free Form Canopies are specifically designed and guaranteed to be safe in winds up to 60mph, and because they have a built-in safety factor, we don’t expect any damage until well above that. However, not all shade sails are the same, so beware of any sail that advises you to take it down in ‘strong winds’ – this basically means they have no wind guarantee at all.

Yes, you can leave shade sails up all year, as long as they are properly installed and maintained periodically. Quality is also essential – high-quality shade sails can withstand high winds and remain in place all year round without any issue, while cheap fabrics may deteriorate faster.

All our Free Form fabrics are UV and weather resistant, so are more than capable of staying outdoors all year round, but it is important to be aware of potential wind and snow loads. If you are in an exposed area and intend on leaving your canopy in place all year round, it is advisable to go with our higher LC60 load case that guarantees the canopy up to 60mph of wind and 300mm of fresh snow.

Yes, you can leave shade sails up all year, as long as they are properly installed and maintained periodically. Quality is also essential – high-quality shade sails can withstand high winds and remain in place all year round without any issue, while cheap fabrics may deteriorate faster.

All our Free Form fabrics are UV and weather resistant, so are more than capable of staying outdoors all year round, but it is important to be aware of potential wind and snow loads. If you are in an exposed area and intend on leaving your canopy in place all year round, it is advisable to go with our higher LC60 load case that guarantees the canopy up to 60mph of wind and 300mm of fresh snow.

High tensile shade sails and canopies should be installed by a professional. Unfortunately, shade sail installation can lead to potentially complicated operations if you don’t know exactly what you are doing, and improper installation can also reduce the life of the shade sail.

Shade sails made by SD Sails are relatively straight-forward to install, but we advise discussing your plans with us first so we can advise on the best course of action. As all our canopies are made-to-order, we advise installing your fixing points first and then measuring up so we can make your canopy to fit. Installing a ready-made cheap sail off the internet may sound easy but getting the fixings in the right place so the pull is correct on all corners is near impossible, which is one of the reasons cheap sails never last.

Not all shade sails are waterproof by default. However, you can perfectly purchase a shade sail that uses waterproof fabrics, ideal for unpredictable weather especially in the UK.

As one of the best shade sails companies in the UK, SD Sails offers a large range of high quality, versatile shade waterproof fabrics, that come in different colours. Our Free Form Canopies are available in waterproof fabrics as well as shade only. However, if you want waterproof, it is important to plan your project well so we can achieve the tension and fall required to shed the rainwater effectively. It is always best to discuss your project with us before doing anything to ensure you get off on the right foot.