AWNING GLORY: SCREEN FABRICS

WEINOR

Simon Meyer, Managing Director of Blinds by Peter Meyer – exclusive distributor of Weinor, confirms the recent release of the Screens by Weinor range including Starscreen, Perluca, Fibreglass Screen and Soltis 86 and 92.

“Starscreen is a spinneret dyed polyester fabric with a very natural textile look and feel. Available in 12 colours, it’s open weave increases light transmission and is superb for use with our Cable Guide, Side Channel or Zip Vertitex || Vertical Awning. The fabric width is 3.25m and as far as we know is the widest available in the market.”

“Weinor also has a robust Fibreglass Screen fabric available in 20 colours. The fabric is made of coated fibreglass yarns and is therefore extremely durable and easy to keep clean. The Fibreglass fabric has far less yarn movement than equivalent polyester fabrics. It doesn’t shrink or stretch and is particularly good on wider applications.”

Weinor does not offer a Polyester PVC coated fabric as a Zip option because there is too much yarn movement. However, the Fibreglass Screen fabric is not only ideally suited for use with the Cable Guide and Side Channel Vertitex Vertical Awnings, it is also well suited to the Zip Vertitex due to its highly stable nature. 

In addition to the newer ranges Starscreen and Fiberglass screen, Blinds by Peter Meyer also has a wide range of Soltis fabrics in 86 and 92. “These are great for use on the Vertitex Vertical Awning,” says Meyer. “The ranges have fantastic sun protection, reflecting up to 97 per cent of all solar rays. The Soltis 86 and 92 ranges differ from each other in terms of their structure and size as well as their pore configuration – thus allowing for a higher or lower amount of light and air permeability.” 

“The Perluca is also an interesting screen fabric with an attractive spinneret dyed acrylic fabric with a perforated finish. The Perluca fabric ensures a constant airflow so that the environment does not overheat and a pleasant climate is maintained at all times. We like to use this on our Paravento Side Panel Awning and VertiTex II Vertical Awning.”

“COVID-19 has really got people thinking about their outdoor environments and how they can enhance their outdoor space and make it more useful and enjoyable. People are investing in al fresco areas and looking to keep the heat out. With the Basix requirements, new home builds must meet a certain standard of insulation and energy efficiency. Externally shaded windows tick a lot of these boxes, so we are seeing some great traction in the outdoor awning market.”

In terms of colour trends, Meyer says, “Generally speaking most people are going for a darker colour. Black is particularly popular at the moment, followed by charcoal and darker greys that match with the popular powder coat colours. The darker sunscreens are always a popular choice because they maintain a better view than the lighter colours.”

“People working from home and those facing state and international travel restrictions want to be able to get outside and are looking to make their home more liveable. For example, people working from home may now get more frustrated by things like the afternoon sun streaming into your home office – awnings and blinds then become more of a priority.” 

THE NOLAN GROUP

Ben Townend, Market Manager – Blinds & Awnings at The Nolan Group, confirms recent releases in the company’s external screen fabric ranges include Vistaweave Max, the newest offering in the Vistaweave external mesh collection.

Designed for Australian conditions, Vistaweave Max offers enhanced privacy, solar protection and resistance to rain. It’s designed to fill a gap in the market for outdoor blinds that require further protection from the elements.

The collection combines the benefits of the current outdoor blind mesh, with a tighter weave to for enhanced privacy, solar protection and resistance to rain.

Other benefits include reduced heat transmission, support for air-conditioning efficiencies, UVR protection, reduced glare in direct sunlight, resistance to mildew and salt water and an environmentally friendly profile.

Practical features of the fabric include that it speeds up production, with no sewing of joins required, and is designed to be railroaded, with welding of the fabric easy and the resulting joins strong.

“This fabric is perfect for traditional blinds when consumers are looking for room darkening on bedroom windows. It’s ideal for shift workers and young children during day light saving periods. When combined with track systems, it will give protection from the elements along with privacy.”

Commenting on the current market, Townend says the past 12 months have been “very strong and the Vistaweave collection has enjoyed strong growth across the Australian blind and awning market.”

“The Vistaweave external mesh collection is the one-stop complete range for any external blind manufacturer. It consists of the latest Colorbond colours in 320cm and 270cm width, across 5% openness, 1% openness,
stripes and now Vistaweave Max for blockout.

