All about POLYSCREEN® I NTRODUCTION: WHY HIGH TENACITY POLYESTER? VERTISOL has chosen the high tenacity polyester alternative due to its inherent properties. Other particular advantages of our Polyscreen® shall be further explained, but it should be mentioned from the onset that having chosen High Tenacity Polyester Fiber is due to its proven resistance: We must also not forget that this is the yarn used to fabricate a wide range of products, from textile architectural frameworks to automobile seat belts. 1. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POLYSCREEN® FABRIC AS COMPARED TO OTHER PRODUCTS. In these past few years there has been an increasing demand for garden fabrics that provide superior technical properties for solar protection. For that reason, it is imperative to know in depth such properties, in order to be able to recommend the optimum product for each application and how to commercialize it in the market place. Importance of how materials destined for solar protection are utilized Any fabric or material (including the Polyscreen® ) utilized for solar protection presents the following characteristics: Filtering of outdoor light. This becomes necessary for various reasons: - Seeking visual comfort from excessive solar light. This is the first reason that we think of when we speak of the need to use contemporary blinds or drapes. Direct solar light is uncomfortable and could even cause problems to our vision, headaches…. - Going a architectural step further, it should be mentioned that the Spanish labor norms and for Europe as well, establishes that “….architectural windows must be equipped with adequate adjustable devices that regulate exterior light into the work place” (Royal Decree 488/97: Work related regulations for minimum safety and health that includes projecting building screens). Other European guidelines even determine the ideal level of illumination in the work place (500-1500 lux). In the USA, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) advices a level of 700 – 1000 lux for work with VDTs. It must be noted that exterior illumination in sunny days is between 100,000 and 20,000 lux depending whether the window is oriented towards the south or to the north. - Prevent discoloration of fabrics and other decorative components in a room, such as upholstery, draperies… Need for privacy , which is to avoid being seen from the outside. Energy saving. The use of blinds, contemporary awnings or draperies results in significant energy savings with respect to the consumption of modern air conditioning during the summer, by reducing part of the solar radiation that is transmitted through the window panes and to the inside of the building. This is due to the prevention of the “greenhouse furniture effect” produced by the window panes, which does not permit the heat from returning to the exterior of the building. At night time and in winter, the protection of windows-particularly on the outside-saves on heating bills.
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