Tension Sails

Tension sails, also known as Sun Sails or Shade Sails, are the ultimate architectural shade design product. Unique, fully customizable, and practical, these sails are perfect for many uses including hotels, pool decks, parks, and terraces.

Tension sails are fully customizable solution for hotels, pool decks, parks & terraces

The shade sails are fixed and will not flutter. Tension is used to balance out the kite effect, in which the lift of the wind and drag of the sail combine to blow it in an upward direction. Tension holds the sails in place so they will not flap, sag, or accumulate water. ShadeFLA’s tension sails can resist winds up to 82 mph.

In addition to protecting guests from sun and light rain and keeping kids safe from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays, tension sails add a colorful, architectural element to a building or outdoor space.

Components

Sails

Tension Sails at Alton Communities

Sails can be either triangular or hypar-shaped. A hypar, or hyperbolic paraboloid, has four corners, two attached to high points and two attached to low points. When the sail is tensioned, there is a twisting effect so the sail takes a unique shape (like a Pringle)! The sails are made from shade cloth that is specially designed to block the sun’s UVA and UVB rays while allowing air to pass through.

Supports/Attachments

sail canopy

Sails may be attached either to columns or to wall attachments. The immense tension force in the sails requires larger than normal supports. Typically, columns will be 10” in diameter, use Schedule 80 steel, and require a 6’ to 10’ footer. Depending on the exact size of the sail, columns may be as large as 24” in diameter. Wall attachments can only be used if the wall has a steel frame. We can also design a custom steel frame with cantilevered arms or a square frame shape.

Cables

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⅜” marine-grade stainless steel cable is used to tension the perimeter of the sails. For large custom structures, guy wires may be used in addition to columns to tension and stabilize the structure.

Customizable Options

Shade sails have a maximum length of 55’. There is no precise minimum length, but we don’t recommend purchasing a sail less with a length less than 15’.
We offer two types of shade fabric: Comtex by Polyfab. For sails less than 40’, we recommend using Comtex. For larger sails, (40’ – 55’ in length) we recommend Gale Pacific 430 Heavy
We offer a wide variety of colors for column paint. Typically smaller or standard size columns will be powder-coated. For higher-end, custom steel structures, we offer on-site Epoxy painting.

For more information: Call 305-759-7423 or e-mail info@ShadeFLA.com

Features of Tension Sails

Fully customizable solution for hotels, pool decks, parks and terraces

Fixed to structure and balanced to avoid kite effect

Beautiful Sun Protection. Protects from rain & sun (including UVA/UVB rays)

Withstand up to 80 MPH winds

Custom Sizes

Let's Work Together!









Contact Us

561 NE 79th Street, Suite 330
Miami, FL 33138
(Office visits by appointment only)
(305) 759-7423
Monday to Friday - 9 AM to 5 PM