“Colorbond Monument has by far been the fastest growing Colorbond mesh colour for Nolans generally, but Western Australia is seeing strong demand for Colorbond Surfmist as well.”

Sampling of Vistaweave is available in small DL swing book, “great for sales representatives, or showroom size A4 folders,” he confirms.

SHAW

Shaw’s Mark Lewis tells WFA the company’s recently introducedDayscreen 5% has received positive feedback on its useability, durability and consistent quality. It shares all the features and benefits attributed to the 5% product, he says, adding that the fabric is sourced from a reputable long-established manufacturer using ISO standards 19001 and 14001.

“Despite growing global pressure, particularly on the price of PVC, Shaw is fortunate to enter this summer season without having to increase wholesale list prices.”

“Dayscreen boasts exceptional clear view, is available in multiple widths (2200cm, 2750mm, 3200mm) and is durable with a 10 year warranty.”

The fabric is supplied in 17 on-trend colours to co-ordinate with Colorbond powder coat and exterior paint colours. Another benefit of the fabric is fire classification certification; AS1530 Part II & III, NFPA 701, German B1, while its superior technical specification includes UV resistant, formaldehyde free, lead free, phthalate free, Greenguard and Greenguard Gold accredited, printable, mould resistance, washable.

“Dayscreen extends Shaw’s comprehensive indoor fabric portfolio to the outdoors, supplied with all the quality, durability and service expected from Shaw products.”

“Current trends to continue colour schemes to the outside are supported by cross over colours which are included in the internal and external screen ranges.”

“The current international travel ban has created opportunities for the home improvement sector, including external shading systems. Hospitality businesses also are looking for ways to increase capacity while complying with social distancing creating demand in external shading systems.”

“Shaw is not complacent and whilst we are enjoying a growth period, we are conscious of making sure our product development programs and high standard of service are maintained, so that we will keep our market share when the travel ban is lifted.”

RICKY RICHARDS

Ricky Richards has extended its Sun Control range to include a fire-retardant commercial awning fabric.

“The team at Ricky Richards is excited to announce the launch of Solterior FR. This fabric is a solution dyed polyester that is produced from recycled PET drink bottles but supporting the environment is not the only feature of this high-quality textile that is manufactured in Japan.”

“Being made with yarn that is produced out of used PET plastic bottles gives a second life to a product that is not biodegradable and would otherwise end up as landfill,” says Ricky Richards National Sales Manager, Darren Best.  “By using recycled bottles in the yarn, Solterior FR saves both energy resources and the environment while delivering the same quality features as other Ricky sun control products.”

“Solterior FR which is ideal for commercial awnings and market umbrellas is RoHS compliant, fire retardant, waterproof and UV stabilised. Available in 10 popular colours and backed by a 5-year warranty, Solterior FR also comes with the full support of the Ricky team.”

Best tells WFA that choosing Solterior FR it is a small step towards helping maintain the environment for future generations. “The fact that we can offer these types of textiles shows that the textile industry has come a long way over the last 38 years that Ricky has been in business.”

He and his sales team at Ricky are “very proud of their textiles range” and he says he has a particular soft spot for sun control products having worked in that industry for many years. “We offer a complete range of outdoor fabrics suitable to use in any external blind or awning application as well as market umbrellas, outdoor upholstery and now commercial awnings that require a textile that is fire retardant.”

The company offers three long standing brands in the Sun Control division: Outlook, Docril and Barrington. Each offers a range of features that ensure they are suitable to use in the harsh Australian climate and come with a full 10-year warranty. Bliss outdoor upholstery fabric has recently been added and from this Spring, Solterior FR will extend the portfolio further.

SHANN

“There are good reasons why Atmosphere external screen mesh is the leading mesh in its category, for drop blinds and awnings, as well as patio, pergola, fixed screen and track system applications, like Urban Track,” says Melissa Vine National Product Manager – Window and Industrial Fabrics.

“Atmosphere is available in wider, convenient widths and it has been engineered for maximum performance without being too heavy, it drops straight and isn’t too bulky for head boxes.

The visibility is second to none and it welds beautifully.  Manufactured from quality European raw materials, it is sold with a 10 year warranty and an eco-friendly peace of mind with its GreenGuard certification.”

“The exceptional colour range of Atmosphere blends itself seamlessly into emerging botanical and natural hue trends, as well as the growing matt colour direction.  Coastal beach homes, country living and cityscapes are encapsulated in the palette and new colour Icon expands the established suite beautifully, offering new options that make it perfect for urban designs.”

