Hyperbolic Shade Sails: What Are They and How Are They Made?

Hyperbolic shade sails, also known as twisted shade sails, use a fascinating geometric design to create strong, durable shade for homes and businesses while still looking stylish. But what exactly are they, and how are they made?

Here are some key facts about the twisted shade sail design, how it's made, and how it can benefit you.

How Do They Work?

A Hypar shade sail is a large, permanent structure that holds a large tarp-like cover that can block sunlight. The shade sail has four sides placed in a particular pattern to block sunlight coming from a specific direction. 

This type of sail utilises a shape called a hyperbola, although shade sails can be made with other shapes and styles as well. If you're interested, you can read a more in-depth overview of hyperbolas to get a feel for how we use this shape in our sails. 

There are several benefits of hyperbolic shade sails, and people often set them up to cover areas such as porches, pools, dining areas, playgrounds, or other places where a large block of shade is desirable. While many businesses and restaurants use these, they are also installed in homes and neighbourhoods.

How Are They Made?

To make a four-sided hyperbolic shade sail, two tall posts and two short posts are installed where shade is desired. This creates a twist in the sail, giving the canopy its unique shape, and strengthening the sail against flapping in the wind. Wind damage is a very important consideration for structures like this!

While you can use a prebuilt sail, the best shade sails are usually custom made shade sails. By using custom sails, you ensure that the shade sail designs will correspond exactly to the posts you set up, giving you shade exactly where you want it. Your sail will be stronger and sturdier and have less chance of getting damaged over time in the wind.

Once the sail is attached to the posts, the whole setup is pretty much permanent. You shouldn't have to set up or remove any of it!

Where Can I Get a Twisted Shade Sail?

You can get in touch with a shade sail manufacturer and take a look at their estimated costs for getting one installed. Unless you have the equipment and tools to do it yourself, you'll need to hire them to come out and install your anchor points for your shade sail. After that, you need to hook up the shade sail to your anchor points!

The size you want depends on your purpose for getting shade. Are you trying to keep your porch cool or an entire outdoor dining area? You'll want to discuss with the experts and measure your area to find the best design and style to get for your needs.

Learn More Today

While this is a general overview of a hyperbolic shade sail, there is still a lot to learn and research! Each custom sail installation is different, and you need something that fits your specific requirements.

That's where we come in! Feel free to contact us, and we'll do our best to help you figure out your needs and get you exactly the type of sail you want. We think you'll be pleased with the results!

Please note the contents of this post is information only and general in nature.
If you require advice it is best to contact one of our shade specialists who can review your particular circumstances and then provide tailored advice according to your needs.