What Kind Of Steel Post For A Garden Sail?

Worried that installing your new Durashield product will be a task too big to manage? Don't fret – at Durashield we make installation easy. Simply follow the instructions below or use our handy guide and you will be relaxing in the shade in no time !

BUILDING APPROVAL
It is important to check prior to installation for any relevant building regulations with your local authorities (council).

SELECTING THE LOCATION
Before installing your shade product consider what your needs are. Factors which should be taken into account are:

Sun direction
Local wind conditions, speed and direction
Surrounding environment such as trees, location of barbecue, electrical/telephone cables, water pipes etc
Ability to install fixing points (ensure fixing points are structurally sound)
Size of the shade sail

SHADE SAIL CONSTRUCTIONS – STYLES

NOTE: It is important when deciding on the positioning of the shade sails lower points, that the slope of the fabric will allow good water run-off.

DETERMINING SUITABLE FIXING POINTS
After deciding on the location of your shade sail/s it is important to identify structurally suitable fixing points for sail corners. This stage is critical. Your shade sail is under significant tension as such fixing points need to be strong. If using existing fixtures, such as side facia or the roof of your house, be sure to check the structure carefully to ensure it can bear the load. If unsure about the most suitable fixing points obtain independent advice from a qualified builder or engineer. It is recommended that the fixing height be at least 2.4m.After identifying the most suitable fixing points, lay the shade sail out on the ground in the proposed position to confirm the positioning is workable. It is recommended to allow a minimum of 10% of the sail length between each fixing point and the corner D Rings for tensioning. Consider using Durashield stainless steel chain to reach certain fixing points.

UTILISING OF EXISTING SUPPORTS
If fixing your shade sail to a facia, it is strongly recommended to use a facia support. A facia support will reinforce the overhangs of rafters or trusses and provide a stronger connection between the two and improving the overall strength. Facia supports are available from your local hardware supplier.

UTILISING A TREE FOR FIXING
It is not recommended to use a tree for a shade sail fixing due to the overall strength required.

Timber Posts
For timber posts it is recommended to use treated timber with a minimum 125 diameter. It is advisable to lean posts at an angle of 5 degrees, sloping away from the centre of the shade sail. To ensure you obtain the appropriate class of timber for your region consult your local timber merchant.

Firm Ground
If installing your shade sail post on firm ground lay a 100mm (4″) depth of 20mm (3/4″) diameter gravel at the base of the post. Add concrete and position post at a 5 degree angle sloping away from the centre of the shade sails position.

Soft Ground
If installing your shade post into soft ground firstly pour a 100mm (4″) depth of concrete to set completely. Add a gravel bed, 100mm (4″) in depth. Position post and add the required amount of concrete. Position the post at a 5 degree angle, sloping away from the centre of the shade sails position.

CONCRETING
It is recommended to use concrete with a minimum of 20Mpa. Conditions vary for different environments, if unsure of the concrete type best suited to your area contact your local concrete supplier.Mix the concrete to the manufacturers instructions, these should be clearly labelled on the packet. Pour the concrete into the post footing hole on top of the gravel bed and pack well. The top of the concrete surface should be sloping away from the posts to assist with water drainage. Concrete should be left to set for 48 hours, bracing maybe required.

SHADE SAIL CONNECTION
Lay your shade sail out to commence installation. There is an extensive range of Durashield fixing accessories available to help you secure your shade sail. It is important to note that your shade sail will require at least two of the accessories to be tensioning devices. If required stainless steel chain can be used to extend your shade sail corner to a fixing point. Ensure that all accessories face towards the middle of the shade sail and are secure. Connect the shade sail to the fixing accessories, leave one of the tensioning fixing points to last for connection.