“The industry has been consistently busy all year with outdoor blinds and many of our customers have full order books out to September, with the new season commencing again thereafter,” says Vine. “It’s such a positive sign for the industry after a tumultuous 18 months and with that uncertainty unlikely to be abating anytime soon, it’s important that we can continue to support our customers and the industry during both the up and down times.” 

HUNTER DOUGLAS

Vera Meharg, Marketing Communications Manager, tells WFA a new Ultra Black colour has been introduced to the Stance 5% Fibreglass sunscreen range. The 5% Stance Screen range was successfully introduced to the Australian market in 2019 and is recommended for those who are seeking a semi-transparent privacy screen. The colour palette has been developed due to customer feedback and interest in darker options to suit black or dark coloured hardware available in the Turnils Alpha Awnings program.

“Sunscreens made of Fibreglass yarn are renowned for their high durability and strength. A unique feature of Stance fibreglass screen is the twill weave helping the fabric withstand the harsh climate changes in Australia.  As a result the screen will remain flat at any temperature, unlike Polyester Sunscreens where shrinkage will occur.”

“The Stance Fibreglass range introduction to the Australian market has mainly been driven by the market demand for high quality and durable sunscreen fabrics. Hunter Douglas introduced the new 5% Ultra Black Stance Fibreglass fabric as a solution for those who are seeking a darker colour and enhanced transparency.”

External sunscreens have been one of the most popular products globally in recent times, says Meharg. “The pandemic has changed consumers’ behaviour, with interest shifting to sustainable products that assist with social responsibility. Consumers are now appreciating products of mid to premium quality to ensure longevity.”

“For external fabrics and sunscreens, the colour palette has an impact on the overall demand of the product. The monochromatic colour palette with key colours such as blacks, whites and greys will remain in high demand.”

“With consumers spending more time at home, they are looking at turning their homes into havens where they can enjoy both working and relaxation. With the market also spending less on travel, this has freed up disposable income allowing more home improvement works to take place.”

SERGE FERRARI

Stephen Bride, Soltis & Marine Sales Manager – Australia, Serge Ferrari, says the company has released a new external screen fabric called Veozip, specifically designed and engineered for Zip style blind systems.

Released through its distributor Rainbow Shade, Veozip comes in in 290cm width initially with a 320cm width to follow in early 2022. It will filter up to 95% of UV rays and provide wind protection all while still giving an excellent view of the outside world. The addition of a small amount of Hemp yarn, woven into the polyester base cloth prior to coating gives Veozip its “unique natural textile look,” says Bride.

“With the increase Australiawide in the trend to outdoor living we believe that the market is ready for an alternative to the cheaper products currently in the market. Serge Ferrari is renowned for its high quality European produced fabrics and Veozip will provide this quality along with a natural look.”

He says with more people working from home and a lack of travel options, the company has noted a marked increase in external fabric sales over the last 12 months.

“Initially during the lockdowns because people were at home they started looking at ways to improve their immediate environment. A lot of this spending went on external areas, giving people more living space. It seems that even now we are starting to have more freedom people are continuing to enjoy and improve on their outside spaces.”

“Whilst already well into development prior to Covid-19, Veozip fits the brief of expanding peoples living spaces while still providing comfort and protection from the elements.

In terms of emerging colour trends, he notes; “For a long time in this market sales were very conservative; lots of black and charcoal – but recently we have seen a shift to increased sales in the natural and earthy colour palettes. Perhaps the Covid-19 situation has made people want to use warmer colours and return to nature.”

BM BLINDS

Michelle Macready, Sales manager BM Blinds, says the company iscommitted to offering clients “the very best in awning mesh fabrics from a range of suppliers to suit their awning requirements.”

“External screen fabrics offer the ability to help protect from the sun’s harmful rays in a variety of opennesses, from the easy to see through 5% in Shaw’s ever popular Dayscreen or Ricky’s Outlook mesh that both offer the functionality of being 320cm wide and are Greenguard certified for peace of mind.”

“For those wanting even more protection from the harsh Australian climate, the Dayscreen 1% and the Outlook Mode Privacy both offer 99% protection from sun, wind and rain. With limited visibility, these ranges also offer the ability to give additional privacy or can help obscure an unsightly view.”

