Screen stars

Shaw

Mark Lewis, Head of Division at Shaw Performance Fabrics, tells WFA that as industry prepares for the summer season, Shaw is confident that its recently launched colour Monument, developed in response to customer demand, will be a popular addition to the Dayscreen external screen range this summer.

“There are now 18 colours in 5% and seven colours in 1%, co-ordinating with marketing leading exterior paint finishes like Colorbond. Sampled in a practical handheld feeler swatch as well as a neat A4 presentation binder.

“Dayscreen has earned a strong reputation for useability, durability and superior technical specification, with an excellent view to the outside particularly in the darker shades.

“This screen’s technical attributes include UV resistance, formaldehyde free, lead free, phthalate free, Greenguard and Greenguard Gold certifications. It is printable, mould resistant, and washable. Dayscreen also has significant fire classification; it is tested to AS1530 Part II & IIIand certified for NFPA 701 and German B1 standards.It is manufactured by a reputable long-established manufacturer using ISO standards 19001 and 14001.

The 1% is 3200mm wide, and the 5% is available in multiple widths; 2200cm, 2750mm, 3200mm, giving cost savings and wastage reductions to the awning manufacturer.

“This is a robust and durable product supported by a 10 year warranty, which lends itself perfectly to the Shawscreen Vertical Awning Program, says Lewis. 

“Despite economic pressures Shaw sees continued growth opportunities for competitively priced external shading systems which create all year round living spaces.”

Weinor

“At Weinor, our passion lies in creating unparalleled experiences for outdoor living. Our Weinor FibreGlass and Weinor Starscreen screens truly encapsulate this ethos,” says Weinor Managing Director Simon Meyer. “These exquisite fabrics have been thoughtfully designed to offer crystal-clear views while ensuring privacy and sun protection. Designed for use with the VertiTex II vertical awning as well as the valance plus options, these stunning fabrics bring a new level of style, functionality, and eco-consciousness to the outdoor living space.”

“Weinor Starscreen is a woven fabric that sets the stage for a warm and cosy outdoor environment. With its natural textile look and feel, this spinneret-dyed polyester screen fabric is available in 12 stunning colours. Starscreen is designed to provide both privacy and unobstructed views, allowing end users to enjoy their surroundings without compromising on comfort.”

“The fabric’s impressive features include UV, soil, and mould resistance, making it highly durable and easy to maintain. Its low flammability and water-repellent properties ensure safety and longevity. Starscreen’s eco-conscious appeal makes it a favourite among those seeking sustainable choices, as it is fully recyclable, reflecting our commitment to environmentally friendly solutions.”

Meanwhile Weinor FibreGlass is a robust screen fabric crafted from PVC-coated fibreglass yarns, offering exceptional durability and easy cleaning. It is designed to resist shrinkage and stretching, making it suitable for both hot and cold climates.

“Weinor FibreGlass provides the perfect balance of sun protection and privacy, ensuring comfortable outdoor living in various weather conditions. Available in 20 great colours, this transparent fabric allows unobstructed views. Our external screen fabric ranges, Starscreen and FibreGlass, are designed to fill a significant gap in the market. Homeowners seeking a harmonious blend of style, durability, and eco-consciousness will find their perfect match with our fabric offerings.”

“In the ever-evolving world of outdoor living, colour trends play a significant role in shaping aesthetics. At Weinor, we are still witnessing the rise in Colorbond matching colours, with Monument holding the top spot of on-trend shades. This contemporary hue complements modern architecture and blends seamlessly with outdoor spaces, adding a touch of sophistication. The Weinor range of fabrics comes in a wide range of colours that complement the Colorbond colour range.”

Meyer says the market for outdoor awnings and blinds experienced a significant surge in popularity during the pandemic, as people sought to enhance their homes and create comfortable outdoor retreats. “However, since the world opened up and travel has regained momentum, we have observed a shift in sales patterns. The ongoing challenge of inflation has impacted the overall demand in the industry.

“Despite these challenges, the enduring appeal of outdoor living solutions remains strong. Homeowners and businesses alike continue to show a keen interest in our innovative screen fabric ranges. The allure of creating inviting outdoor spaces that promote relaxation, entertainment, and a connection with nature remains a driving force. Moreover, a growing focus on sustainability has led customers to seek eco-conscious choices, further fuelling demand for our thoughtfully designed and environmentally friendly screen fabrics.”

“At Weinor, we are committed to navigating these market dynamics while our dedication to innovation and excellence shines through in our latest external screen fabric releases. Starscreen and FibreGlass embody our commitment to providing customers with stylish, durable, and eco-conscious choices.”

Ricky Richards

Ricky Richards’ Outlook mesh provides a clean, year-round protection against the elements. Manufactured by American solar control fabric specialists Phifer Incorporated, the Outlook mesh collection is exclusively designed and available from Ricky Richards. 

“Outlook has superior colour fastness and the ability to perform in the varied Australian elements. This lead-free mesh collection has key features including Greenguard Gold certification which certifies low VOC emissions, Microban antimicrobial treatment to prevent the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew, along with a full 10-year UV warranty.

“The fabrics are available in four types of openness with four of the five ranges made using Dow Ecolibrium bio-based plasticisers. This means that for every 10 square metres of Outlook mesh used, one litre of petroleum is saved. The range Mode Zero is the only exception to this, due to its unique construction to obtain visual block out.

“Outlook mesh is ideal for external lock arm and pivot awnings along with other various external blind types.This collection offers fire retardancy options and protection from harmful UV-rays, light wind, and rain, while maintaining cool breezes and uninterrupted views; ultimately expanding outdoor living environments. Note: Mode Zero provides a complete visual block out.”

Uniline

Uniline offers two external fabric ranges, ScreenView 5% and its latest addition, ScreenShade 1%.

“Uniline’s ScreenShade 1% Exterior Screen Fabric is an extra heavy awning fabric and is perfect for reducing sun glare,” says Uniline Fabric Category Manager George Lucas.

“ScreenShade is available in a range of the most popular Colorbond colours. Ideally suited to pool and al fresco entertaining areas, it offers sun and glare protection and just enough inward light filtration with a high-level of privacy from the outside world during the day.”

ScreenShade 1% Exterior Screen Fabric is backed by Uniline’s 10-year guarantee.

Lucas says the fabric allows end users to make their homes more comfortable during hot weather by restricting heat from entering your windows, reducing cooling costs in summer along with sun glare. In addition, as it’s a screen fabric it will not block out the view. The fabric also allows light and breezes to filter through, provides daytime privacy, is resistant to harsh weather and helps soft furnishings from fading.

Uniline’s ScreenView 5% Exterior Screen Fabric is a heavy-duty awning fabric and is available in a broad range of 10 contemporary Colorbond colours to match either interior blinds or exterior façades.

“ScreenView is perfect for external windows and for screening pool and al fresco entertaining areas. It offers sun and glare protection, fantastic outward visibility and just enough inward light filtration; offering a mid to high-level of privacy from the outside world during the day.

“Shades range from light natural tones to the more industrially-inspired darker hues. ScreenView 5% Exterior Screen Fabric is backed by Uniline’s 10-year guarantee.