Shade cloth is typically associated with overhead placement to protect plants or patios from direct sun exposure. Installing this material vertically, however, offers unique benefits, often serving as a privacy screen, a wind break, or a lateral barrier against harsh afternoon sun. Unlike horizontal installation, which relies on gravity to manage sag, vertical placement requires different techniques for tensioning and anchoring. This method shifts the focus from managing downward weight to securing the cloth against shear forces and wind load, ensuring long-term stability and a clean appearance.
Pre-Installation Planning and Material Selection
Effective vertical installation begins with precise planning to determine the necessary material volume and appropriate hardware. The first step involves accurately measuring the width and height of the area to be covered. Account for any necessary overlap or slack required for attachment points, and select a cloth that is slightly larger than the opening to ensure sufficient material to pull taut against the mounting structure.
Selecting the correct shade density, expressed as a percentage, is a primary consideration based on the intended function. A cloth with 70% to 90% density is suitable for privacy or strong sun blockage. Conversely, 30% to 50% density may be preferred for light wind reduction or minimal shading. Hardware choice is equally important and must be determined by the anticipated wind exposure and the nature of the mounting surface.
For high-wind areas, hardware that allows for dynamic movement is superior to rigid fasteners like zip ties. Flexible attachments, such as bungee cords or elastic rope threaded through grommets, absorb wind gusts by stretching, reducing sudden stress on the cloth and mounting points. Small snap clips or carabiners offer a reusable and adjustable attachment method, providing an easy way to remove the cloth seasonally or for cleaning.
Preparing the Vertical Mounting Surface
The longevity of a vertical installation depends heavily on the preparation of the surface that will bear the load. If the shade cloth is attached to a solid structure like a brick or wood wall, anchor points such as eye hooks or cleats must be securely installed at regular intervals. These anchors should be spaced evenly, typically every 12 to 24 inches along the perimeter, to distribute the tension load and prevent the cloth from bulging between supports.
When covering a wide opening or spanning between two distant posts, it is necessary to first create a supporting framework using tensioned wire or cable. Running a galvanized steel cable horizontally across the span and securing it tightly with turnbuckles provides a rigid line for attachment. This cable acts as a stable ‘faux-edge’ for the cloth, preventing excessive sag over long distances.
For existing structures, such as chain-link or wood fences, the integrity of the posts and the top rail must be assessed. Installing a vertical shade cloth significantly increases the surface area exposed to wind, which can compromise older or insufficiently braced fence posts. Reinforcing corner posts with additional bracing or concrete footing may be necessary to ensure the structure can withstand the added wind pressure before installation proceeds.
Step-by-Step Vertical Attachment and Tensioning
The physical attachment process should begin by securing the shade cloth at one of the top corners, using a permanent fastener to establish a fixed starting point. Once this initial anchor is set, secure the opposite top corner, pulling the cloth taut along the upper edge to eliminate immediate slack. This initial tension ensures the material hangs straight and prevents diagonal wrinkling.
Proceeding down the vertical sides, the cloth should be incrementally attached, applying consistent outward tension to remove horizontal looseness. Instead of securing all fasteners tightly at once, attach them loosely first to ensure correct positioning. Then, go back and tighten each one. This method allows for minor adjustments and prevents an uneven pull that can distort the material weave.
The final tensioning along the bottom edge is crucial, as it prevents the cloth from flapping in the wind. Using flexible hardware, like bungee cords, along this edge is highly effective; the elasticity absorbs movement while keeping the cloth pulled downward and outward. If excess material remains, fold it neatly and secure it against the frame rather than cutting it, which can compromise the cloth’s integrity and lead to fraying.