Sail & Membrane Material

Shade Fabric: Shade fabric helps block out solar heat and provides a cool environment. The shade fabric we use for our SHY SHADES Structures is the best in the industry and will hold up to our strong Hawaii sun. This High Density Polyethylene shade cloth is specifically designed for overhead shade structures, and provides excellent protection from U.V. radiation. Our fabric is superior to all other shade fabrics due to its 100% Monofilament weave. Some competing shade fabrics use a weave of monofilament & monotape rather than 100% monofilament product. This inferior weave is subject to more rapid U.V. degradation of the monotape portion of the fabric, which can reduce the UVR blocking by more than 30% within 3 years. Our durable knitted fabric is lightweight, water resistant, and porous. Rain, wind, and translucent light will pass through the fabric.

• Woven lightweight and durable fabric with a life expectancy exceeding 10+ years.
• Up to 94% UVA/B protection (varies with color) while allowing warm air to pass through rather than being trapped underneath.
• Creates a cool and inviting environment.
• Economical and attractive solution.
• Will run-off a large portion of rainwater provided well designed fall angles, etc.

Fire Retardant High Density Polyethylene (FR/HDPE)

Fire Retardant (FR) shade fabric is also available. This innovative fabric has the same characteristics as standard HDPE shade fabric and has additional flame retardant properties. This product is California State Fire Marshall approved. Using the very latest in new generation flame retardant additives that are compatible with the UV stabilizers, this fabric also provides 95% UV protection.

Flame retardant shade fabric may be used in areas where building codes require fire resistive construction methods. Some typical applications where Fire Retardant shade fabrics may be required are large volume public areas such as shopping centers, tourist attractions, theme parks, restaurants and schools.

Where a waterproof solution is required, we typically rely on PVC composite fabrics to provide a solid impermeable waterproof surface. This high quality architectural grade material has superb performance characteristics (soft and pliable, resistant to UV light) and is typically used to meet specific aesthetic designs or functional applications. The fabrics are versatile and may be applied to any scale of project. PVC composite fabric may be used for a residential shade sail, an auto dealership outdoor showroom, or even a large convention center or airport. These fabrics are more complex and costly to produce thus are more expensive than standard HDPE shade fabric. PVC composite fabric will make a dramatic statement when used in high profile architectural designs.

PVC composite fabrics contain chemical additives that make it UV resistant, mold resistant, and fire retardant. Some fabrics are made with additional chemical additives that make the surface self-cleaning. These additives help maintain the original color and finish of the fabric.

For additional specifications, technical information, and color options, please select the link below to visit the fabric manufacturer website:

Thread

We all know the saying, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. That concept very clearly applies to the world of tensioned membrane structures. To ensure your shade sails will stand the test of time, SkyShades Hawaii only uses shade sails stitched with Tenara thread. This is the same thread used by NASA for their space suits!

The Ultimate Thread! Regardless of how durable the fabric and how skillfully it’s sewn, it’s only as good as what holds them together. The quality of thread selected is a major factor in how long the sail will last. Outdoor shade sails are exposed to UV radiation, cleaning agents, pollution, saltwater, air, rain and snow. These elements are harmful over time to both the fabric and seam thread, but the thread usually fails first. That’s why we insist on Tenara thread, the same thread used to sew NASA spacesuits. This amazing product is made from 100% expanded PTFE fiber, PTFE is the chemical name for Teflon. The one significant difference between conventional Teflon threads and Tenara sewing thread is that Tenara sewing threads are manufactured from 100% expanded PTFE. Expanded PTFE is two to three times stronger than conventional PTFE.