New shades of innovation for awning fabrics

DEFAB

Joe De Petro, Chief Executive of Defab says the company continued its focus on product innovation as the pandemic unfolded this year, with an important refresh of the Somerton range. 

Somerton has three key lines: “Somerton Canvas is  our traditional Polyester/Cotton coated range of 69 exciting stripes and plain colours, inspired by a wide range of colorbond and modern exterior house and commercial paint colours. This ensures full coordination with other exterior building materials such as gutters, downpipes, metal fixtures and wall colours, thereby adding to the architectural flair of the building.”

“Somerton Acrylic is our newly launched range of solution dyed acrylic fabrics.  In 49 plains and stripes, this range is focused to cover the wide range of colours found right across Australia, NZ and Asia. Suitable for extendable arm awnings, cassette awnings, marine applications, outdoor furnishings, fixed hoods and humid environments, the Somerton Acrylic range is perfect for the applications that are both affected by humidity and light rain.”

“Somerton View is shortly to be updated with a 1% openness selection, A UPF50+ , Zero Shrink PVC Clear called Cristal Trio and also 2 Fibreglass PVC Coated sunscreen fabrics called Pool and Patio and Mozzie Mesh. Somerton View has been available for a couple of years and is a 5% PVC coated exterior Sunscreen Mesh, in a range of exciting colours inspired by Colorbond Metal.” 

The features and benefits of the Somerton Range include: UPF50+ Rating, Shower Resistant, Guaranteed up to 10 years, Widest range of colours, Co-ordinated to exterior colours such as Colorbond, Up to 325cm wide, FR selections available.

“The range is a culmination of years of expertise in the field of sun protection textiles and is a result of listening to customers and providing the ultimate solution to their needs and wants.  No other supplier can claim to have a complete coordinated solution. As a manufacturer, we are the only company in Australia serving the complete trio of products under one brand, Somerton.”

“While the market has been talking about contracting, Defab has been focused on expansion and is poised to unleash its offer on a market that has been asking for something new, innovative and comprehensive.  The Somerton Range answers the prayers of the customer.  Customers have been looking to the supply chain to not just offer a variety of ranges but to offer one range that covers canvas, acrylic and mesh. This is exactly what Somerton offers.”

“With further developments in 2021 and beyond including an FR range of canvas fabrics, the Somerton range will also answer the need of commercial specifiers seeking to work with tight restrictions on fire retardancy. As we know from the Grenfell tower fire, and the recent years’  bushfires in Australia, the FR requirement for window coverings (internal and external) has intensified and as a result manufacturers and suppliers are requiring to prioritise FR and Green (Ecologically friendly) production, both elements which Defab’s Somerton range include.”

“As a manufacturer and not just a ‘supplier or wholesaler only’ Defab has a fully functioning laboratory that focuses on developing new and innovative solutions to combat issues such as FR, recycling and environmental and social responsibility,” says De Petro. “This puts Defab in an unmatched position of being at the forefront of developments in these areas.”

SHANN

Para, the Italian manufacturer of the iconic Tempotest solution dyed acrylic fabric will be celebrating its centenary milestone in 2021, as Shann’s Melissa Vine confirms. 

“It was 1921 when Mario Parravicini put his great entrepreneurial vocation to good use and started the Para story, an all Italian tale of successes.  Since then, from generation to generation, Para has been producing fabrics of aesthetic value and high technical quality for a range of applications including sun protection.”

“The gorgeous range of Tempotest fabrics is hitting the market this season with a stunning suite of colours.  The stylish design of the Black Pinstripe Tempotest fabric is a classic.  Neutrals and monochromes continue to dominate, and the stunning Black Pearl, French Grey and Abbey Grey are highly sought after.  Warm shades, rich caramels and earthy browns are prominent and the striking Tempotest Harvest Gold features heavily.”

“Star Screen, the new 100% solution dyed polyester range is also now available from The Shann Group.  Star Screen is a unique fabric with a stunning textile look and hand feel.  It is PVC free, dimensionally stable, light weight and colour-fast.”

