How to secure shade cloth to aluminium fence?

[ImKate]

Hi I am wanting to secure a screen cloth in an elegent and professional-looking manner to my aluminium slat fence. Zip ties are a no no. We get a small bit of wind so needs to be secure. What materials can I use? Am able to use power tools. Looking too for a shade cloth with 90% block out in black. I partlu built the fence myself so happy to do this all  myself.

 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ImKate. It's splendid to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about attaching shadecloth.

For a neat, professional-looking finish, I’d recommend using the ShadeGrip Locking Strip 1.83m in Slate Grey. It’s a clever fastening system designed specifically for attaching flexible materials like shade cloth to fences, walls, or frames. ShadeGrip is easy to use and install, doesn’t pierce the fabric, and can be used on both metal and wood structures. 

Before proceeding, it’s important to keep in mind that attaching shade cloth or privacy screens to fencing significantly increases wind load and stress on the structure. These forces can be immense during strong winds, so it’s worth assessing the size and depth of the fence footings first. Most fence footers are designed only to support the fence itself, not the additional pressure created by wind-catching materials like shade cloth. If you’re confident your posts and footers are strong enough, ShadeGrip is a solid, long-lasting choice for achieving a secure and elegant result.

Regarding 90% black shadecloth, we have the Coolaroo 1.83 x 4m Black 90% UV Block All Purpose Sun Protection Shade Cloth, Coolaroo 1.83 x 8m Black Sun Protection All Purpose 90% UV Block Shade Cloth and Coolaroo 3.66 x 3m Black All Purpose Sun Protection Shade Cloth- 90% UV Block.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[ImKate]

Unfortunately thid did not work for me. The product is best when installed on an angle that is 180 degrees to the post. I installed at 90 degrees. You need a sickle to get the fabric inside. Disappointed, I returned the unused equipment. instead I will get angle brackets and install slats between the gaps.

[MitchellMc]

Thanks for your feedback @ImKate, and I’m sorry to hear that the ShadeGrip system didn’t work out for your installation. We really appreciate you sharing your experience, as it’s always helpful for the community to hear how these products perform in different situations. It sounds like your approach with angle brackets and installing slats between the gaps will give you a more secure and neat finish.

Mitchell