Technical fabrics in sun protection systems - a comprehensive guide

Basics of the operation of sunscreen fabrics

Technical fabrics are much more than just a simple textile material. Imagine an advanced composite that is created as a result of the precise combination of two key components: glass fibers (accounting for about 42% of the composition) and a special PVC coating (about 58%). This unique combination creates a material with exceptional optical and mechanical properties, capable of selectively controlling solar radiation.

When the sun's rays fall on the technical fabric, a fascinating process of solar energy distribution takes place. It's a bit like a photo filter that selectively passes certain wavelengths of light.

Each ray of sunlight falling on a fabric is subject to three basic physical processes:

1. Absorption (absorption) - some of the energy is retained by the fabric material. This process is especially evident in the case of dark colors, which can absorb up to 90% of the incident energy. Imagine that the fabric acts as a sponge that “drinks” solar energy, not allowing it to penetrate into the interior of the room.

2. Reflection (reflection) - like a mirror, the fabric reflects part of the sun's rays back in the outward direction. This is especially effective for bright colors, which can reflect up to 70% of the incident light. It's like bouncing a ball off the wall - the energy goes back to where it came from.

3. Transmission (transmission) - a certain part of the rays passes through the fabric, reaching the interior of the room. This parameter is controlled by the structure of the weave of the fabric and its thickness. You can compare this to a sieve with different mesh sizes - the smaller the mesh, the less light gets through.

Understanding these three processes is crucial because it is their mutual proportions that determine the effectiveness of the fabric in controlling the indoor environment. Moreover, these three values always add up to 100% - it's like splitting a cake, where each process receives its share of total solar energy.

Aperture factor - key to light control

One of the most important parameters characterizing technical fabrics is the opening factor (OF - Openness Factor). This is not just a dry number in the specification - it is a parameter that directly affects your daily comfort and contact with the environment.

In practice, we find three main variants of the opening factor:

OF 24% (large opening) - imagine a transparent curtain through which you can clearly see the surroundings. This is ideal when the priority is to preserve the view outside and sun protection is of secondary importance. It works particularly well in rooms with north-facing windows or in shady locations.

OF 12% (medium opening) - this is the golden mean, comparable to the classic curtain. It provides a good balance between protection from the sun and maintaining eye contact with the environment. It is the most popular choice for residential and office spaces.

OF 5% (small opening) - it's like a dense curtain that provides the highest level of protection from the sun. Such a fabric significantly reduces the amount of light entering, while still allowing a limited view of the outside. It is ideal for rooms that require effective protection against overheating or glare, such as conference rooms or rooms with computer monitors.

Choosing the right opening ratio is not only a matter of aesthetic preferences. It is a decision that affects the energy efficiency of the building, the visual and thermal comfort of residents and the operating costs of air conditioning systems. Remember that a smaller opening factor means better protection from the sun, but at the same time a more limited view of the outside - this is always a compromise between the two aspects.

Sunscreen properties of fabrics

Imagine that the sun's rays are a stream of energy that you need to control in order to create comfortable conditions inside the building. Modern technical fabrics act as an advanced filter system that can selectively manage different types of solar radiation. Let's take a closer look at how it works.

Three key energy factors

When we talk about the sunscreen properties of fabrics, we must always consider three basic factors, which together form a complete picture of the effectiveness of the material:

1. Absorption coefficient (As - Solar Absorptance) - determines how much of the solar energy is absorbed by the material. It's a bit like a black T-shirt on a sunny day - the darker the color of the fabric, the more energy is retained. For example, dark fabric can absorb up to 80-90% of the incident solar energy. However, this energy is not lost - in the case of external installation, it is radiated back to the outside, without contributing to the heating of the interior.

2. Reflection coefficient (Rs - Solar Reflectance) - indicates what part of the sun's rays is reflected by the surface of the fabric. The operation of this mechanism can be compared with a mirror - the brighter the color of the fabric, the more light is reflected. Bright fabrics can reflect up to 70% of incident radiation, making them particularly effective in reducing heat gains.

3. Transmittance coefficient (Ts - Solar Transmittance) - determines how much radiation passes directly through the fabric. It is the sum of two components: direct ray transmittance (Te, n-n) and scattered radiation (Te, n-dif). Imagine that some rays pass through the fabric like through a sieve, while others are deflected slightly, creating a diffused, soft light.

