Shade sails are surely a valuable addition to any outdoor space, be it residential or commercial. They can create an ambiance and enhance the feel of an otherwise not-so-special location. However, to make sure that the outdoor sitting area continues to please you and your visitors, you have to keep an eye on its maintenance.
Shade sails are shade structures that are installed in outdoor spaces to create operational and functional sitting spaces. However, it should not be forgotten that they are constantly exposed to natural elements, and therefore, their regular maintenance is extremely important. The following maintenance tips will help you take better care of your shade sails.
1. Regular Structure Checks
Shade sails consist of a fabric secured to posts or poles. Fabric is not a stiff structure, and therefore, it will always move around with the wind. The constant movement may result in the fabric attachment loosening or even weakening if the winds are fairly strong. If you do not get regular maintenance of your shade sails done, you may not know even that the sail fabric has turned loose and it may result in the shade sails collapsing. Regular maintenance checks will ensure that such accidents do not occur.
2. Repair Shade Sails After Strong Wind Events
As mentioned above, wind can result in the shade sails losing tension. The chances of this happening increase several folds after bouts of strong winds. Proper maintenance of shade sails after such events will ensure that all the problems, if any, are brought to the surface and repaired right away. This way, not only will your shade sails last a long time, but the shade structures will continue to be safe for you.
3. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
Overhanging tree branches can cause soiling of the shade sails or even result in wear and tear of the shade sail fabric. Trimming these overhanging tree branches will prevent any such damage and wear and tear to the shade sails.
4. Surveillance Cameras
If you’ve installed shade sails in a commercial setting, your shade sails will be more prone to damage. People may leave behind cigarette burns and other such damages that reduce the lifespan of your shade structures. To prolong the lifespan of these structures, you should consider installing surveillance cameras so that you can stop anyone from carrying out any activity that may cause damage to shade sails.
5. Maintain a Photographic Record
Maintaining a photographic record of your shade sails after every inspection will help the inspection team compare the shade sails with the last time they were inspected. This will allow them to identify any changes or signs of damage that they may not have noticed otherwise.
Summary
Regular maintenance of shade sails ensures that they last for a long time. Some of the tips that will help you prolong their lifespan are getting them inspected regularly, getting them repaired after strong wind events, trim overhanging branches, install surveillance cameras to keep people from damaging the shade sails, and trying to maintain a photographic inspection record.