Commercial-Grade Knitted Shade Fabric
For Residential & Commercial Outdoor Shade Applications
Our sun shade systems utilize high-density polyethylene (HDPE) knitted shade fabric engineered for outdoor use. HDPE shade fabric provides effective solar protection while its breathable knitted construction allows air to circulate through the material.
Unlike solid waterproof fabrics, knitted HDPE allows heat and air to escape through the shade, helping create a cooler and more comfortable area underneath.
Patios and outdoor living areas
Swimming pools and spas
Children's play areas
Dog runs and pet areas
Horse corrals and livestock areas
Outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas
Courtyards
Restaurants and commercial patios
Parking areas
Schools and recreational facilities
Specification
Typical Performance
Material
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Construction
Knitted / breathable mesh
UV Stabilization
UV-stabilized for prolonged outdoor exposure
Typical Shade Factor
Approx. 85–95%*
Typical UV Block
Up to approximately 95%*
Air Permeability
Yes – breathable construction
Water Permeability
Yes
Mildew Resistance
Naturally resistant to moisture absorption and mildew
Rot Resistance
Excellent
Corrosion
Fabric will not rust or corrode
Maintenance
Low
Typical Service Life
Multiple years under normal outdoor conditions*
Colors
Various colors available
*Actual specifications vary by fabric manufacturer, fabric weight, weave, color, shade size and environmental conditions.
HDPE shade fabric is designed to reduce exposure to direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. Depending upon the specific fabric and color selected, commercial shade fabrics can provide significant UV reduction and solar shading.
The knitted fabric allows air to pass through the shade rather than creating a completely solid overhead barrier. This helps reduce trapped heat underneath the structure.
By reducing direct solar radiation while maintaining airflow, HDPE shade structures can substantially improve comfort in outdoor areas.
Actual temperature reduction depends on ambient temperature, sun angle, shade color, height, orientation and surrounding surfaces.
UV-stabilized HDPE is designed to withstand prolonged outdoor exposure and is resistant to:
Sunlight and UV degradation
Moisture
Mold and mildew
Rot
Many common outdoor environmental conditions
Unlike conventional woven tarps, knitted HDPE shade fabric is constructed so the material can flex and distribute forces throughout the fabric.
Benefits include:
Excellent strength-to-weight characteristics
Controlled flexibility
Reduced tendency for small damage to unravel
Air passage through the fabric
Effective performance in outdoor shade applications
HDPE shade fabric is not windproof. Its porous construction allows a portion of the wind to pass through the material, generally producing lower wind resistance than an equivalent-sized solid fabric.
However, shade sails can still generate substantial forces on posts, walls, anchors and attachment hardware during high winds.
Proper installation requires appropriate:
Anchor locations
Structural attachment points
Posts and footings
Stainless or corrosion-resistant hardware
Cable or tensioning systems
Fabric tension
Shade sails should never be considered hurricane, storm or extreme-weather protection.
Removal may be recommended before severe wind or extreme weather events.
Standard knitted HDPE shade fabric is water permeable and is not waterproof.
Rain can pass through the knitted material. Shade sails are intended primarily for solar protection and shade, not as rain shelters or roofing systems.
The permeable construction also helps prevent large quantities of standing water from accumulating on properly installed and tensioned shade fabric.
For best appearance and performance, shade sails should be installed under appropriate tension.
Professional installations may utilize:
Structural mounting points
Steel support poles
Concrete footings
Stainless-steel or corrosion-resistant attachment hardware
Aircraft-type cable
Turnbuckles and tensioning hardware
Reinforced shade attachment points
Correct tension helps maintain the intended shape of the shade and reduces unnecessary movement.
HDPE shade fabric requires relatively little maintenance.
Recommended care includes:
Periodically inspect fabric and attachment hardware.
Check tension and adjust when necessary.
Remove accumulated debris.
Clean using water and mild detergent when needed.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods.
Inspect attachment points following significant wind events.
Remove shades when extreme weather conditions warrant removal.
Shade coverage changes throughout the day and throughout the year because of the changing position and angle of the sun.
The physical dimensions of a shade sail therefore do not represent continuous shaded ground coverage directly underneath the entire sail.
Shade performance is affected by:
Time of day
Season
Sun angle
Shade orientation
Installation height
Attachment-point locations
Shape of the shade
Surrounding structures
For maximum effectiveness, shade placement should be designed around the primary area and times during which shade is desired.
This document describes typical characteristics of outdoor knitted HDPE shade fabrics and is intended as general product information.
Individual shade products may differ in fabric weight, density, UV performance, shade factor, tensile strength, color, dimensions and warranty.
Project-specific engineering requirements may apply depending on shade size, attachment method, structure, jurisdiction, wind exposure and intended application.
Pro Sun Shades