G-factor - the key to energy efficiency

The G factor (total solar energy transmittance) is the most important parameter that determines the actual efficiency of a solar system. Imagine that you measure how much solar energy actually enters a room through a combination of glass and fabric. The lower the value of the G-factor, the better the protection against overheating.

The formula for the coefficient G is as follows:

G = Te, to + Qi

where:

Te, tot - total solar energy permeability

Qi - secondary heat flow to the interior

Fascinatingly, the same material can work quite differently depending on the installation site. Consider two scenarios:

External mounting:

In the case of outdoor installation, the energy absorbed by the fabric (As) is mostly dissipated to the outside by natural convection. It's like an umbrella that stops the sun's rays before they reach our skin. The efficiency of such a solution can be up to 80% higher than with internal mounting.

Internal mounting:

With indoor installation, solar energy first passes through the glass, and only then encounters the fabric. The energy absorbed by the material is converted into heat, which is partially returned to the room. It's like trying to retain heat with an umbrella held under the roof - this is not the most effective solution.

Practical importance of the G-factor

The value of the G factor has a direct impact on the comfort and operating costs of the building. For example:

- The coefficient G = 0.1 means that only 10% of the solar energy enters the interior. This is an excellent result that can reduce the need for air conditioning by up to 60%.

- The coefficient G = 0.3 indicates that 30% of the energy reaches the room. This is still a good result, but it means a greater load on the air conditioning system.

- A coefficient of G = 0.5 or higher suggests that half or more of the solar energy penetrates the interior, which can lead to overheating of rooms on sunny days.

Therefore, when choosing a technical fabric, it is worth paying special attention to this parameter, taking into account the orientation of the windows, the climate and the purpose of the room. Remember that even a small difference in the value of the G factor can mean significant savings in air conditioning costs over the long term.

Performance Parameters of Screen Fabrics

Screen fabrics must meet not only the challenges of controlling sunlight, but also daily operation for many years. Imagine that such a fabric is like the armor of your house - it must be elegant and extremely durable at the same time. Let's take a closer look at what properties make screen fabrics so unique and durable.

Mechanical strength - the basis of longevity

High-quality screen fabric, such as the Serge 600, is a true example of engineering precision. Its strength parameters have been refined as a result of many years of research and testing. Take, for example, tensile strength - the fabric in the direction of the warp (along) withstands a load of more than 250 daN per 5 cm wide. It's like hanging on a piece of cloth the width of your hand a weight of about 250 kg! In the direction of the thread (across), this value is about 225 daN/5cm, which is also an impressive result.

Equally important is the tear resistance, which is about 8 daN. This parameter is especially important in everyday use, when the fabric may be exposed to accidental snags or impacts. Imagine that it is like the armor of a car - it must withstand not only normal loads, but also unexpected events.

Dimensional stability - a guarantee of reliability

Dimensional stability is another key parameter that determines the long-term functionality of the fabric. When we talk about elongation at break below 4%, it means that the fabric practically does not stretch under the influence of loads. This is extremely important, because the preservation of dimensions affects:

• Proper functioning of the rolling system
• Uniform surface tension
• Aesthetic appearance throughout the entire service life

Weatherproof

Screen fabrics must be true warriors in the fight against the elements. They undergo rigorous testing in climatic chambers, where they are subjected to extreme conditions. For example, the Serge 600 fabric retains its properties in the temperature range from -30°C to +70°C. It's like a car that has to work reliably both in the cold winter and in the hot summer.

Particularly impressive is the resistance to UV radiation. Color fastness at the level of 7-8 on the blue scale (where 8 is the maximum) means that the fabric practically does not fade under the influence of the sun. It's like high-quality car paint, which even after years of intensive use retains its original color.

Ease of maintenance

Modern screen fabrics are designed with minimal maintenance requirements in mind. Their surface is treated with special coatings, which:

• Prevent dirt and dust from sticking
• They facilitate the drainage of rainwater, which at the same time cleans the surface
• They allow easy cleaning using standard means

You can compare cleaning the fabric with washing the glass - all you need is a gentle detergent and a soft brush or sponge. Regular cleaning, preferably twice a year, is enough for the fabric to retain its original appearance and properties.

