FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is HighlifeATX?
We are a local Austin company that installs innovative products and solutions which enhance indoor and outdoor living spaces. We predominantly install Sail Shades, Café Lighting, and Outdoor Fans in residential and light commercial settings. Sail Shades can be used for sun protection, debris protection, aesthetics and/or privacy from neighbors.
Why should I choose HighlifeATX versus the competition?
If you just need a rectangle shade installed over your car, we can do that. If you want multiple colorful shades over your patio with café lighting and oscillating fans integrated – something that makes people say “Wow, that’s impressive!” – we can do that too. We’ve been installing Sail Shades since 2013 and have 1,000+ installations under our belt. We pride ourselves on continuing to evolve and improve as a company. We believe our true comparative advantage is the fact that we really enjoy what we do … and love building solutions that emphasize both form and function. We see each consultation as a collaborative event with a customer, with the ultimate goal of delivering a unique and thoughtful proposal that reflects each customer’s input and preferences. We see each installation as an opportunity to execute the proposal with energy, expertise and efficiency.
What type of Sail Shades does HighlifeATX install?
We only install heavy duty Sail Shades which utilize solar thread and full perimeter reinforcement that can be installed under high tension. You should expect many years of glorious shade from a properly installed heavy duty sail shade. We steer clear of light duty sail shades (from Amazon, Costco, etc) that are intended for temporary use and will split when applying high tension. Without good, balanced tension, sail shades won’t last very long in the wind.
Where can Sail Shades be installed?
Patios, Roof Decks, Driveways, Pools – almost anywhere you need shade. The real challenge is having the right parts, tools, and expertise to install them with high tension – balanced across all edges – for maximum wind stability, longevity and aesthetics.
What sizes and shapes are available? Colors? Pricing?
We have an assortment of pre-fabricated sizes (squares, rectangles and triangles) available in the 4 most popular colors - cream, beige, gray and forest green. This is the best “bang for buck” solution, and runs about $8 per square foot with cabling and tensioning hardware included. Poles and labor are an additinal charge. We can also install custom sail shades which allow for any size and shape, and over 20 color choices. Custom is typically $14 per square foot.
What kind of coverage do Sail Shades provide?
Most sail shades provide between 92% and 96% UV protection. This is dictated by the density of the thread pattern. Shade factor (the measurement of the brightness under the sail when it glows in the sun) varies between 78% and 90% depending on color. Thus, you do not have to pick a darker color to get more UV protection. Cream is by far the most popular color overall and is recommended when you are installing sail shades along a house with windows where you need shade but also want to maintain as much natural light into the home as possible.
Are Sail Shades waterproof?
Typically no. The majority of all Sail Shades (ours included) are semi-permeable, which means water will pass through them in heavy rain. They are engineered this way to prevent standing water and to dry quicker after rain.
What sort of maintenance do the sail shades need?
During the winter, we recommend taking the sail shades down as a preventative measure. Central Texas has been known to have some ice or snow fall from the sky (scary, we know!), which cause extra stress to be added to the shades, their connections, and the poles. Fortunately, we can teach you how to take down/put back up the shades on your own OR we can do it for you with our seasonal winter/spring service offerings. Contact us if you would like this service.
What do the poles look like?
We have an assortment of pole options to fit different scenarios. The default look of the poles is raw steel which acquires a patina (rust) finish over time. This is very popular in urban settings. However many of our customers located outside the city say “Why would I want a pole that looks rusty?” so we have galvanized pole options (can be painted black), as well.