The Origin of the Shade Sail
Here in the Sunshine State, we see shade sails everywhere, in school playgrounds, community areas, private pools and beaches. The ever-present sunshine and its intensity have made them a welcome addition to the Queensland landscape.
But what is their origin? When did they become an integral part of the Australian experience? Obviously their derivation goes back to the design of a ship’s sail, but you may be surprised to learn that they go as far back as the era of the ancient Egyptians, The Greeks and the Romans, when large swathes of canvas were used to provide shelter. The Colosseum in Rome was shaded by actual ships sails pulled into place by sailors.
With the arrival of synthetic materials in the 1950’s the practical implications of providing shade using tensile architecture became cost-effective and logistically practical.
Brisbane was one of the first cities to highlight the possibilities of the newly named shade sail during Expo ’88 where some of the pavilions were sheltered using the new technology.
Today in Australia we see them everywhere, but outside of here, South Africa and the USA, they are relatively unknown. This is obviously due to climate but the aesthetic benefits of shade sails are of equal benefit as its extraordinary qualities as protection from the sun’s UV rays. This is why Australia is now finding great success exporting shade sails to Europe and South America.
North Brisbane Shade Sails is one the leading wholesalers, retailers and installers of shade sails to the southeast Queensland retail and commercial sectors and offer an unparalleled service due to their deep understanding of the product. Whether you need porous, waterproof, large, small, single- or multi-sail, we are the go-to North Brisbane shade sail company.
Call us today for a no-obligation quote and join the 1000’s of satisfied Queensland shade sail customers.
Shade Sails can prevent Skin Cancer
Queensland enjoys one of the most enviable climates on Earth with almost year-round sun and clear blue skies. We’re blessed with more days of unbroken sunshine than any other state, but it is also an unfortunate fact that Queensland is, according to Cancer Council Queensland, the skin cancer capital of the world. With temperatures busting through the 40c mark this year it’s never been more important to be careful out there.
This year, Cancer Council Queensland and Queensland Department of Health has introduced the SunSmart Shade Creation Initiative which enables schools, childcare facilities, community groups and other Non Profit Organisations to get generous subsidies on shade sail installations.
This is great recognition for the health benefits of shade sails. North Brisbane Shade Sails have for many years been advocates of the protective qualities of their shade sail range from the harmful UV and UPF rays of the Queensland sun.
We believe in the harmony of the stylishly aesthetic quality of shade sails with the practical consideration of sun protection. That is why we will design and install your sails with particular regard to when and where sunlight falls on the area to be covered, the nearby foliage and other local factors like prevailing wind direction.
North Brisbane Shade Sails offer a wide range of styles and materials to suit your needs that not only protect from sun’s harmful rays, but are waterproof and can withstand high winds.
We supply to wholesalers as well as retail direct to customers and service southeast Queensland’s residential and commercial sector.
Like everyone, we want you to enjoy the benefits of the Sunshine State but we’re here so you can do so safely, sensibly and stylishly. Call us today for a fast, free, no-obligation quote and find out why North Brisbane Shade Sails are the number one local shade sail supplier.
Save the Great Barrier Reef with…Shade Sails?
Heard the one about protecting the Great Barrier Reef from destruction by deploying shade sails? It sounds like something out of a science fiction film, but it was actually put forward as a viable idea in a paper published by Nature Climate Change. True, the project was meant to only cover a comparatively small part of the reef using uprights attached to pontoons and check to see if it prevented the reef from the effects of bleaching, but the practicalities of rolling this out were, shall we say, not properly thought through.
Although we here at North Brisbane Shade Sails would have loved the job, we’re not seriously waiting for the call just yet. But although it was perhaps inevitably an overly ambitious idea, it shows that people are extremely aware of the benefits of shade sails. And they are right to be – the harmful UV rays from the sun have unfortunately made Queensland the skin cancer capital of the world – and that’s something we take very seriously indeed.
Shade sail technology has come a long way and the various materials we use in our shades are designed for maximum breathability, to be a powerful barrier against wind and rain and most importantly to filter out the harmful effects of the sun so you can enjoy the Sunshine State climate safely.
Our Queensland owned and operated company operates as a wholesale and retail business but also designs, installs and maintains shade sail equipment for the domestic and commercial market throughout the region. With a wide range of sail material and colours to choose from, you can be sure that you are dealing with experienced, established professionals.
So even if your pool or yard isn’t quite as big as the Great Barrier Reef, we’d love to hear from you! Contact North Brisbane Shade Sails today for a free, fast, no-obligation quote.
Fashionable Shading for one and all
Looking for the perfect outdoor shading solution to keep your guests comfortable year-round? North Brisbane Shade Sails have innovative commercial shade sail solutions for any application. Whether you are looking at coverage for a small area or large commercial span, from individual shade sails to modular coverage, we have you covered.
THE CLASSIC HYPAR SHADE SAIL
The Hypar shade sail structure is the most common and most effective method of gaining maximum shade from your new installation. The Hypar shade sail structure and shape is formed by placing diagonally opposite posts of different heights to create that well recognised twist. This method is not only attractive but it has underpinning tensile strength, creating tension from opposite angles, which helps keep the sail taut, even over large expanses.
At North Brisbane Shade Sails, we install shade sails across Brisbane from the northern beaches of the Sunshine Coast down to the southern reaches of the Gold Coast.
WHAT WE OFFER
North Brisbane Shade Sails offers you experience and knowledge when it comes to commercial shade sails. Our expert staff are locals who understand what is needed to correctly install shade sails.
Our client base includes government, schools, childcare centres and recreational centres. We also cater to the residential private home owner.
