Tents and shades save you from the detrimental effects of weather and provide you with a soothing environment. Different types of foils are used in the manufacturing of tents and shades to enhance their weather resistance capabilities. In this article, we will look at the different types of foils that are commonly used in tents and shades. This will allow you to make a more informed decision when it comes to choosing which type of foil would be a best fit for your shading needs. Read on to find out more.
PU stands for Poly Urethane. These types of foils are flexible in cold weather and are resistant to air tightness and abrasion. Unfortunately, their high price, poor performance at high temperatures, and prospects of discoloration after a short use can put off some perspective buyers. This type of foil comes in two different versions; namely the polyester based and the polyether based. The Polyester based version degrades quickly, depending on the environment, while the latter holds up very well. Heat and different chemicals can speed up the degradation. On the brighter side, it can easily be recycled and does not release hazardous chemical compounds even when they are recycled, which is a big plus from the environmental perspective.
ETFE stands for Ethylene Tetra Fluoro Ethylene, which is a fluorine based plastic material used in the foils of tents and shades. What makes ETFE foils stand out is their resistance to corrosion and their ability to handle a wide range of temperatures. Another advantage is its self-cleaning film, which is also recyclable. It is widely used in the building industry due to its long-term stability and high transmittance. Its mechanical strength is also a plus, especially when you consider the lack of woven support for reinforcement. Beijing Aquatic Center as well as the Uniliver building in Hamburg has used ETFE foil in their shades.
PVC foils are not the best option when it comes to resistance to soiling, mechanical resistance and long term stability. In fact, it fares very poorly in all these departments. Its low price tag and flexibility somehow compensate for its shortcomings. This makes it ideal for temporary and indoor applications. Its optical properties also fade away after some time, and the material is considered rather inferior when you compare it with an ETFE foil. If you are looking for a low cost foil option for your temporary shading needs, these PVC foils should be your go-to. Otherwise, you are better off exploring other options.
PE stands for Poly Ethelene. PE foil is not a best fit for the architecture sector, because it lacks most of the properties considered a must. Only its low cost works best for building applications. It poor ultra-violet rays protection and sad resistance to soiling make matters worse. Due to this reason, its use is restricted to only greenhouse and agriculture applications. The film had however been successfully used in the Mobile Action Space in Berlin, but other than that, you won’t see PE foils being used for architectural purposes.
When you compare ETFE with THV foils, the difference speaks volumes. With its improved flex cracking resistance and long term stability, it boasts an edge over ETFE foils. Unfortunately, its poor resistance to soiling and less than adequate optical properties has plummeted its popularity against ETFE. It is rarely used for architectural applications due its higher tearing and lower mechanical resistance. This restricts its use as a medium for large spans, but it is a good option when it comes to temporary and short-term applications.
The type of foil you choose for your shades can either add value or functionality or destroy the appeal of your tents and shades. Therefore, you must choose them carefully. Every type of foil has its set of strengths and weaknesses and you should know about them before choosing an option. This will makes it easier for you to decide which one to choose and which to skip. After reading this article, you will be fully aware of the pros and cons of each type of foil and will be able to make the right choice.
Which foil would you choose for your tents and shades and why? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you.
