Standard Shade Sails vs Waterproof Shade Sails: We put them head to head

March 21st, 2018 · Published to Shade Sails

If you’ve considered getting a shade sail for your home or business, you’re certainly making a great choice! Shade sails are an affordable alternative to permanent shade structures, and they allow you to expand your outdoor living space. Moreover, they offer a great sense of visual appeal.

While shade sails are quite effective at blocking out the sun and providing shade, waterproof shade sails can block out the sun and rain as well. Both types of shade sails are incredibly popular in Australia, but which is best for you?

Which type should you choose – a standard shade sail or a waterproof one? Well, it all depends on your requirements, actually. As the owner of Global Shade, today I’ll offer you a brief comparison between our standard shade sails and our waterproof shade sails. So, read through to the end, and you’ll get a fair idea as to which is a better choice for you.

Standard Shade Sails

Our standard shade sails are manufactured using high density polyethylene shade fabrics. Depending on which fabric you choose, it can block out 95-97% of the sun’s UV rays. The fabrics are available in a choice of over 20 designer colours and can be custom manufactured to meet any size or shape requirements.

Our standard shade sails require low maintenance and can easily be cleaned with a pressure washer. These shade sails are also fire retardant and rated to meet Australian standards. Our standard shade sails have a working lifespan of over 15 years and come with a 10-year warranty.

They are ideal for use in a variety of applications where sun protection is the primary purpose. Carparks and schools are popular applications, along with other commercial and domestic ones across the Gold Coast.

Waterproof shade sails

Unlike our standard shade sails, we use PVC-coated fabrics that have a special waterproofing layer (PVDF) in our waterproof shade sails. This high-grade waterproof fabric blocks out 100% of the sun’s UV rays and makes them 100% waterproof. It comes in a choice of over 16 colours, and like our standard shade sails, we can also custom manufacture them to meet your size and shape requirements.

Our waterproof shade sails require almost no maintenance, as they self-clean in the rain. They can be made to be heat reflective or translucent, depending on the colour of the fabric. Our waterproof shade sails are also fire retardant, and they are rated to meet Australian standards. As with standard shade sails, waterproof shade sails also last over 15 years and are backed by a 10-year warranty.

Waterproof shade sails are ideal for use in any domestic or commercial application where all-weather protection is desired.

Still not sure if waterproof shade sails are for you? Read an earlier article, ‘6 reasons to invest in waterproof shade sails!’

Conclusion:

Shade sails are commonly available in two variants – standard shade sails and waterproof shade sails. While standard shade sails use high density polyethylene as the shade fabric, waterproof sails use PVC coated with PVDF. Both types are excellent at offering sun protection, but waterproof sails also offer all-weather protection. Also, both types of shade sails are available in a range of designer colours and are supported by warranties.

If you’re looking for a shade sail for all-weather protection, go with waterproof shade sails. Otherwise, standard shade sails will do you just fine. And, for all your shade sail needs on the Gold Coast, look no further than the specialists at Global Shade. We can customise a standard or waterproof shade sail exactly to your requirements. Give us a call at 1800 724 407 to find out more about our shade sails today!