Built to last: Why you should choose a high-quality shade sail fabric
Have you decided to purchase a shade sail? A shade sail is a significant investment. Therefore, you want it to last as long as possible and provide the best protection available. To ensure this, you must consider several factors when selecting shade sail fabrics.
UV Protection Ratings
Many people purchase shade sails to protect themselves and others from the sun. However, not all shade sails will provide the same level of UV protection.
One way to determine the UV protection a fabric will provide is to look at its UPF rating.
Different fabrics have different UPF (UV Protection Factor) ratings. The UPF Factor can be used as a guide to determine how much UV protection a fabric provides.
Fabrics with a UPF rating of 15-20 will block 93.3 to 95.9% of UV. Fabrics with a UPF rating of 25 to 35 will block 96 to 97.4% of UV. Fabrics with a UPF rating of 40 to 50 will block 97.5% or more of UV.
In 2019, a new way of measuring the UV protection of shade sail fabric was introduced. This is known as UVE (Ultra Violet Effectiveness). Unlike UPF, UVE is designed to consider variables such as the design and installation of a shade sail. Fabrics with a UVE rating of 80 to 90.9 will provide effective protection. Fabrics with a rating of 90.9 to 94.9 will provide very effective protection. Fabrics with a 95+ UV protection will provide the most effective level of protection.
For schools or community groups, adhering to government guidelines on UV protection is crucial. UVE rankings can be a reliable tool for ensuring you provide the required level of protection.
When it comes to protection, commercial-grade shade sail fabric stands out. Its superior UV protection and strength make it a reliable choice. Remember, dark, closely woven fabric offers the most UV protection.
Knit design
The knit design will determine the strength of a shade sail and it’s ability to block UV rays. Choosing a quality fabric will ensure the sail doesn’t tear or stretch over time. Shade fabrics with a high knit coverage can block more UV radiation from passing through them.
Colour pigments
The colour pigment of a shade sail will determine its ability to resist fading. Poor-quality pigments will fade much faster than higher-quality pigments. Stronger base colours will increase the ability of a shade fabric to absorb or reflect UV radiation.