Antibacterial and antifungal protection

Modern screen fabrics are equipped with advanced antibacterial and antifungal coatings. This is especially important in climates where high air humidity could favor the growth of microorganisms. Imagine that the fabric has a built-in “immune system” that actively protects it from:

• The development of mold and fungus
• Proliferation of bacteria
• The formation of unpleasant odors

This protection is particularly important in medical facilities, schools or office buildings, where hygiene plays a key role.

Fire safety

Safety is a priority in modern construction. Screen fabrics meet the highest standards of fire protection, which is confirmed by a number of certificates:

• European classification c-S3, d0 according to UNE-EN 13501-1:2007
• French class M1 according to NF standard P92-503
• German class B1 according to DIN 4102

These parameters mean that the fabric not only does not contribute to the spread of fire, but also does not emit toxic gases in case of fire. It's like a security system in a car - we hope it will never be needed, but its presence gives us peace of mind.

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Selection of fabric for specific applications

Choosing the right screen fabric is a bit like choosing a glass for glasses - we have to take into account many factors to achieve an optimal result. Let's analyze how to choose the perfect solution for different situations and needs.

Orientation of windows as a starting point

Let's start with the most basic issue - the orientation of windows relative to the sides of the world. It's like planning a garden - different plants need different sunlight, similarly different sides of a building need different protection:

For southern windows - they are the most demanding, because they receive the greatest dose of solar radiation all year round. In this case, we recommend:

• Fabrics with an OF 5% opening factor that will provide the best protection against overheating
• Bright colors for indoor installation (reflect more heat)
• Dark colors for outdoor installation (absorb heat and give it to the outside)
• G factor should not exceed 0.15 for best efficiency

The purpose of the room as a selection criterion

Think of it as a selection of lighting - some will be needed in the bedroom, others in the kitchen or living room. The same is true of screen fabrics:

Office spaces and conference rooms

In workplaces, glare control and monitor comfort are critical. Therefore, we recommend:

• Fabrics with OF 3-5% - provide optimal protection against glare
• Neutral colors, preferably in shades of gray - minimize color distortion
• Outdoor installation - maximum energy efficiency
• Two-tone fabrics - darker side on the inside for better visibility on the outside

Living spaces

At home, aesthetics and contact with the environment are just as important as sun protection. Therefore, we suggest:

For the living room:

• OF 10-12% - a good compromise between protection and visibility
• Fabrics in colors to match the interior design
• Two-tone fabrics for different visual effects from outside and inside

For the bedroom:

• OF 1-3% or blackout fabrics for better sleep
• Warm colors, conducive to rest
• Fabrics with additional acoustic coating for better sound insulation

Climatic conditions and location

The climate and location of the building are other key factors. Imagine that the screen fabric is like a properly selected outfit - it must be adapted to the conditions:

Coastal areas:

In coastal regions, fabrics are exposed to salty air and strong winds. Therefore, we recommend:

• Fabrics with increased corrosion resistance
• Higher weight (minimum 525 g/m²) for better stability in strong winds
• Special salt-resistant coatings

Urban areas:

In cities, fabrics have to cope with pollution and dust. We recommend:

• Fabrics with self-cleaning coating
• Dirt masking colors
• Easy-to-clean surfaces

Technical aspects of the installation

The method of mounting the fabric can significantly affect its effectiveness. It's like with the installation of air conditioning - the best equipment incorrectly installed will not work properly. It is necessary to pay attention to:

External mounting:

• Greater weather resistance required
• The need to use fabrics with high dimensional stability
• Appropriate tensioning systems to maintain an aesthetic appearance

Internal mounting:

• The possibility of using lighter fabrics
• More freedom in the choice of colors
• Easier installation and maintenance

Sample parameter statements for typical applications

For ease of selection, we present proven configurations for the most popular applications:

Office with south windows:

Serge 600, OF 5%, color grey/white (001002), external mounting. Parameters:

• G factor: 0.10-0.15
• Visible Light Transmission: 6-8%
• Glare Reduction: > 95%

Living room with large glazing:

Serge 600, OF 10%, pearl/sand color (007082), outdoor installation. Parameters:

• G factor: 0.15-0.20
• Visible Light Transmission: 10-12%
• Good outdoor visibility while maintaining privacy

Remember that each installation is unique and may require an individual approach. It is always worth consulting with an expert who will help you choose the optimal solution taking into account all relevant factors.

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