Both options are high-quality 100% Monofilament fabrics with UV protection and 15-year manufacturer’s warranty against UV degradation. The main difference is their density. While Commercial Grade Light is 340 grams per square meter, Commercial Grade Heavy is a heavier option with 374 GSM. Thus, our Commercial Grade Heavy is recommended for larger sails, usually spans from 25 ft to 40ft.

Yes, the color of your sailcloth shade can affect its functionality to a certain extent. Lighter colors tend to reflect sunlight and heat, keeping the shaded area cooler. These shades are ideal for hot climates or sun-intensive areas. On the other hand, darker shades might absorb more heat, making the shade area warmer.

Additionally, darker colored shades may fade more noticeably over time due to sun exposure. Therefore, it's important to consider your home’s geographical location and amount of sun exposure when choosing sailcloth shade colors.

All shade fabrics are UV stabilized and are warrantied against UV degradation.
We have found over the years that some of the more vibrant colours (cherry red, yellow, bright green) experience some fading after 4+ seasons of direct sunlight.
The paler neutral colours like white and natural can show the sediment that can collect from rainfall and become a darker shade (greyish usually).
Our darker and deeper colours like deep ochre, desert sand, navy blue, charcoal, rivergum, black, etc. experience very little sun fading and show very little staining.

High-quality shade sails come with engineered tensioning systems and robust anchorage, ensuring they remain stable even during heavy rain or wind conditions. Proper installation is key to maximizing their effectiveness as weather protection.

Check this video of Commercial Grade Heavy fabric performance in Cyclone Oswald.

All our fabrics provide water protection at a different levels. Without a doubt, the waterproof fabric provides a 100% protection from rain. You'd be able to read a newspaper under the Waterproof Shade Sail!

On the other side, the commercial light, heavy and dual fabrics allow water mist to go through them. With an easy example, this fabrics would not allow you to read a news paper but would prevent you from getting soaked.

Varying the height of the anchor points is the key to allow for a great run-off.

Ideally, for commercial grade light, heavy and dual we suggest a high amount of slope, a minimum of 30% between points. A large slope looks great, giving the appearance of multiple sails in some cases and also allows for water run-off. For example, for a 20ft sail, you could go 5-4ft difference between posts.

For waterproof, there can be no areas of waterpooling.  The rain has to be able run-off.  The hyperbolic shape is important where we are introducing a diagonal ridge.  Depending on the size of the shade sail there should be no less than 5' to 6' height differences between the low and high posts.  Also Dri-Z only has a 5 year UV warranty as opposed to normal shade cloth which has a 15 year UV warranty.  Dri-Z is shiny on the underside because of it's waterproof coating.

Usually, Shade Sails are attached to posts that are not designed for snow loading.

We highly recommend to take them down during the snowy winters. Failure to do so can severely damage your shade sail and posts/ attachment points. We strongly recommend taking your sails down before the first snowfall.

Any design is possible with our Shade Sails! However, flat sails tend to have number of problems that affect the longevity of the Shade Sail.

One issue with flat shade sails is their tendency to encourage pooling of water, which can lead to your fabric stretching and possibly tearing. With a triangular shade sail, it's impossible to twist the fabric meaning you can only fly your sail on a single plane. If you are flying triangle sails, we recommend varying your post heights to allow for water run-off. With quadrilateral, 5 and 6-point sails, by varying post heights you can twist the fabric giving the appearance of multiple triangular shade sails. Using a quadrilateral shade sail also allows for maximum coverage while still attaining an aesthetic look. A hyperbolic shape is attained by varying post heights on diagonally opposite corners. Not only does this create a spectacular look and reduce water run-off but this shape also performs the best in the wind.

Height variance is the difference in height between your attachment points, whether you're using posts or attaching to the side of an existing structure.

We consider height variance to be one of the most important factors when planning out your shade sail and the main reason we suggest quadrilateral sails over triangles. When all attachment points are the same height, the sail is flown flat and as well as not looking the best, creates a number of problems that affect the longevity of your shade sail. One issue with flat shade sails is their tendency to encourage pooling of water, which can lead to your fabric stretching and possibly tearing. With a triangular shade sail, it's impossible to twist the fabric meaning you can only fly your sail on a single plane. If you are flying triangle sails, we recommend varying your post heights to allow for water run-off. With quadrilateral, 5 and 6-point sails, by varying post heights you can twist the fabric giving the appearance of multiple triangular shade sails. Using a quadrilateral shade sail also allows for maximum coverage while still attaining an aesthetic look. A hyperbolic shape is attained by varying post heights on diagonally opposite corners. Not only does this create a spectacular look and reduce water run-off but this shape also performs the best in the wind.

To ensure your shade sail lasts for many years, it's essential to care for and maintain it properly. While our sails are made from fade-resistant, tear-resistant, and UV-stabilized materials, a little care goes a long way in preserving their beauty and functionality.

• Regular Cleaning: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the surface of your shade sail, potentially degrading the fabric over time. We recommend cleaning your sail at least twice a year with mild soap, water, and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers, as they can damage the UV coating.
• Proper Tensioning: Ensure your shade sail is installed with the correct tension. Over-tensioning can cause strain on the fabric and fixtures, while under-tensioning may lead to sagging and flapping in the wind. Both scenarios could shorten the lifespan of your sail.
• Inspect for Damage: Periodically check your shade sail for any signs of wear, such as tears, loosened stitches, or stretched areas. Addressing small issues promptly can prevent more significant damage down the line. We provide a 15-year warranty against UV degradation, but addressing wear early can help extend the sail's life even further.
• Seasonal Removal: In areas prone to severe weather, such as heavy snow or strong winds, we recommend removing your shade sail during the harshest months. This precaution can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

One of the standout features of our shade sails is their commitment to sustainability. Our Commercial Grade Light fabric is not only engineered for durability and UV protection, but it’s also 100% recyclable. This means that at the end of its lifespan, the material can be fully recycled, reducing its impact on the environment and contributing to a more sustainable future.

In addition to being recyclable, our shade sails also help reduce energy consumption. By providing ample shade in outdoor areas, they minimize the need for air conditioning in adjacent spaces, lowering energy usage and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing our recyclable shade sails means you’re not just investing in a high-quality product, but you’re also making an environmentally responsible choice.