Screens in focus

HUNTER DOUGLAS

A new Ultra Black colour has been introduced to the Stance 5% Fibreglass sunscreen range, Vera Meharg – Marketing Communications Manager, tells WFA. 

“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. 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.” 

DEFAB

Defab confirms it is unveiling new releases in its external screen fabric range. 

“The Somerton View range is one of our latest releases and takes pride of place in our Sun Protection range,” says Deanne Conway, Category National Manager – Sun Protection Fabrics

It is made of high-quality PVC coated woven mesh for external blinds. The Somerton Insect Screening range is a variant of the Somerton View, woven from durable fibreglass PVC coated mesh.

“The Somerton View has many novel features, making it suitable for a range of applications. It comes in either 5% or 1% openness options. Both allow an unparalleled view while providing maximum protection from the sun. The super exclusive 1% openness angle allows the ultimate in privacy.”

A defining feature of the Somerton View is the 99% UV protection technology built for local conditions. It comes in 17 colours, is fire resistant, salt water resistant, eco-friendly, and carries a 10-year guarantee. 

“It’s a breeze to maintain whether you use it on exterior blinds, outdoor furniture, or on umbrellas,” says Conway.

“The Somerton Insect Screening is a tight fibreglass mesh protecting against bugs and insects that commonly live in wetlands or coastal areas. Our other variant is a heavy screening fabric designed for large outdoor areas such as patios, pools, or porches. They’re rust and abrasion resistant, shrink proof, ortho-phthalate free, and come with the same generous 10-year guarantee.”

Conway says The Somerton View “addresses the age-old problem of trading privacy or shade for the view.” The 1% openness design meets that requirement of providing unencumbered views with maximum shade protection – a game changer in this market segment.

Joe De Petro, CEO of Defab, tells WFA “there are many untried or untested fabric options out there – marketed by suppliers who may be unwittingly exposing their customers to risks.” 

“Many here today, gone tomorrow suppliers cut corners in terms of R&D or manufacturing, which makes it difficult for them to guarantee the longevity and quality of the product.

“Contrast this with the in-house labs at Defab. We have over 46 years of experience in textile and fabric research and manufacturing. Our laboratory technicians are highly trained and experienced, ensuring reliability in our end product. It’s one of the reasons why we’re able to offer a 10-year guarantee on our products.”

De Petro adds that due to the pandemic, business is booming. 

“Rising costs in overseas travel have meant families are investing in tents and caravans for domestic travel. People now have an option to work outside in the sunshine, so they are demanding protective mesh for outdoor or alfresco areas to facilitate that.”

SHANN

Trends and technology have moved on from the traditional green backed canvas of Aussie homes, resulting in products like Shann’s market leading Atmosphere external screen mesh.

“As we move into our hotter months, rather than allowing heat to be trapped between the awning and the window, as outmoded fabrics do, Atmosphere breathes to allow heat to escape and the construction allows air to circulate, further dissipating heat,” Melissa Vine, Shann’s National Product Manager tells WFA. “This incredible, versatile, engineered fabric works perfectly on straight drop, wire guide, and/or track awning systems.”

Offering two levels of openness, Atmosphere allows visibility out and privacy in.  

“Atmosphere is supple and the perfect weight to eliminate bulkiness and to lay flat, allowing the material to flow and work so well with the latest architectural trends of irregular and curved exterior lines.

“Designed to adorn all kinds of exterior awnings and treatments, and with a full suite of colours available that coordinate and contrast with all the popular exterior trims and finishes, Atmosphere is delivering style and performance from the sea to the city.

“Monochromatic colours, black and white are still incredibly popular exterior colour schemes and Atmosphere Icon is absolutely the colour of the moment.”

THE NOLAN GROUP

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

“Designed for Australian conditions, Vistaweave Max offers enhanced privacy, solar protection and resistance to rain and is designed to fill a gap in the market for outdoor blinds that block out light, provide additional privacy to occupants and give enhanced weather protection. 

“The collection combines the benefits of the current outdoor blind mesh with a tighter weave 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, Townsend 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 is the only Colorbond-inspired mesh on the market and is available 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 Nolan’s, which supports the grey tones trend we’ve seen in commercial and residential design.”

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

SHAW

In response to customer and industry trends, Shaw has added colour Monument to the established Dayscreen 1% and 5% ranges, confirms Mark Lewis, Head of Division, Shaw Performance Fabrics.

“Since launch, Dayscreen has quickly proven to have a specification which suits the Australian climate. It is durable, with a perfectly uniform square weave, providing a superior clear view to the outside. Dayscreen is available in three widths; 320cm, 275cm, and 220cm. It is printable and has a colour range developed to co-ordinate with Colorbond and exterior paint companies’ best sellers, including Monument. 

