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Due to high
shipping cost, it is advisable to find a source of posts locally.
Some general guidlines of what we find works in most cirmcumstances is
discussed
below. This information is offered for budget purposes only. The
type, size of post, and footing details are best obtained using a
licensed engineer.
In general, use 4" schedule 40 steel pipe (galvanized)
or wooden temporary power
poles (treated) that are 6" or larger. Steel posts can be
powder coated or
painted to help protect them and provide the desired color. Steel pipe
is usually found at a steel supply or pipe supply vendor. (Not
at Home Depot) If timber
posts are used, then we generally recommend temporary power poles with
a
preservative added to the wood. Don't use dimensional lumber as it is
not strong enough.
Plumb or
slightly
lean back the post and support it until the concrete has dried. If the
posts are taller than 12' or more than one sail is attached to the same
post then larger diameter posts are usually required and you should
have the job engineered. Larger post should also be used with larger custom sails.
Install Eye nuts
with threaded rod through the
posts with the eyes pointed at the center
of the sail.
Depending
on the height, posts are
usually embedded in a concrete
footing, 3 ft. to 6 ft. deep and 1 ft. to 1.5 ft. in diameter. (Generally a
third of the
total
length of the post is embedded.... So for
example, a
10' high post should have about 5' in the ground). If you skimp on depth the post will get pulled over.- Have
the fixing points make a foot
print at least 1 foot larger than sail. (2 foot larger is even better).
- Use
Chain, Rope, or Cable for
rough adjustment (pretty tight)
- Use
Turnbuckle or Rope to add
tension...(Very tight!) DO NOT USE A PULLEY OR RATCHETING SYSTEM AS THEY CAN TEND TO OVER TIGHTEN AND DAMAGE THE SHADE
- Make
sure to pull evenly out from all
corners.
- Don't
skimp on tension... Loose sails
look ugly and don't last as long
DISCLAIMER (Read carefully) The following installation suggestions are offered as a courtesy to mail order purchasers and to facilitate accurate ordering of the product. Shade Sails does not and cannot know the specific intentions of purchaser stress factors, variables for the area such as soil, wind condition and exposure, existing structure strength, local access codes, etc. The following is offered only as a highly generalized summary of installation methods used successfully by Shade Sails in the past. Shade Sails makes no extension of warranty by these general guidelines and disclaims any responsibility for the installation, design of installation, engineering requirements, code compliance or any other installation related matter. Shade Sails offers these services on an individual contract basis and purchaser has elected to purchase the ready-made sail only as a more economical alternative.
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