Shade Sails A Modern Addition to Your Outdoor Space

If you’ve been thinking about ways to add more shade to your outdoor space this spring, a shade sail is a great solution to consider. These beautiful backyard canopies come in several colours and shapes and will block out harmful UV rays while creating a touch of modern elegance for your outdoor area. Most shade sails are made of tightly woven, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Vinyl, or nylon fabric. Shade sails are installed by stretching the fabric and using tension to attach the corners of the shade to a stable structure (such as a roof, post, wall, or tree) via stainless steel D-rings and turnbuckles (stainless steel devices to adjust tension). When professionally installed, shade sails should provide a perfectly taut canopy. Shade sails come in a variety of shapes and styles but are typically installed in three shapes: triangle, square, and rectangle. Like sunscreen, shade sails are designed to protect your skin and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Beyond UV protection, shade sails are built to withstand varied weather conditions, especially rain and wind. Although HDPE material is the most common fabric used, PVC is often substituted. Although it is less breathable, it is 100% waterproof. This is helpful if you want to use your shade sail during summer showers. In this case, you will need to position your sail at a slant, so it doesn’t collect water (leading to a heavy, sagging canopy). Both rectangle and triangle shade sails are often installed at a slant to prevent rainwater from pooling. However, as we stated earlier, many residential shade sails are made with HDPE material, allowing water to pass through. In this

Shade Sails case, A Modern Addition to Your Outdoor Space it is also possible to position them fl at or twisted into a hyperbolic paraboloid (also known as a hypar twist). This three-dimensional shape is achieved by attaching one or two corners higher than the other corners. The benefi t of a twist is a greater distribution of surface tension and a stronger shade sail overall. The end result is also beautiful aesthetically. For another bold architectural effect, try installing overlapping shade sails. This extends your shady area without putting too much tension onto a single, big sail. When installing overlapping sails, make sure you leave a minimum of 12 inches between them. If not, wind and weather conditions can cause the sails to rub against each other, damaging the fabric over time. For more information or a no obligation price estimate to install Shade Sails on your home or business here on the Sunshine Coast, contact Mike at “Sombra Outdoor Living” Call 866 SombraO (766-2720). www.sombraoutdoorliving.com

ARE YOU PROTECTED?

An increase in severe weather events in Canada has resulted in more water damage.

Sewer backup and water damage can be costly for homeowners, municipalities and insurance companies. It can damage just about anything, triggering expensive repair bills.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your home and property.

To learn how to put together your own emergency kit, visit www.ibc.ca

Russell deCarle with Steve Briggs Ruth McGillivray & Sheldon Bradley Brandon Isaak Brent Parkin Marcus Mosely Tim Hearsey Grand Koolios Trevor Sully Antonyk Karen Graves Jim Foster Joe Rotundo Simon Paradis TICKETS FOR SALE EARLY APRIL Peter Van Trio Steve Hinton Band

Getting away from the cold? Some insurance policies require that you have a competent person check your property on a daily basis if you are away from your home for more than four consecutive days in the winter. Speak with your

requirements of your policy. Consider storing important documents and irreplaceable personal items away from

Don’t store hazardous materials like paint, oil and cleaning supplies in the basement.

leak and create an environmental hazard.

valve is located in your home. Electricity and water are a dangerous mix.

basement if the power is still on. Plan for your pets! In the event of an evacuation, pets may not be allowed in temporary or emergency shelters due to health regulations. If left behind, they may damage your house and endanger themselves.

Have an emergency preparedness kit for each person in your household to help you

Brought to you by the good folks at Talbot Insurance