“Dayscreen is tested to AS1530 Part II and III, and passes the international standard NFPA 701 for flame retardancy. The Greenguard Gold and Oekotex accreditations mean that it is safe with the manufacturing environment, as well as place of installation. It is UV resistant and is supplied with a 10year warranty. It is supplied via Shaw’s AUS/NZ wide network of distribution centres.

Shaw now has a new third retail presentation for the Dayscreen range, which is compact PVC binder, with carry handle and durable polypropylene divider cards.

“This additional binder means Shaw customers can choose a presentation which best suits their selling environment; an easel binder for showroom and retail display, a handheld feeler swatch for quick colour reference and the new compact binder for taking on site and keeping in the sales vehicle.”

SERGE FERRARI

Steve Bride National Sales Manager for Serge Ferrari fabric Soltis says the company has reported a boost in sales of external screens, due to the pandemic and people spending more time at home. 

“This increase has been in both window protection screens and side retention blinds for pergolas. The pergola market has seen the biggest increase as people want to get as much use as they can out of outdoor entertaining areas. Fabrics such as our new Veozip mean that customers can utilise their outside areas all year round. Soltis Veozip comes in 290cm and 320cm widths so there is no need for any joins to spoil the view.”

“With all the publicity around global warming and rising awareness of the damage caused by increased UV, we have found that 5% open fabrics have become the most popular in the market. It provides protection but enough `view through’ so people don’t feel closed in. Soltis Veozip will filter up to 95% of UV rays while providing wind protection and giving an excellent view of the outside world.”

“I think that the outdoor pergola market is still going to be a growth area of the market for many years to come. With our warm climate in Australia, outdoor entertaining and making the most of all areas of your home just makes sense. Also new hardware systems and advances in motorisation have made it even easier for the public to get on board indoor/outdoor living.”

WEINOR

Simon Meyer – Managing Director of Weinor Australia tells WFA the Starscreen and Weinor FibreGlass screens are strong performers in the market; “both stunning fabrics with different qualities and styles that have been specially developed for vertical privacy and sun protection. Both fabrics are ideally suited for use with VertiTex II vertical awning.” 

“Starscreen is a woven fabric perfect for a cosy environment and is available in 12 stunning colours. The spinneret-dyed polyester screen fabric has a very natural textile look and feel, giving your outdoor space privacy and a warm, cosy feel. 

“It is transparent to ensure a great view and easy to care for. It is UV, soil and mould resistant with low flammability and water repellent properties. This impressive fabric is also fully recyclable, making it a favourite for those looking to make eco-conscious choices.

“Weinor’s FibreGlass screen is a robust screen fabric perfect for vertical sun protection. The fabric is perfectly designed to reduce any shrinkage or stretching in both hot and cold climates.  It is made of PVC-coated fibreglass yarns and is therefore extremely durable and easy to keep clean. 

“Offering both sun protection and privacy, this screen fabric is easily cared for and is also UV, soil and mould resistant – perfect for the Australian weather conditions. It is a transparent fabric offered in 20 great colours that ensure unobstructed views. 

HVG

TF Attractive by Mehler Texnologies is a key new release from HVG. It is manufactured in Germany – stocked and distributed in Australia by HVG Fabrics, Maria Macri – Sales & Product Manager – Blinds & Awnings, tells WFA.

The fabric width is 300cm wide and available in nine colours – Anthracite Grey, Black, Champagne, Gobi, Light Grey, Pale Grey, Silver, Taupe and White. The openness is 3%, allowing some light in with more protection from rain and wind. It fits in between 6% and 1% open meshes, giving a little more protection from the rain and wind and not sacrificing the view out.

Meanwhile, launching comprehensively in the 2022-23 season, Visiontex Glisse is positioned as an innovation in solar production. Available in six colours specifically designed by HVG Fabrics for the Australian market – Naxos, Majorca, Malta, Naples, Rhodes, Genoa – the line comes with a full range of sampling options.

“Visiontex Glisse was designed as PVC coated Fibreglass for outstanding strength and stability,” says Macri. “This unique product offers a very stable, strong, thin and lightweight blind skin. The traditional 1 x 1 weave construction makes it another complementary all-rounder product offering 94% UV ray protection for great weather protection and ventilation. Visiontex Glisse is ideally designed to be railroaded as a wide as the blind system is capable of going. It also has a very unique look to the fabric.”

“While it is fairly new to the external market, it is in growing demand as awnings are demanding larger openings; this fabric adds more stability as opposed to other external fabrics.”