FAQ

 

 

ARE AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES WATERPROOF?

Sail shades are designed to protect you from the sun. They are designed to allow the hot air to escape from underneath the shade and to allow wind to pass through, so they will never be fully waterproof.

They can remain up in both sun and rain. From light to moderate wind. The sails do not absorb water but have small holes that keep shaded areas cooler.

You will find that most low cost waterproof sail shades tend to lose their effectiveness after a few months and deteriorate quickly, so if you choose this option, you could find yourself going back to replacing them within the warranty period, or worse, soon after, or worst, often.

 

HOW EASY IS IT TO PUT A SAIL SHADE STRUCTURE UP?

That depends on the site, but as a general guide, one or two person/s could install a semi-permanent shade sail from between a couple of hours and a day or two, when posts need to be erected.

Al Fresco Sail Shades are designed for DIY installation. Detailed and illustrated installation instructions are included with each shade.

 

HOW CAN SAIL SHADE BE INSTALLED?

Pre-made sail shades easily attach to existing structures that provide a secure mounting point such as a tree, post, wall or fence. Please ensure that you are satisfied that the structures to mount from are sound and if in doubt, we recommend you seek the advice of a structural engineer.

 

WHAT ARE SAIL SHADES USED FOR?

Sail shades are designed to bring shade into any space and provide a shelter from the sun's harmful rays. Our sail shade canopies cut out over 90% of harmful UV and provides a stylish and pleasant area to enjoy the outdoors. Because of the versatility, shade sails are also very useful at providing privacy in gardens, patios, swimming pools and balconies that are overlooked.

 

HOW LONG SHOULD I KEEP MY SAIL SHADE UP?

Because the sails are UV stabilized and very well constructed with reinforced edges, our pre-made sail shades are semi-permanent shades that can be left in place for most of the year and only taken down when bad weather is forecast.

 

WHAT GUARANTEES DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE FOR SAIL SHADES?

The Al Fresco Sail Shades are all guaranteed for one year against UV damage. Although, they should last much longer than that.

 

WHAT ACCESSORIES WILL I NEED FOR SAIL SHADE?

A square sail shade will typically need (4) D shackles or snap hooks, (4) concrete eye bolts (bolted onto a solid and sound concrete wall or post) and (4) turnbuckles to tension.

A triangle shade sail will typically need only (3) D shackles or snap hooks and (3) eye bolts and (3) turnbuckles.

Commercial shade sail installations will vary. Please contact us for details.

We also supply steel posts. These are certified as structurally suitable for our pre-made shade sails by structural engineers and are sold in the correct lengths to allow for appropriate footings.

 

WHAT SHOULD THE DISTANCE BE BETWEEN THE SAIL AND THE FIXINGS?

The minimum distance should be 300 mm = 30 cm = 1 foot to allow for adequate tensioning. A properly tensioned sail shade will last much longer than one that has been allowed to become loose and flap around.

 

HOW DO I CLEAN MY SAIL SHADE?

A garden hose, mild detergent and soft brush is all that is recommended to clean your sail.

 

WHAT COLOURS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE PRE-MADE SHADE SAILS?

The standard shade sails are available in 3 colours. These are Desert Sand, Silk Taupe and Charcoal Gray.

 

WHAT COLOURS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CUSTOM SAILS?

The availability changes from time to time. Please contact us to inquire.

 

WHAT SHAPES DO THE SHADE SAILS COME IN?

The standard sail shades come in triangles, rectangles, and squares.

 

IF I DO NOT LIKE ORDERING ONLINE, IS THERE AN ALTERNATIVE?

Yes, you can call us at +63 917 805 7287 / 02 503 5869 or email alfrescosailshade@gmail.com. Please send a message by SMS text, Viber or Whatsapp if you're temporarily unable to reach us by phone. We will be sure to call you back or reply immediately.

 

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE I RECEIVE MY GOODS?

In major cities: Manila, Cebu and Davao, most deliveries will be received within 1 working day after receipt of your order and payment.

For remote areas in Luzon and the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao region, 2-3 days.

Same day delivery within Metro Manila is available. Please arrange this type of order by phone.

 

DO THESE SHADES PROTECT FROM UV RAYS?

Sail shades are very effective at blocking over 90% of the harmful UV rays from the sun.

 

DO I NEED BUILDING PERMITS TO INSTALL THESE SHADES?

A building permit is not generally necessary to erect our semi-permanent sail shades but if you have any doubt then a quick check with the local building regulations office should confirm either way.

 

DO YOU OFFER OTHER SIZES?

Yes we do. Please provide us with the dimensions.