It has been noted that sails from boats were used in Roman times to provide shade to spectators at public events. At this period of time, gladiatorial games and public spectacles served as the main entertainment. Sailors were enlisted and so they helped to setup a retractable awning using boat sails. The shade consisted of canvas and a mesh of ropes with a hole at the center. The structure covered two-thirds of the arena with a tilt towards the centre of the Coliseum. The shade could catch the wind and provide a breeze for the spectators seated below. Thus, boat sails began their journey onto land as shade sails.

Shade sails are gaining in popularity not because they provide shade. It is because they add a new dimension to properties and are an attractive outdoor fixture. Fabric for these sails comes in many different types of colour, shape and size. Not only is it an eye-catcher, it is also an extender of the home. Places that are too hot in the summer can be turned into a visiting place for children, for grandparents and adults alike.

The shade sail fabric is not fully waterproof, but permeable to allow hot air to escape from under the sail. Each type of shade sail needs to be ANCHORED or bolted in properly and there is enough tension in the fabric to prevent flapping or tearing under a wind load.

The shape of the sail is also dependent upon the area you want shaded. These sails are not evenly stretched out. They have a low and high point. This is to make sure that rain water runs off and the fabric does not retain water. The sail size is also not very big because strong winds can cause a lot of stress on the poles supporting the sail. So providers recommend more than one sail to cover a large area.

The Shade Sail must have the correct fittings for a secure installation and to ensure adequate tension in the sail cloth.. Proper poles must be fixed and these may be made from galvanized steel. It is expensive but it will hold the sails for a long time. First time installation costs will probably be high but if quality is compromised, the shade sails or mountings can be damaged during strong winds.

Modern day Shade Sails differ in form, size and colour and there is a trend in setting up many sails, occasionally overlapping, thereby adding some form and style to its basic purpose. Sail Shades are tensioned typically by use of a stainless steel turnbuckle fixed at each corner of the sail. For completely fixed sails, the turnbuckle provides an ideal means of fixing the canopy due to the fact it facilitates the application of additional tension easily. A snap hook can also be utilized at each corner to enable uncomplicated removal in the sail during the winter or in windy conditions.

These sails can come in many shapes and sizes. For each requirement, it is best to ask for a guideline from the provider how to do your own DIY installation. Providers are always happy to send you the guidelines. For most shade sail providers, they require an exact measurement of your area to be shaded, where the rigging screws and rings or D hooks are going to be placed. It may look simple but read the guidelines for all you DIY enthusiasts. Also, if a standard size cannot fit, don’t ever cut it yourself because you will spoil the tension as well as the edges. Buy a custom made one even though it will cost you more.

Cost for shade sails is a one-time only fee. For DIY, the cost includes installation, material, fittings and rigging costs. For custom made designs, the costs are higher because of design and consultation fees.

Shade Sails are commonly installed in the Spring and early Summer. After that, before winter comes, it can be removed and kept in storage. Maintenance of the sails is pretty simple. All it needs is a water blast to wash away the dirt and pollens. You can use a mild detergent to scrub if you want. When summer comes around again, fix it back to the poles but be careful to get the tension right.

The modern shade sail originated in Australia and the biggest manufacturers in the world are based in Australia. However, the market for these products worldwide is growing rapidly, partially due to increasing summer temperatures across the globe, but also due to increased awareness of the dangers of too much exposure to the sun. The most rapidly expanding European market is France, where the summer weather can be very hot but where the Shade Sail products are relatively unknown. In fact the French don’t just have one word for this product they have several, it can variously be called: Toile Solaire, Voile Ombre, Voile d Ombrage and Voile Par Le Soleil.

To find out more concerning the strengths of this new shade trend, which is called Voile dOmbrage in France. You can see a variety of various shade sail solutions readily available for purchase on-line and with totally free of charge shipping throughout France, go to the www.voilesdombrage.net website.