British Blind & Shutter Association

Tensioned shade sails are an exciting alternative to fitted blinds for lanterns, roof lights and conservatory roofs. The sails can be made from conventional materials such as canvas or acrylics or from new stretch lycra-blended materials that make the sails easier to fit, remove and wash.

Shade sails made from conventional materials like canvas and acrylics can be made with straight edges to provide near total coverage. The high density of the material also offers the maximum reduction in light levels but is still unsuitable for a black-out type requirement. It can also be difficult to tension such sails well and they are often left draped.

Adding curves to the edges of canvas shade sails allows the sails to be tensioned but reduces coverage. The fittings must be well anchored to allow the sail to be pulled taut. The location of the fittings is important if you are looking for a wrinkle free finish with conventional fabrics. The best results are achieved by having the sails made to fit the position of the fittings rather than installing the fittings to suit the sail. Canvas shade sails offer a number of attractive aesthetics and are relatively easy to remove and clean.

Shade sails made from stretch materials are much easier to install because the sail actually adapts to fit the fixing points, providing a taut, smooth surface. Because the sail self-tensions, the loads are lower and the fittings can be much smaller. This type of shade sail is always tensioned and has curved edges that contribute to a distinctive, sculptural aesthetic. Typically coverage in conservatories is around 80%. However, sails can also be used to great effect when they provide only partial coverage, to shade, for example, only a south facing aspect or to create a dramatic focal point.

The stretch fabrics also have a much lighter weave and are translucent, as a result they tend to diffuse rather than block natural light. The best fabrics can eliminate glare while still maintaining good light levels on overcast days. Multiple overlapping sails provide a combination of direct and diffuse light and on sunny days this creates pools of light and shadow that move with the sun to create a very natural, outdoor feel.

The use of stretch fabrics produces a sail that is very easy to install or remove and one that can be cleaned in a domestic washing machine. The addition of a self-tensioning edge further increases the versatility of this type of shade sail by allowing a single sail to match a wide range of sizes.

Tensile structures are also known as; Shade sails, fixed shade sails.

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Tensile Structures

Tensioned shade sails are an exciting alternative to fitted blinds for lanterns, roof lights and conservatory roofs. The sails can be made from conventional materials such as canvas or acrylics or from new stretch lycra-blended materials that make the sails easier to fit, remove and wash.