Our shade sails can withstand windy conditions, hail, and other adverse weather effects without tearing or puncturing. However, they must fit into many triangular and irregularly shaped front and back yards, so we make them in personalized sizes for many clients. Knowing which kind of custom shade sail to buy can be challenging, often requiring a detailed discussion with landscaping consultants.

Here are a few tips to help you determine the size of shade sail you’ll need for your yard from our experienced specialists. For more information about personalizing your unit, see our contact details below.

Choosing the Best Shade Sail Size for Outdoor Living

If you want to get the right-sized shade sail, you’ll have to have an understanding of the area you want to cover.

Measuring Your Cover for a Standard Backyard

Shade sails can cover a broad range of outdoor living spaces. We make models for dining areas, poolside decks, and even hydroponic gardens at Van Nuys Awning Co. Determining the sail size that would fit your yard starts by understanding the location and the environmental challenges it presents.

Real estate laws can be complex in Los Angeles, and some homeowners’ associations do not allow members to add trees, poles, or external structures that can serve as attachment points for a new shade sail.

If you can find support points for your sail, half your work is done. It can be lamp posts, veranda pillars, or anything that could help your custom shade sail or window covering withstand windy conditions without collapsing. Mark down these attachment points to learn the measurements of your customized order.

Smaller shade sails are more aerodynamic and will impose lesser forces on their attachment points. Larger ones will require sturdier adhesives and pillars. Shade sails must be stretched and taut regardless of their sizes so they don’t become catch basins for rainwater during wet seasons.

When answering a question like “What size shade sail do I need?” specialists recommend specifying backyard dimensions and distances between sail attachment points to create a perfect fit.

Measuring the Dimensions of a Square or Triangular Shade Sail

Learning the requisite dimensions for a rectangular or square shade sail entails running a tape measure from attachment point A to B, then B to C. Triangular shade sails require measurements from point A to B, then B to C, then finally, C to A.

Contact a Professional Today

Learn more about the answers to questions like “What size shade sail do I need?” or “What material works best for my climate?” by viewing a guide to shade sails. You can also call the Van Nuys Awning Co. hotline at (818) 782-8607 for a free consultation.

This blog explains everything you need to know about sun shade sails, including whether they are waterproof or not. Read on. 

What Are Shade Sails?

A shade sail is a large fabric canopy suspended in the air to provide shade to an outdoor area. It is a cost-effective option for enjoying an outdoor space without worrying about the scorching sun. It can effectively block UV rays and keep your outdoor area at least 10 degrees cooler. 

 Sun shade sails come in various colors and shapes, including square, rectangular, or triangular shade sails. It is advisable to go for lighter-colored shade sails as they are more effective at blocking UV rays. 

Sun shade sails have durable stainless steel rings at each corner, making them easy to set up by attaching them to any sturdy connection point. You can use a shade sail on your patio, deck, play area, pool, pergola, or even as a car canopy. 

Standard vs. Waterproof Shade Sails

There are two primary types of shade sails:

• Standard shade sails
• Waterproof shade sails

Regular or standard sun shade sails are not waterproof. Manufacturers use a porous fabric that allows the water to run through. In other words, everything under a standard shade sail will get wet as soon as it rains. 

Manufacturers started developing waterproof sun shade sails due to an increased demand for an all-weather solution. They often use a waterproof PVC fabric to make waterproof shade sails. The fabric is a composite of woven polyester yarn with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating on both sides.

This PVC coating serves as a protective weather barrier. Waterproof shade sails also include plasticizers to enhance the fabric’s flexibility. PVC fabrics are also durable and can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. 

Besides protecting you from the sun, waterproof sun shade sails will keep the area beneath them dry when it rains. That means you can enjoy your outdoor space throughout the year, no matter the weather conditions. 

You can use a waterproof sun shade sail for any purpose around your home. However, these shade sails are ideal for walkways, residential carports, and commercial car parks, allowing you to get to and from your destination without worrying about getting wet. 

Conclusion

Sun shade sails are a cost-effective solution for providing sun protection over your outdoor spaces. A shade sail can be standard or waterproof, depending on the material used in making them. Waterproof shade sails are ideal for keeping your outdoor area dry even when it rains.

If you are looking for high-quality waterproof shade sails, contact Van Nuys Awning Co, Los Angeles’ leading supplier of shade products. Call us today at (818) 782-8607 whether you need a rectangle, square, or triangle shade sail in Los Angeles, CA or the Tri-County area of southern california.

The average cost per square foot for a patio cover is about $35.15. The actual price varies significantly depending on different factors, including material, style, and size. This blog post takes a deeper look at the cost of building a patio cover. 

