Originally Posted by HelenTD

Same for us, except ours is triangular, so partly goes over the deep end too. We have another sail (rectangular) over the adjoining paved area with table and chairs, which also keeps the sun off the study window. It doesn't bother us, but some might be bothered by the clinking noises coming from the fixtures when it's windy, rather like the sound of yachts in a marina. When it rains, the water just goes through onto the paving or on top of the pool blanket in winter. The sails really reduce the glare off the pool and the paving. They also allow the breeze through, where heat can get trapped under a Colorbond structure in some locations.

We are about to have a patio structure put up nearby, so that we can be outside with a waterproof roof, and attach blinds at some later stage if we want. We would put more comfortable seating in this area - I'm ready for a bit of lounging around outside.

Originally Posted by irishbloo

Are you having it built or are you doing diy.We are thinking of getting one from Straco and doing it ourselves.

Originally Posted by HelenTD

OH is a modern day Australian version of Frank Spencer, so we're having it built. You have to put in plans for approval from local council first, but the patio companies do that process for you. If you're going DIY, suggest that you get in touch with your council first and just to cover yourselves, do it my email. Sometimes people have been told one thing over the phone (and don't get the person's name), then get told another thing later by someone else.

Originally Posted by scottishcelts

Dunno, but whenever I try to say 'sail shades' it always comes out as shail sades.

Originally Posted by spottydog

I keep wondering about a cantilever umbrella as it has the advantage over a shade sail that it can be closed when the sun goes in. The only problem is they're bloody expensive

Originally Posted by HelenTD

Same for us, except ours is triangular, so partly goes over the deep end too. We have another sail (rectangular) over the adjoining paved area with table and chairs, which also keeps the sun off the study window. It doesn't bother us, but some might be bothered by the clinking noises coming from the fixtures when it's windy, rather like the sound of yachts in a marina. When it rains, the water just goes through onto the paving or on top of the pool blanket in winter. The sails really reduce the glare off the pool and the paving. They also allow the breeze through, where heat can get trapped under a Colorbond structure in some locations.

We are about to have a patio structure put up nearby, so that we can be outside with a waterproof roof, and attach blinds at some later stage if we want. We would put more comfortable seating in this area - I'm ready for a bit of lounging around outside.

Originally Posted by debsy

I had some shade sails - they were even waterproof! However, decided to get rid of them as they did not look at nice as a fixed roof.. It was also very hot under them in the summer and they rot overtime. Try a solarspan roof - it is much nicer.

Originally Posted by irishbloo

Are you having it built or are you doing diy.We are thinking of getting one from Straco and doing it ourselves.

Originally Posted by HelenTD

How long did it take for your sails to start rotting?

What do you mean by solarspan roof - a pergola-type structure with a Colorbond roof?

Originally Posted by Tiawamutu

I've heard of the solarspan roof. Keeps the heat out in summer and in in winter due to the insulated middle bit.

Is it expensive?

Originally Posted by Siren & Brian

Just make sure if you put up and patio or pergola you do get council approval. With the likes of Near map, they can tell when something goes up if someone tells them.

When I get approvals done it is the first thing they do and ask is this the house your doing the job for and where it is going.

Originally Posted by debsy

They did not rot - we just wanted something that looked nicer and was more functional. Here is the link for solarspan http://www.solarspan.com.au/solarspan/

Originally Posted by irishbloo

Thanks.Good advice.If you have any more tips please share.

Originally Posted by Siren & Brian

Pay lots and lots for a certain Builder to build it.