Fabric Architecture Specifier's Guide 2021 - 18

Modern fabrics meet
architectural design needs
How to select the right fabric for the right project.

abric awnings and canopies can provide energy savings,
thermal and visual comfort, weather protection from
sun, rain, snow, sleet, hail and wind-all while offering
brand identification and architectural aesthetics. Modern
architectural fabrics meet many critical design needs, such as
durability, ease of maintenance, fire resistance, high strengthto-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Many fabrics have a
15-year warranty, and some options have up to 20- and 30-year
warranties. Fabrics also feature special top coatings with flameresistant (FR) ratings and resistance to pollution and grime.
The biggest advantages for fabric over metal are its much
lighter weight and overall lower carbon footprint in the
manufacture and installation processes. When selecting a fabric,
your ultimate choice may depend upon its availability and price
point. The most important quality in choosing a fabric is its fire
resistance. NFPA 701 is the most common test for textiles and
films; ASTM E-84, 108 and 136 are common tests for fabrics
used in structures. Always check with your fabricator
to determine the best fabric options for the project. 

PRIMARY AWNING AND CANOPY FABRICS
Solution-dyed acrylic
This acrylic comes in a wide
range of UV-resistant colors,
depending on weave; it is
highly breathable.
Solution-dyed modacrylic
While it is similar to acrylic,
this fabric has increased flame
resistance and heat sensitivity.
The fibers are translucent
depending of the color.
Solution-dyed polyester
The yarn is spun with the color
embedded in the solution
(just like solution dyed
acrylic), providing enhanced
UV resistant colors along
with increased strength and
dimensional stability. It is also
highly breathable.

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Vinyl-laminated polyester
Some laminated PE fibers
are designed for backlighting
and are often recommended
for areas with sustained high
humidity.
Vinyl-coated polyester
This fabric is primarily used
for illuminated awnings;
its degree of translucence
depends on the color.
Acrylic-coated polyester
The translucence of this
fabric depends on the color;
it is resistant to UV, mildew
and water.

COMMON FABRIC STRUCTURE FABRICS
ePTFE
PTFE yarns are woven into
PTFE-extruded fabric that
penetrates the base scrim
on both faces. This permits
the fabric to be repeatedly
flexed and folded with minimal
damage. This fabric has high
light transmission rates up to
40 percent and life expectancy
of more than 30 years.
ETFE foil
This fabric has self-cleaning
capability; plus it is UV resistant
and has a life span of more
than 20 years. It has a thermal
performance average of 2.6-U
value in a two-layer system, it is
20 times lighter than glass and
is 100 percent recyclable.
PTFE-coated glass fiber
Known for high tensile
strength, this fabric is UV
resistant, can be cleaned with
water and is available with
varying translucencies up to 15
percent. Its FR rating varies,
but fabric melts rather than
burns at high temperatures.
Mesh
This is a broad term for any
porous fabric; it can be made
from almost any fiber either
woven or knitted (which
can use HDPE, PP or acrylic
yarns). Nylon can be used in
industrial applications due
to its strength and chemical
resistance. PP and HDPE are
stain-resistant but cannot be
dyed for colors and are less
expensive than PE or nylon.
Polyester
PE is the most frequently
used base material because
of its strength, durability, cost
and stretch. PVC-laminated
or coated PE is the least
expensive fabric for long-

term applications. It offers
multiple options for top
coating, including PVF
or PVDF to withstand
environmental degradation.
Vinyl-coated PE
The most common fabric
for awnings, canopies,
walkways, small airsupported structures and
light-framed structures, this
fabric can be made with high
light transmissions or can be
100 percent opaque.
Vinyl-laminated PE
This fabric is most commonly
used for awnings, tents and
low-tension frame structures.
Lamination prevents moisture
wicking into the base scrim;
adhesives used can stop
fungal growth and freezing
of the exterior coatings.
PTFE-coated woven PTFE
This fabric offers high
resistance to the environment
and the ability to flex or fold
repeatedly, which lends it
best to retractable covers or
shades where long durability
requirements hold. It features
the highest light transmission
rates of up to 55 percent and
a low VOC option. It is more
expensive than PVC-coated
materials.
Shadecloth
Originally made for
agricultural use to protect
crops, it is most often knitted
using monofilament PE. It has
now been adapted to tension
structures primarily designed
to shade. Many colors are
available; shade factor can
vary from 20 to 90 percent,
with UV filtering factors from
30 to 70 percent.

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Fabric Architecture Specifier's Guide 2021

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