1. Determine fixing points
How to find optimal fixing points for your sun sail
In order to shade the desired area, it is necessary to find suitable fixing points.
Sun sails can be fixed to building walls, special masts and also to rafters and balcony railings (provided they are sufficiently stable).
If the sun sail is to be fixed to a wall, particular precaution must be taken.
Suitable fixing material is available from building material traders for different types of masonry (concrete, brick, thermal insulation etc). A qualified specialist can help you make the right choice for fixing your sun sail.Select the fixing points for your sun sail. Note that existing walls must be suitable for the fixing of sun sails.
Important – water drainage!
An incline of at least 30% in the water drainage direction must be ensured between the highest and lowest points of the sun sail. This means 30 cm per 1 m distance.
Thus, if the sun sail is 5 m long, the height difference must be at least 150 cm.
An incline of 30% is necessary so that water can run off the sun sail. A 5 m long sail thus requires a height difference of 1.5 m.
Experience has also shown that it is better to drain water over at corners and not over the centre of side edges. It is thus best to design your sun sail so that the lowest point is a corner, and water can flow there from all directions.
The lowest point of the sun sail is formed by a corner. This allows water to drain well.
What to consider when choosing a location:
Enquire about local building regulations which might restrict or prohibit the mounting of sun sails.
Is the masonry suitable? Depending on the building structure, you will need different fixing material. If you are in doubt, ask a construction expert for advice!
Are there underground lines or other obstacles which would prevent the foundations for the sun sail masts being laid?
Is the location exposed to extreme wind conditions? If strong winds prevail, you should use a netted material (Tentmesh) for your sun sail and provide additional fixing points.
How many fixing points?
We recommend placing a fixing point every 3-5 m. This allows even very large sun sails with a side edge of 10 – 20 m to be set up.
2. Simulate sun sail
Get a first impression of your sun sail
Have you found your fixing points? Now you can get a first impression of your new sun sail!
Simply stretch a string between the planned fixing points.
With this easy method you can…
• see where the shadow of your sun sail will fall.
• follow the progression of the shadows throughout the day.
• make adjustments to achieve the perfect the shade progression of your sun sail project.
Simply with a piece of string, you can simulate the side edges of the sun sail. You can use small nails to help you attach the string. Planned masts can be simulated using simple wooden slats, for example.
Inspirations
Whether you need sun protection, wind protection or visual privacy:
CARAVITA sun sails offer many interesting options!
Please note:
Install the sun sail so that the tensile direction corresponds to the angle bisectors at the corners (see illustration). The tensile forces are thus optimally distributed across the sail, which ensures that the surface remains smooth and free of ripples.
3. Measure sail
Determine the definitive dimensions
Once you are sure you have found the right position for your sun sail, order and install your mounting accessories, i.e. wall holders, masts etc.
When everything is installed, determine the final dimensions for your sun sail. To do this, run a cord or tape measure through all fixing points. Set turnbuckles to their maximum length and allow for retensioning of pulleys. From this cord structure, you can take the exact measurements for your sun sail.
Caution!
It is better for measurements to be too short than too long. Sun sails that are too big can not be made smaller! But small sun sails will stretch with time. Until then, an additional carabiner can bridge the gap.
Plan for clearances!
Materials stretch over time. So that the sun sail is taut and protects you from rain, clamping devices should be used on the corners.
It is therefore important to plan enough room between the sun sail and the fixing point to accommodate a turnbuckle or a pulley.
Sufficient clearances:
• For turnbuckles, the maximum length of the turnbuckle.
• For pulleys, approx. 5% of the side edge or diagonal line.
We require these measurements:
Enter the measurements of your sun sail in a hand-drawn sketch. Based on this sketch, we will then manufacture your sun sail for you. For technical reasons, the final dimensions may vary by up to 2%.
4. We’ll take care of everything else…
What’s next?
Once you have placed your order, we will prepare a production drawing for your personal sun sail project based on the information you have provided. This drawing will form the basis for the final design of your sail. If you are happy with the dimension and details in the drawing, you can approve your sun sail to be manufactured.