“The linen look weave of Star Screen gives off a pleasant diffusion of light as well as absorbing and repelling up to 97% of heat created by solar irradiation.  It’s a beautiful fabric that suits a variety of installations and provides a luxe, upmarket finish.”

Vine says the trend of outdoor rooms shows no sign of slowing, with the segment growing year on year as new products are introduced to accentuate and enhance these spaces and mirror the functionality of indoor spaces.  “Both the Tempotest Premium Collection and Star Screen are designed to work seamlessly and superbly with a whole host of designed outdoor spaces. Tempotest and Star Screen are fashion forward and easy to care for.  Their colour ranges are well curated to satisfy emerging trends and old favourites. They are self-cleaning, won’t fade and offer sun and glare reduction, superior performance and practicality, all features that are must have for a premium outdoor space.”

“Products that are selling well are those that offer performance advantages around cleanability and longevity, as well a brilliant aesthetic.  Unlike some competitors, Tempotest and Star Screen are Extreme Teflon coated on both sides to provide superior cleanability and water repellency. The special Teflon coating creates a molecular barrier around each fibre, repelling stains and beading liquids off the surface of the material.  All of that translates to fabrics that will look beautiful and perform better, for longer.”

RICKY RICHARDS

The Docril Collection sold exclusively in Australia by Ricky Richards, brings a fiesta of colour which  has been selected to complement any domestic, commercial or architectural project, whilst  providing protection from the sun’s damaging rays. Docril solution dyed acrylic fabrics will reduce  solar heat gain by up to 90%, naturally creating a cool and comfortable living environment. 

“Behind this collection is Citel Technical Textiles in Spain. They are the manufacturers of Docril and Ricky is very proud to be partners with them. Twenty years ago, the two companies met in  Germany at the R & T tradeshow and have worked together ever since.” 

“The Docril Collection fabrics are all solution dyed acrylic, entailing a process that incorporates  the colours into the molecules of the fibre, creating a stronger bond than what would be  achieved by dyeing the thread or the fabric itself. The colour of a Docril fabric doesn’t just sit on the  surface; it goes all the way through. This means that it has an extremely high resistance to fading  and makes the fabric ideal for applications such as external blinds, external awnings, outdoor  upholstery and marine projects.” 

“Available in multiple widths: 120cm, 150cm, 200cm and 250cm, Docril fabrics are coated with  Dupont Teflon, which means that they are extremely easy to clean. The Dupont Teflon coating  gives long lasting protection from dust, soil and stains and repels water by beading up liquids  allowing it to just roll off the fabric. This collection of fabrics also has exceptional resistance to high  temperatures, chemical reaction, corrosion and stress cracking.” 

“Colours include a selection inspired by Colorbond, which means you can match any outdoor theme  and as a bonus, Docril fabrics are supported by a full 10-year warranty giving you confidence in the  integrity and longevity of the collection.” 

NOLAN GROUP

“Max is the latest innovative addition to the Vistaweave range from the Nolan Group. “This exciting collection combines the market renowned benefits of the current outdoor blind mesh, with a tighter weave to provide enhanced privacy, solar protection and resistance to rain.”

Designed for Australian conditions, Vistaweave Max will create a stylish and durable way of maintaining a comfortable outdoor environment. This innovative product is the answer to market demand for a tighter weave mesh that enhances privacy, sun protection and water repellency. Vistaweave Max is set to be released later this year.”

DICKSON

Yann Simon, Regional Sales Manager, Glen Raven, confirms Infinity, Dickson’s wide width technical fabric program, is attracting demand due to its structural stability and additional benefits. Suitable for all solar protection systems, Infinity is available in four widths (165, 200, 250 and 230 cm) and 19 colours, and is woven with an exclusive resilient solution-dyed acrylic yarn.

