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Motorised Roll-Up Sails: Measurement Guide

To properly install your roll-up sail, it is essential to take the measurements correctly. First, identify the anchor points and estimate the distances with some tolerance. Once the anchors are in place, you will need to measure the distance between them with precision.

Following these guidelines will ensure a perfect and functional installation. Check out the full guide for all the details!

How the Zefira configurator works

Thanks to our online configurator, we've simplified the purchase and installation process by dividing it into two distinct phases.

Each phase corresponds to a separate order, and you'll receive the materials in two separate shipments to maximize accuracy and ease of assembly.

The 4 steps to purchase Zefira:

PHASE 1

1

Set up your shade sail online

Identify the anchorage points and measure the approximate distances.
Configure your sail online.
In this phase, you only pay for the Phase 1 Kit, which includes all anchorages (poles and/or wall plates).

2

Get and install the Phase 1 Kit

You'll receive the chosen anchorages, fabric samples, a measuring cord for precise measurements, and all necessary fixing materials. Install the supports in your outdoor space.

PHASE 2

3

Confirm your measurements in your dashboard

Visit the website and enter the precise measurements taken after installing the anchorages. Choose the fabric and purchase the second part of your order: sail, roller, and accessories.

4

Get and install the Phase 2 Kit

In just a few days, you'll receive your custom-made sail along with its roller, motor, anemometer, solar panel, and all included accessories. Installation is quick, straightforward, and entirely DIY-friendly.

How to take measurements

Accurate measurements are essential to ensure a flawless installation.

During the configuration phase of your sail, you'll be asked to provide measurements between the anchorage points. At this initial stage, extreme precision isn't necessary—a tolerance of a few centimetres is acceptable. These preliminary measurements help us accurately calculate your sail's configuration and provide an estimated price.

Once you've received and installed the Phase 1 Kit, which includes a professional measuring cord, you can proceed to take precise measurements between the anchorage points. These final measurements are crucial for manufacturing your custom sail and roller, and should be entered into your user panel before completing the purchase of the Phase 2 Kit.

PLEASE NOTE: All measurements requested refer to the anchorage points, not the actual fabric dimensions. The system will automatically calculate the sail's measurements based on these inputs.

Guidelines for measurement and setup

Measurements needed for the configurator

Use a rigid measuring tape to measure the area where you plan to install the shade sail, taking into account any obstacles such as walls, trees, or other elements that might affect the installation.

Confirming the measurements after anchor installation

Use the measuring cord provided with your anchorage kit to accurately measure the sail's angles and diagonal.

Ensure precise measurements by keeping the measuring cord taut and measuring from the center of the anchorage hole.

ATTENTION: When measuring for the roller, account for its potential inclination and final anchorage height.

How to identify side AC (roller tube)

The side AC is conventionally referred to as the one with the roller system.

In a quadrilateral (sail with 4 corners), side AC is equivalent to the diagonal.
In a triangle (isosceles, scalene, equilateral), side AC is equivalent to one of the sides.
In a right-angled triangle, side AC is equivalent to the hypotenuse.

Esempio forma quadrilatero

Esempio forma triangolo isoscele, scaleno, equilatero

Esempio forma triangolo rettangolo

Motor at point A

Point A is the location of the motor and the main reference point for configuring the shade sail.
By defining this point first, you can precisely position the other fixing points for a correct and balanced installation.
Point A should be the highest point of the roller tube.

Roller tube measurement

The measurement of the length of the roller system (side AC) has a tolerance of 2.5 cm per side. This measurement must be taken with great care in PHASE 2, when the anchors are installed.

WARNING: See angle A and C degree restrictions in the specifications at the bottom of the page.

Sail inclination

The roller system can be tilted.
The maximum allowed tilt for side AC is ± 25% of the roller system length.

Example:

If the roller system (side AC) is 8 meters long (800 centimeters)

Maximum tilt = 800 / 100 x 25 = 200 centimeters

NOTE: If you decide to install the sail with a tilted roller system, the actual distance between angle A and angle C will be greater than in a perfectly horizontal installation. This happens because, by tilting the roller, the length is longer compared to a parallel arrangement to the ground.

TIP: It is recommended NOT to tilt the roller towards angle A, as it hosts the motor.

NOTICE: Motorized retractable sails must be installed with a proper inclination to ensure correct drainage of rainwater or hail. It is necessary to tilt the roller and/or one or more corners of the sail to create a slope of 25%.

Constraints in the production of the motorised retractable sail

General Constraints

To ensure the successful completion of the project, it is essential to adhere to certain technical constraints during the design of the motorized retractable sail.

  • Angle A: This is always the point where the motor is installed, serving as the main reference for the entire configuration.
  • Side AC: This diagonal corresponds to the roller system and must comply with specific measurements to ensure stability and optimal tension of the sail.
  • Dimensions of side AC:
    • Minimum length: 210 cm
    • Maximum length: 800 cm

Special Constraints for Triangular Sails (Shape: Triangle)

  • Maximum Area: 20 m²
  • The side BF, perpendicular to side AC (roller system), can measure up to 5 meters. (Figure 1)
  • The angles A and C must be less than or equal to 85°. To simplify, angle B must remain within the profile of the roller system to allow for proper rolling. (Figure 2)

Figure 1

Figure 2

Special Constraints for Quadrilaterals (Shape: Square, Rectangle, Trapezoid)

  • Maximum Area: 30 m²
  • The angles A and C must be less than or equal to 85°. To simplify, angles B and D must remain within the profile of the roller system to allow for proper rolling. (Figure 3)
  • The difference in opening (length) between the measurement of DE and the measurement of BF must not exceed 50 cm in length, as shown in Figure 4.
  • The side AC (roller system) must always be longer than the sides DE and BF, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Download the paper guide and note the dimensions we will ask for during the configuration phase.

Download guide