Shades of summer

Shaw

Sarah Harris, Marketing Manager at Shaw, tells WFA Shaw’s Dayscreen external screen product is a robust 2 x 2 basketweave, available in 5% and 1% openness factors, with an extensive colour range, giving customers the flexibility to select the appropriate combination of openness and colours to suit every aspect of their home or work space.

The colour range of 18 in 5% and 7 in 1% is developed to complement architecture and exterior colour trends Australia wide, including: painted render, brickwork, driveways and decking finishes. From darker tones through to warm natural shades, there is a colour option to support harmonious continuity from inside to outside spaces.

Shaw’s Dayscreen range is presented in a stylish, durable, easy-to-carry folder, with large removeable pieces in all colours. It is a perfect sales tool for the retail environment, giving technical information in clear icons and detailed specification notes.

Harris notes that external products are increasingly being identified as the first line of defence when preventing heat and light entering a building. 

“Respected organisations like the Green Building Council are strong advocates for the use of external fabrics and systems to reduce the need for air conditioning, which is a positive for the environment, and gives cost savings to the consumer at a time when energy prices are inflated and average temperatures are rising.

Harris adds that Dayscreen is compatible with all products in Shaw’s Shawscreen External Blinds program, the most popular and innovative being ZipGrip.

The Dayscreen external sunscreen and the ShawScreen program are developed to withstand the rigours of the Australian climate, shading and protecting from the elements, with style.

All Shaw products are supported by a nationwide network of distribution centres, a centralised call centre, warranties and a wealth of supporting manuals and specification guides.

Weinor

Weinor has expanded its My Collections 2 fabric range with the introduction of two innovative fabrics: Firemaster and Lumera All Weather, Weinor Australia Managing Director Simon Meyer confirms. 

“These fabrics have been developed to cater to the growing demands in the commercial, gastronomy, and hospitality sectors, where specialised Awning materials are crucial. These newly available fabrics represent the latest advancements in outdoor fabric solutions, combining performance, safety, and durability.

Firemaster is a cutting-edge woven fabric that integrates two vital properties: flame retardancy and waterproofing. It meets the stringent B1 fire protection standards (flame retardant according to DIN 4102), making it an ideal choice for environments where safety is of utmost importance. In addition to its fire-resistant qualities, Firemaster boasts a water column of 1000 mm, ensuring reliable protection against various weather conditions. The fabric is also light-resistant, maintaining its colour and appearance over time, and is water and dirt-repellent, making it easy to maintain.

Lumera All Weather is engineered to provide increased weather resistance, particularly in prolonged rainy conditions. This fabric also features a water column of 1000 mm, significantly higher than the standard acrylic woven fabric, which typically has a water column of 350 mm. Lumera All Weather is ideal for Pergola Awnings and other outdoor applications where consistent protection from rain is required. Similar to Firemaster, it is light-resistant and repels water and dirt, ensuring it remains in pristine condition even after extensive use.

Meyer says that these fabrics fill a “noticeable gap” in the current market, for fabrics that combine both high fire resistance and superior weatherproofing. 

“The Firemaster fabric addresses this gap by offering a dual-functionality solution, particularly in sectors where safety cannot be compromised, such as commercial and hospitality settings. Meanwhile, Lumera All Weather meets the need for robust waterproof fabrics that can withstand prolonged exposure to rain, making it perfect for pergolas and similar structures.”

Meyer notes that the fabric and Awning market has become increasingly competitive, with numerous options available that claim to offer weather protection and durability. 

“However, few products deliver the specialised benefits that Weinor’s Firemaster and Lumera All Weather provide. The market has seen a rise in demand for fabrics that not only protect against the elements but also meet stringent safety standards, especially in commercial and hospitality applications.”

“What sets Weinor’s Firemaster and Lumera All Weather apart in this crowded market is their specialised functionality. While many fabrics offer weather resistance or fire protection, these new releases provide both, with each fabric tailored to meet specific needs. The combination of high performance, ease of maintenance, and durability positions these fabrics as premium solutions for customers who require more than just basic protection.”

Additionally, the commitment to sustainability is evident in the PVC-free composition of Lumera All Weather, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses, Meyer says. 

“By offering fabrics that meet strict safety and environmental standards, Weinor is not only filling a market gap but also setting new industry benchmarks.”

“The introduction of Firemaster and Lumera All Weather fabrics marks a significant advancement in outdoor fabric technology. Designed to meet the needs of specialised sectors, these fabrics offer unmatched protection and durability, ensuring they stand out in a competitive market.”

Uniline

Uniline Fabric Category Manager George Lucas tells WFA the company offers two key external fabric ranges: new addition ScreenShade 1%, along with ScreenView 5%.

ScreenShade 1% Exterior Screen fabric is an extra heavy awning fabric and is perfect for reducing sun glare – it is part of the ScreenShades range, which are available in the most popular Colorbond colours, suited to pool and al fresco entertaining areas, offering sun 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. It is designed to be comfortable during hot weather by restricting heat from entering windows. It reduces cooling costs in summer and significantly minimises sun glare. As a screen fabric it will not block out the view, however, allowing light and breezes to filter through, while also providing day time privacy. Importantly for the Australia market, it provides resistance to hot weather and helps protect interior soft furnishings from fading.

ScreenView 5% Exteror Screen Fabric is a heavy duty awning fabric available in a broad range of 10 contemporary Colorbond colours that can match interior blinds or an exterior façade. Shades range from light natural tones to more industrially inspired darker hues. 

Backed by Uniline’s 10 year guarantee, ScreenView 5% Exterior Screen Fabric alsokeeps cooling costs down in summer, significantly reduces sun glare while enabling exterior views and allowing light and air into the interior. It provides day time privacy and resistance to hot weather, while safeguarding soft furnishings inside the home from fading due to solar glare.