Why custom-made shade sails are superior to off-the-shelf varieties
Are you in the market for a new shade sail? Off-the-shelf products may seem convenient. Often, they are cheap and can be installed quickly. However, in most cases, they will not provide the same level of protection or durability as custom-made products.
Factors to consider when purchasing a shade sail
There are several factors you should consider when deciding which type of shade sail to purchase. These include:
Choice of colour
Off-the-shelf shade sails are often only available in a limited range of colours. However, custom-made shade sails are available in various colours to suit your needs and preferences. For example, Serge Ferrari products are available in 40 different colours.
Size and shape
Off-the-shelf shade sails are usually only available in a small range of sizes and basic shapes and cannot be tailored to suit your space. By contrast, custom-made shade sails can be designed to suit the specifications of your space, ensuring they provide maximum protection

Durability
Custom-made shade sails are designed to last for years, made using high quality products. For example, Serge Ferrari’s products are made using High-tenacity polyester micro-yarn reinforcing mesh, which makes them highly resistant to tearing. They are also certified as fire resistant, providing a higher level of protection. Many custom-made shade sails, including Serge Ferrari and Rainbow Shade come with a 10 year warranty. However, with proper maintenance and care, many can last even longer than this. According to studies, Rainbow Shade products maintained 80% of their original warp even after 15 years. In addition, the products still provide 95% protection from the sun’s UV rays after 15 years.
Weather protection
Custom-made shade sails can help to protect you from wind and rain. This is a level of protection that most off-the-shelf shade sails cannot offer. For example, Rainbow Shade’s products have been certified with the highest level of hail protection. In one simulation, hail was fired at a shade sail at 191 km p/h, but no damage was recorded.
Cost
It is true that custom-made shade sails require a higher initial investment. However, because custom-made shade sails are built to last and less likely to be damaged in severe weather, this reduces ongoing maintenance and replacement expenses.
Protection
When it comes to UV protection, custom-made shade sails provide superior protection Designed to provide up to 99% protection from the sun’s harmful rays, they offer a level of security that off-the-shelf varieties simply can’t match.

Why choose a custom-made shade sail?
• Wide Range of Colour Options: Products such as Serge Ferrari and Rainbow Shade are available in a vast array of colours, allowing customisation to match personal preferences and surroundings.
• Flexible Size and Shape: Can be tailored to the specific dimensions and shape of your space, ensuring a perfect fit and maximum coverage.
• High Durability: Made from quality materials, such as high-tenacity polyester micro-yarn, making them resistant to tearing and fire, with many brands offering warranties up to 10 years.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper care, custom-made shade sails can last significantly longer than the warranty period; for example, Rainbow Shade products retain 80% of their original strength even after 15 years.
• Superior UV Protection: Designed to block up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, offering much greater protection than standard options.
• Enhanced Weather Resistance: Better equipped to withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, and hail, with some products certified for the highest levels of hail protection.
• Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Though they require a higher upfront investment, the durability and reduced maintenance needs make them more economical over time.
• High-Level Safety Certification: Materials used in custom sails often meet or exceed safety standards, such as fire resistance, providing additional peace of mind.

Article References
Rainbow Shade (n.d.) How to Choose the Perfect Shade Sail for Your Outdoor Space, Rainbow Shade, accessed 10 October 2024
Rainbow Shade (n.d.) 15 year weather endurance test, Rainbow Shade, accessed 10 October 2024
Serge Ferrari (n.d.) Solitis 502, Serge Ferrari, accessed 10 October 2024