Cost To Build a Patio Cover by Material

Like roof systems, the material type is a major factor influencing a patio cover building cost. Wood is often more expensive than aluminum, while steel is more expensive than wood. Below are the rough prices ranges for various patio covers depending on material (reach out to get an exact cost on your patio cover!):

• Retractable style canvas patio covers: $1,884 to $3,914
• Aluminum lattice patio covers: $3,080 to $4,744
• Insulated aluminum roof patio covers: $6,451 to  $8,269
• Non-insulated aluminum roof patio covers: $5,052 to $7,028
• Wooden lattice patio covers: $7,709 to $12,429
• Wood roof patio covers: $10,500 to $18,900
• Solid roof vinyl-clad patio covers: $2,520 to $6,020
• Lattice vinyl-clad patio covers: $3,080 to $6,090

If you are unsure about the material you want, an experienced professional can evaluate your needs and recommend the best choice for your patio cover. 

Cost To Build a Patio Cover by Type

There are different types of patio covers, and they all don’t cost the same. 

Permanent Patio Cover

A permanent patio cover is an excellent option if you live in an area prone to extreme weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snow. These patio covers are almost unbreakable, thanks to their galvanized steel and multilayer polycarbonate construction. Depending on the size, you should expect to pay at least $1,500 for a permanent patio cover. 

Sun Shade Sail Canopy

If you are a minimalist looking for cost-effective sun protection in your patio area, a sun shade sail canopy is ideal. Sunshade sails can cost as little as $50. However, you will need a separate budget for posts. 

Retractable Awnings

You can add beauty and functionality to your patio area by attaching a retractable awning. Awnings range in price from $100 to $450, depending on the size. You might want to choose a polycarbonate awning as it offers sturdy protection from the rain.

Patio Cover Installation Cost 

When considering the cost of a patio cover, you should also consider the installation cost. While you can opt for a DIY patio cover, it is best to work with a professional to achieve the best results. Additional accessories like ceiling fans and lighting will add to the construction cost. 

Conclusion

Installing a patio cover is an excellent way to provide shade in your yard come rain or shine. The knowledgeable team at Van Nuys Awning Co. is always ready to help if you need more information about building a patio cover. 

Contact Van Nuys Awning Co. at (818) 782-8607 for all your patio cover needs in Los Angeles, CA.

If you want to ensure you get the value of your investment in shade sails, you can take some effective measures.

1. Install the Shade Sail Correctly

The life of shade sails depends on the correct installation. The installation process determines how well the shade sails move with the wind and how long they last.

If you get professional shade sails installers to install the shade sails for you, you will better prevent premature damage.

2. Schedule Professional Inspections Regularly

Most homeowners assume that regular inspections are not required. However, the truth is that shade sails need regular checks to prevent untimely damages. It is even better if you can build a regular maintenance routine around the inspections to address issues on time.

3. Create a Regular Cleaning Schedule

Like any other outdoor component of your home, shade sails also need regular cleaning. If you want to be able to maintain your shade sails and ensure they last as long as possible, you need to clean them regularly.

To clean your shade sails, you can start by removing all the debris on the shade sails using a blower. This step is significant in order to remove any dirt that may clog the pores of the sail.

After that, you can gently use a soft brush to remove any dirt or stains on the sails. Ensure to clean the shade sails regularly to keep the fabric or canvas clean and prevent the buildup of harmful microorganisms.

4. Know the Right Time to Remove Your Shade Sails

Many homeowners assume that shade sails are permanent fixtures in their homes. They fail to remove the shade sails when the wind season has ended, resulting in damage to the sails.

If you want to protect the shade sails from damage, you need to keep them in a safe and dry location when you are not using them.

5. Keep the Shade Sails Protected from Erosion

While using your shade sails, you need to make sure that they are protected from erosion. This is especially true for areas with sea air.

The right way to protect the shade sails from sea air is by applying a special anti-corrosive coating. This is a very effective method that allows you to protect the sails easily.

6. If Needed, Replace Your Shade Sails

Replacing your shade sails may be the only option if they are already worn out and can no longer provide you with the desired coverage. If your shade sails are already damaged and you have been procrastinating to replace them, you should do so as soon as possible.

Replacement is also a great idea to replace old and traditional shade sail designs with new ones.

Final Thoughts

Shade sails are a great investment, especially if you want to get the most out of your outdoor space. This is why you need to take care of your shade sails to make the most out of the investment. You can take the appropriate measures to ensure your shade sails last as long as possible.

For custom awnings, canopies, sail shades and more in Newbury Park, CA, check out Van Nuys Awning Co. We offer various ways to help residential and commercial properties provide shade at your property. Know the right shade covers for you by scheduling a free consultation today.