FAQ
Sail Shade FAQ: Al Fresco Sail Shades® in the Philippines
Al Fresco Sail Shades® supplies ready-to-install DIY sun shade sails and custom/commercial tensile shade systems throughout the Philippines.
Our Al Fresco Sail Shades® are suitable for homes, patios, gardens, balconies, swimming pools, playgrounds, schools, resorts, restaurants, car parks and commercial outdoor spaces.
Standard Al Fresco Sail Shades® are available for nationwide delivery. Installation coordination is available in Metro Manila and nearby areas, with other locations assessed according to site requirements and schedule.
ARE AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® WATERPROOF?
No. Al Fresco Sail Shades® are water-resistant and breathable, but they are not fully waterproof.
The fabric contains small openings that allow air to escape and some rain to pass through. With adequate slope and proper tension, rain passing through may often be reduced to approximately 10% or less. However, this does not guarantee a completely dry area.
If you require fully waterproof coverage for equipment, dry storage or continuous rain protection, a solid roof, waterproof awning or other waterproof roofing system may be more suitable.
HOW MUCH UV PROTECTION DO AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® PROVIDE?
Al Fresco Sail Shades® block approximately 90%–95% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, depending on the fabric and product selected.
They also reduce direct sunlight, glare and solar exposure while allowing air to circulate.
DO AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® MAKE AN AREA COOLER?
Yes. Al Fresco Sail Shades® block direct solar exposure while allowing hot air and humidity to escape from underneath.
Actual cooling depends on the shade’s orientation, height, surrounding surfaces, airflow and time of day.
CAN AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® REMAIN OUTDOORS IN THE RAIN?
Al Fresco Sail Shades® are designed as semi-permanent outdoor shades and may remain installed in all weather except in heavy wind and typhoon.
They should be removed, lowered or loosened before a typhoon, wind storm, unusually strong wind or prolonged severe weather.
HOW MUCH WIND CAN AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® HANDLE?
For properly designed, anchored and tensioned systems, the general guidance is:
• Standard ready-to-install Al Fresco Sail Shades®: up to approximately 40–45 kph occasional wind gusts
• Custom Mid systems: up to approximately 60–65 kph
• Custom Heavy systems: up to approximately 90–95 kph
Wind performance depends on the size, shape, height, tension, orientation, anchors, posts, soil and surrounding structures.
Al Fresco Sail Shades® should not be left installed during typhoons or severe weather.
HOW MUCH SLOPE SHOULD AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® HAVE?
Al Fresco Sail Shades® should generally have a high-and-low corner arrangement. A slope of approximately 20°–30° is commonly used, depending on the shape, span and site.
Proper slope helps rainwater flow away and reduces the risk of water pooling. A flat installation is not recommended.
WHERE CAN AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® BE INSTALLED?
Al Fresco Sail Shades® may be attached to:
• Properly designed steel or concrete posts
• Sound structural concrete walls or beams
• Structurally suitable wood posts
• Healthy, mature trees with strong trunks or suitable branches
Mounting points must be structurally sound because tensioned Al Fresco Sail Shades® transfer loads to every anchor.
Thin fences, weak masonry, decorative posts, railings, fascia boards and small branches should not automatically be treated as safe mounting points.
For large Al Fresco Sail Shades®, commercial projects or uncertain structures, consult a qualified structural engineer.
CAN I INSTALL AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® MYSELF?
Yes. Standard Al Fresco Sail Shades® are designed for practical DIY installation.
If secure mounting points already exist, installation may take a few hours depending on the size and layout. Installation takes longer when steel posts, concrete footings, elevated work or structural support are required.
Illustrated installation guidance is provided with standard Al Fresco Sail Shades®.
WHAT HARDWARE DO I NEED FOR AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES®?
The required hardware depends on the shape and mounting points.
A triangle usually requires three connection sets. A square or rectangle usually requires four connection sets.
Typical hardware may include:
• Stainless-steel eye bolts or pad eyes
• D shackles or snap hooks
• Turnbuckles or tensioning devices
• Chain, cable or additional connectors where required
Concrete eye bolts and pad eyes must be installed into sound structural concrete or another properly designed support—not merely into plaster, weak hollow-block surfaces or thin cladding.
View our Al Fresco Sail Shades® mounting accessories.
HOW MUCH SPACE SHOULD I LEAVE BETWEEN AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® AND THE FIXING POINTS?
As a general guide, allow approximately 25–35 cm of adjustment space between each shade corner and its anchor point.
This space allows the turnbuckle, shackle, snap hook or other hardware to be installed and tensioned properly.
Do not measure only the nominal Al Fresco Sail Shade® dimensions. Measure the distance between the actual structural mounting points.
WHAT POSTS ARE NEEDED FOR AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES®?
Post requirements depend on the shade size, span, height, soil, wind exposure and number of corners.
Smaller standard Al Fresco Sail Shades® may use properly designed GI pipe posts, commonly around 4–6 inches in diameter. Open-field, large-span and commercial systems may require larger steel posts, reinforced concrete footings and structural engineering.
As a general visual guide, standard layouts may use approximately 7–8 feet at low corners and 11–13 feet at high corners. These are not universal structural specifications.