“Once these brilliant fabrics are coupled with the on-trend side retention awning systems such as eZIP and ZipScreen, the space becomes an extension of the home and makes unusable spaces functional.”

“With alfresco areas now being another fully functioning area of modern homes, the screen fabrics offer a practical and functional way to extend your outdoor living areas.”

Macready says Covid-19 has changed the way end-users view the areas of their homes. “Juggling home schooling and working from home, many homeowners are utilising these indoor/outdoor areas as rooms for band and dance practice for their children, or boardrooms for zoom meetings, or offices for work for themselves as they conduct this ‘new normal’ from home.”

“Everyone has now come to realise that this new Delta Covid variant is something that we will all have to get used to living with, altering their homes to suit this means looking at your home and seeing where areas can be utilised in various ways.”

“A good quality mesh, married with a practical awning system gives people more choices and helps make staying home a comfortable and rewarding experience.”

DALEKIT AWNINGS

Joe Pajeska, owner of Dalekit Awnings notes trends have changed significantly over the years. “This is obvious looking at the fabric skins we produce in our factory, with canvas being the previous material of choice, followed by acrylic and then finally mesh rounding up the smaller end of the market.  This was back when Dalekit first started in the industry in the late ‘90s. How things have changed.”

“We have seen a complete reversal in the material choice of the general public and that has a lot to do with the way we live our lives, but also the continual advancement in products offered in the screen fabrics and also awning systems.”

“Outdoor living has become an integral part of our lives and to that end mesh is the standout choice and now accounting for 70% of our sales.  When fabric suppliers started making mesh in wider and wider rolls the game was changed forever, 3200 wide, rail-roadable and no joins has made mesh the obvious choice for the outdoor conscious consumer.”

“Being able to increase the useable space in your home by adding straight drops or zip screens to an alfresco area in mesh fabrics, consumers are learning mesh is the choice for all seasons. In winter outdoor heaters can be used without creating a sauna due to the breathability of mesh, and in summer it keeps the heat out and protects from Harmful UV rays. More options are being offered all the time to cover all needs. By using a more open mesh they retain more visibility or by looking at a 99% or 0%, openness privacy is ensured.” 

“After 25 years of manufacturing Dalekit understands that whist versatility as a manufacturer is important, availability helps even more and reliability is best of all. We offer nearly every available fabric on the market today to our customers but what we stock has been determined by our customers over the years.”

HVG FABRICS

HVG Fabrics has introduced new additions to its market leading Visiontex range. These include Visiontex Perform, Visiontex Extreme and Visiontex Glisse. All the fabrics are designed to be ‘railroaded’, reducing the likelihood of fabric movement.

Visiontex Perform is a 1×1 plain weave mesh built with extra strong yarns, ensuring peace of mind in large span applications. The fabric is woven at 6% openness optimising vision and weather control and is available in six top selling colours.

Visiontex Extreme has a unique 1×1 basket weave construction, woven at less than 1% openness, allowing for increased privacy and greater control of the user’s environment. Visiontex Glisse is a PVC coated Fiberglass mesh designed for extra stability and strength, available from September
with six colourways equivalent to HVG Fabrics top selling Visiontex Plus colours: Naxos (Carbon Black), Majorca (Graphite), Malta (Everest),
Naples (Greystone), Rhodes (Platinum), Genoa (Havana).

In terms of the market outlook for this fabric category, Paul Turnbull – Product Manager Blind & Awning at HVG Fabrics, says that “while the market is still up for this time of year normally, the heat has come off from the preceding 12 months.”

“However, whilst travel restrictions remain in place and more time is being spent at home, the expectation is that the market will continue to benefit from a focus on home improvement.”

In terms of trends, he says “Aussies love shades of grey, and the full spectrum of inspired colourbond greys is on trend. On the lighter end of the grey scale are Colourbond Surfmist and Shale Grey, which are becoming increasingly popular. Inspired by this colour, HVG Fabrics is introducing Visiontex Plus Oyster and Visiontex Ultra Shale.”

“Remaining on trend are colourways that match Monument. Our Visiontex Plus Graphite and Visiontex Ultra Tungsten are an excellent match and remain our top selling colours.”

“Meanwhile, responding to demand for strong colours like Colourbond Deep Ocean and Ironstone, HVG Fabrics has added Visiontex Ultra Bluestone, complementing Visiontex Plus Baltic Blue.”