CUSTOM MADE
All our shade sails are custom made to suit your specifications and application. Whether you are looking for skyline or facade shade solutions, we have the expertise to make it happen.
With a wide range of materials available, North Brisbane Shade Sails will have something to suit your needs.
Waterproof – If you want to provide protection from the sun and inclement weather conditions, allowing patrons, customers or guests to enjoy your venue year-round, consider the use of a waterproof material (read about the latest advances and materials in this link). North Brisbane Shade Sails have Commercial Shade Sails in a range of colours in 100% waterproof vinyl shade sail.
Permeable – If you are seeking protection from the summer sun, our range of permeable shade sails come in a great array of colours, allowing you to easily match with your current branding.
For all your Brisbane Commercial Shade Sails enquiries, contact North Brisbane Shade Sails. No project is too large or small.
101 Shady Solutions for all your answers…
When you need shade, North Brisbane Shade Sails can help!
Solutions for your shade requirements come in all shapes and sizes. Be smart and savvy — embrace innovation and use shade sails for all your shading needs.. Not only will you gain your much sought after valuable shade, but in selecting shade sail as your product of choice you are gaining an architectural statement that will enhance your property’s value.
WHAT IS SHADE SAIL SUITABLE FOR?
Shade sail is probably the most versatile shading product available on the market today. Suitable for patios, pool coverings and carports, shade sails make great entertainment areas for the private residential owner and are both practical and cost effective. At North Brisbane Shade Sails, our shade solutions and expertise extend to the commercial market, including childcare centres, shopping centre carparks, government establishments and local recreational centres and facilities.
There are literally 101 shade solutions using shade sail.
Take a look at this fun video showing the versatility of shade sail
SEEKING SHADE IN BRISBANE
Our purpose manufactured shade sails are custom built and can be implemented for any shading needs, large or small.
Shopping Centre Car Parks – Providing protection from the Queensland sun, cantilever shade structures are the most common form of installation. Professional establishments such as large commercial or retail organisations find the convenience and practicality of Brisbane cantilevered shade structures perfect. With minimal supports required, cantilevered shade sails have posts only on one side. This delivers the much sought after shade while leaving the ground free for easy manoeuvrability by drivers.
Recreational Centres / Leisure Parks – Finding a place to get out of the sun can be a challenge, even when you’re cooling off at a local water park. With Queensland weather often reaching peak temperatures in the high 30s and 40s, shade is imperative. North Brisbane Shade Sails have all the solutions for recreational centres and leisure parks – offering shade in Brisbane with an element of fun. Cost effective and easy to install, shade sails offer low maintenance solutions..
Residential Home Owners – Think outside the square and take a closer look at the benefits and versatility of shade sail for your home shading needs. Brisbane Shade sail comes in a range of fashionable and contemporary colours, in permeable and waterproof materials. Combined with a well-designed plan, you will rediscover your outdoor space. Typical applications include carports, pool coverings and entertainment areas.
Shade can dictate how we use areas!
This is probably the wisest thing anyone has said. Australians love entertaining and we enjoy our outdoor lifestyles. However, with summer in Queensland effectively lasting most of the year, use of outdoor areas may not be maximised due to lack of shade.
- Put up a shade sail over the pool and protect the kids
- Protect the car and other valuables from sun and other weather conditions with a purpose-built shade sail
- Create a fun and funky entertainment area anywhere in the backyard for year-round enjoyment
The options for shade in Brisbane are endless. Don’t suffer in the midday sun, get undercover now and call North Brisbane Shade Sails.
North Brisbane Waterproof Shade Sails
North Brisbane Waterproof Shade Sails
The latest range of North Brisbane Waterproof Shade Sails come in a wide range of colours and materials, ranging from the typical High UV rated shade materials right through to an array of colourful PVC vinyl waterproof membranes. These waterproof membranes are able to be used in the same fashion as shade sails, except for one key distinguishing feature.
They are waterproof!
Come again!
That’s right shade sails come in a waterproof membrane
Yes, 100% completely waterproof.
Now you can combine the aesthetic, colourful and billowing affects which are synonymous with shade sails across the country with the unique waterproof properties of the new PVC vinyl product’s.
Differences between waterproof and woven shade sail.
Waterproof shade sail is manufactured from high grade PVC shade cloth with a plastic coating or layer on one side. This prevents water from passing through giving the membrane its waterproof qualities. Increasing in popularity, it is quickly becoming a go-to for both commercial and private installations, providing a year-round, all weather protective barrier between you and the elements.
Specific attention needs to be paid during installation of your waterproof shade sails to which side is facing upwards. The plastic coating which is easily discernible needs to placed facing upward to maintain the waterproofness of your structure. Hiring the professional team from North Brisbane Shade Sails for the installation of your North Brisbane Waterproof shade sails is the most cost effective and easiest way to ensure that your structure in installed corrected, and all anchor points are sufficient to withstand the sudden changes in weather conditions. Particular important, for homes by the ocean front which are subjected to abrupt gusts of wind. If your structure is not tensioned correctly with adequate falls, etc. pooling can occur. Unlike standard shade sail where the water will seep through your waterproof membrane will hold the water leading to stretching and ultimately collapse.
Waterproof shade sail properties
The Specialised Textiles Association provides further information on the properties of waterproof shade cloth, including its sun protection, durability, weather protection (which includes decreases in temperature whilst underneath a shade structure) and more.
For further information regarding the supply and installation, or supply only of waterproof shade membrane contact North Brisbane Shade Sails, your local North Brisbane Waterproof Shade Sails experts.
Contact us today for further information!