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Ferrari Fabric, Tensile Architecture

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Tensile, shade sail or polycarbonate?

Three ways to cover an outdoor space, with very different lives. Here is how they compare, including where tensile is not the right answer.

A shade sail is the cheapest to put up. Polycarbonate is cheap over a small span. A tensile roof costs most at the start and least per square metre once the area gets large.

CriterionTensile membraneShade sailPolycarbonate
StructureSteel frame with a tensioned membraneMembrane between a few anchor points, no frameRigid sheet on a light frame
SpanEconomical at large spans, 30 m and moreSmall areas; overlapping sails for moreSmall to medium spans
WaterproofYes, in PVC or PTFENo, rain passes throughYes, until the gaskets age
DaylightDiffuse, roughly 5–20%Filtered, depends on the mesh≈ 30–90%, can cause glare
Heat underneathMostly reflectedPartly cutSignificant heat gets through
Rain noiseQuietNone, water passes throughLoud in rain and hail
Lifespan≈ 15–30 years≈ 8–12 years≈ 10–15 years, yellows with age
In a stormEngineered to stay upUsually taken down before a cycloneStays fixed
Up-front costHighestLowestLow for a small span
Cost per m² at scaleLowestHigh for large areasRises as the frame grows
ShapeAlmost any free-form shapeFlexible layout, limited sizeFlat or simple curves

Typical figures. The right answer for your site depends on the span, the use and the wind.

When to choose each

It depends on the job, not the brochure.

Tensile membrane

  • A large or column-free span
  • The space has to stay dry
  • A roof meant to last 20–30 years
  • Rain noise and heat matter
  • You want a sculptural form

Shade sail

  • The cheapest, fastest option
  • Some rain is acceptable
  • The layout may change
  • A small area
  • You expect to replace it in about 10 years

Polycarbonate

  • A small, simple span on a tight budget
  • Rain noise and heat are not concerns
  • A lean-to, balcony, short walkway or greenhouse

FAQ

Common questions.

Tensile Membrane vs Metal Sheet RoofingCost guide

  1. A shade sail has the lowest up-front cost, then polycarbonate for a small span. Tensile costs most at the start but is the cheapest per square metre at scale and lasts longest.

  2. A coated tensile membrane (PVC or PTFE) and polycarbonate, the latter until its gaskets age. An HDPE shade sail is not waterproof.

  3. Tensile, at roughly 15–30 years. Polycarbonate yellows and turns brittle at 10–15 years, and a shade sail lasts about 8–12.

  4. Yes. If a shade sail or polycarbonate suits your span and use better, we will say so.

Start a project

Not sure which fits? Tell us the span and use.

Tell us where it is, roughly how big, and what it has to cover. We come back with questions, options and the next step, which is usually a site survey.

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