“Infinity delivers unmatched stability both warp and weft and sets the benchmark for optimal aesthetics throughout the product’s lifetime. It provides premium performance not only for retractable awnings, but also for fixed awnings, dutch canopies, folding arm awnings, zip-screens, pergolas, shade sails or umbrellas.”

“Thanks to its exclusive technology, Infinity will keep its original shape (+/- 1%) over time, even under repeated tensile stress from its own system (motor, frame, zip, cable) and from natural elements (wind, rain, snow). And thanks to its wide widths, the fabric will ease confection-making, limit fabric distortion and sublimate the overall aesthetic.”

“Solar protection fabrics need to endure constant and repeated tensile stress on a daily basis. Over time, a standard acrylic fabric will keep 99% resiliency on warp (1% residual elongation), but only 97% on weft (3% residual elongation). Infinity will keep 99% resiliency both warp and weft, leading to an optimal esthetic and very limited distortion of the fabric. It is therefore an undisputed winner when not only warp but also weft is under stress. Infinity is positioned to become a must-have for all premium solar protection systems. It will also simplify the confection process due to the minimal number of seams entailed.” 

Luxaflex fibreglass based fabric for summer 

With the arrival of warmer weather, the requirement to keep the home cool while also creating substantial savings on electricity bills is increasingly front of mind; 87%[1] of a home’s heat gain occurs through uncovered windows and awnings can offer a sustainable solution and enhance the performance of existing windows. Luxaflex’s Spectra  fabric offers numerous benefits in this regard. 

“Awnings are perfect for providing air flow control and sun protection for enjoyable entertaining while maintaining the home’s internal temperature. In an intense climate such as Australia, external awning fabrics need to withstand the heat and sun, while also fending off the rain and wind. Two of the main considerations to factor in is the strength and stability of the product.” 

“Luxaflex Spectra Fibreglass Sunscreen fabric is a premium fibreglass range available across the external fabric collection, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of luxury in their lifestyle. The combination of superior quality coatings, Enduris Glass Core Technology and innovative weaving techniques, makes the Luxaflex Spectra Fibreglass Sunscreen unparalleled in strength and durability.”

“The use of a quality awning screen, such as Luxaflex Spectra Sunscreen along with the Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awning, can eliminate up to 95%[2] of solar heat penetration, making it ideal for improving a home’s sustainability and energy consumption. The Luxaflex Spectra Sunscreen is exceptionally fade resistant, inherently flame resistant, rot resilient and offers excellent UV protection from the harsh Australian sun for years to come.”

“Aesthetically pleasing and suited to every home, Luxaflex Spectra Sunscreen features a sophisticated twill weave with subtle elegant diagonal patterns, and is available in a range of contemporary colours. For a stylish look, homeowners can opt for a mixed colour weave to make their home unique.”

“With its unique production process and the inherent characteristics of fibreglass fabrics, Luxaflex Spectra Sunscreen hangs beautifully straight and unrolls smooth and flat even after being left up for an extended amount of time.”

In time for summer, Luxaflex Everscreen External Sunscreen fabric range has been refreshed to effortlessly colour coordinate with Luxaflex Evo MagnaTrack Awnings and popular Colorbond® colours. Inspired by global and local influences, the refined and contemporary colour range reflects modern monochrome trends and consists of dark, grey and neutral tones. Each colour is UV resistant, meeting Australian standards for colour fastness to resist fading.

“The versatility of the range enables homeowners to find a fabric colour to suit almost any exterior décor. The Everscreen External Sunscreen Fabric range combines a 2×2 basket weave with a high-quality polyester yarn construction for great strength and stability and a 5% openness option for daytime privacy, without compromising view. Eco friendly products continue to be the focus with the fabrics being GreenGuard Gold certified, making them acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities and meet the certification requirements set up by Oeko-Tex for the exclusion of harmful substances. Homeowners can use the fabrics for External Contemporary Drop Awnings, Pivot Arm Awnings and Timeless Collection Fabric Awnings.”