Final post diameter, thickness, height, embedment and footing size must be confirmed for the actual project.
WHAT SIZES AND SHAPES ARE AVAILABLE?
Al Fresco Sail Shades® are available in 17 standard sizes, including:
• Equilateral triangles
• Right triangles
• Squares
• Rectangles
Custom sizes, shapes and multi-panel Al Fresco Sail Shades® layouts are available for residential, commercial, resort, school, playground and pool projects.
View our Al Fresco Sail Shades® sizes and shapes or shop ready-to-install Al Fresco Sail Shades®.
WHAT ARE AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® USED FOR?
Al Fresco Sail Shades® provide attractive outdoor sun protection for:
• Patios, gardens and balconies
• Swimming pools and pool decks
• Outdoor dining and restaurant areas
• Garages and car parks
• Playgrounds and school areas
• Resorts, hotels and commercial spaces
• Walkways, waiting areas and recreation areas
Al Fresco Sail Shades® may also provide partial visual screening and privacy, although they are not a solid privacy barrier.
WHAT COLOURS ARE AVAILABLE?
Standard Al Fresco Sail Shades® are available in:
• Desert Sand
• Silk Taupe
• Charcoal Gray
Custom colours may be available depending on fabric availability, production requirements and project quantity.
HOW LONG DO AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® LAST?
Al Fresco Sail Shades® use UV-stabilized fabric designed for long-term outdoor use.
General fabric specifications are:
• Standard Al Fresco Sail Shades®: approximately 10-year UV-stabilized performance
• Custom Mid fabric, approximately 330 gsm: approximately 12-year UV-stabilized performance
• Custom Heavy fabric, approximately 440 gsm: approximately 16-year UV-stabilized performance
Actual service life depends on installation quality, tension, weather, site exposure, maintenance and severe weather events.
WHAT WARRANTY DO AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® HAVE?
Standard ready-to-install Al Fresco Sail Shades® have a two-year warranty.
Custom Mid and Custom Heavy Al Fresco Sail Shades® generally have a three-year warranty, subject to the applicable quotation and warranty terms.
Typhoon and impact damage are excluded. Warranty coverage also depends on proper installation, suitable structural supports, correct use and regular maintenance.
HOW DO I CLEAN AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES®?
Use a garden hose, mild detergent and a soft brush.
Clean gently and rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, abrasive brushes and aggressive pressure washing.
HOW QUICKLY CAN I RECEIVE AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES®?
Standard Al Fresco Sail Shades® are usually available for immediate shipment, subject to stock and payment confirmation.
Typical delivery guidance is:
• Metro Manila and nearby areas: same-day or next-day delivery may be available
• Other parts of Luzon: often overnight or next working day
• Visayas and Mindanao: commonly approximately 3–6 days
• Remote islands and provincial destinations: longer delivery may apply
Custom Al Fresco Sail Shades® may require approximately 8–13 days by air or 4–6 weeks by sea.
Complete custom projects may take approximately 6–8 weeks depending on design, approvals, fabrication, shipping, site preparation and installation.
DO AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® DELIVER TO MANILA, CEBU, DAVAO AND OTHER AREAS IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Yes. Al Fresco Sail Shades® ships products nationwide in the Philippines.
We serve customers in Manila and Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Bohol, Boracay and Palawan, including Puerto Princesa where courier coverage is available.
We also serve other locations throughout Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, including Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Clark, Angeles, Tagaytay, Subic, Pangasinan, Dumaguete, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos.
Delivery times and installation availability depend on the exact address, product type, site requirements and courier coverage.
DO YOU OFFER AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® INSTALLATION SERVICES?
Yes. Installation services are available in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
Installation coordination for Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Bohol, Boracay, Palawan and other locations may be assessed depending on the project, installer availability and site requirements.
Custom and commercial Al Fresco Sail Shades® projects may require site inspection, structural coordination, steel posts, permits and an approved layout before installation.
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT FOR AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES®?
Permit requirements depend on the location, structure and scope of work.
An Al Fresco Sail Shade® attached to existing structures may be treated differently from a permanent installation involving steel posts, concrete footings, commercial properties, schools, resorts, public areas or structural alterations.
Before construction, check with the local Office of the Building Official, barangay, homeowners’ association, property manager or project administrator.
HOW CAN I REQUEST AN AL FRESCO SAIL SHADES® QUOTATION?
For a more accurate recommendation, send us:
• Your location
• Approximate area dimensions
• Preferred shape or shade coverage
• Photos of the proposed mounting points
• Information about existing walls, posts, trees or other structures
• Intended use, such as patio, pool, playground, garage, restaurant or commercial area
• Whether you need DIY materials, installation, steel posts or a complete custom Al Fresco Sail Shades® system
For custom projects, a top-view layout or site plan is helpful.
Contact Al Fresco Sail Shades® at +63 917 805 7287, 02 7503 5869 or alfrescosailshade@gmail.com. You may also message us through SMS, Viber or WhatsApp.
CREATE SHADE. TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE.
Whether you need Al Fresco Sail Shades® for a home in Manila, a pool in Cebu, a commercial space in Davao, or a resort anywhere in the Philippines, we can help you identify a suitable shade and installation approach.