Posted by
craig zola on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 10:52 AM
Are you interested in creating an outdoor living space with an awning or simply improve the look of your backyard? Are you looking for shade from the sun only or would you like to sit outside under the awning during a rainstorm? Do you plan to have furnishings on the patio that need weather protection from both sun and rain?
Backyard patio awnings are a great idea. According to www.awninginfo.com , they can save you money by reducing your home’s energy consumption. "Awnings can directly affect energy use by simply blocking the sun… heat gain through windows is one of the main reasons why buildings need air conditioners... In some climates you can save 20 to 25% of your cooling energy just by using awnings." -- John Carmody, Director, Center for Sustainable Building Research, University of Minnesota
There are two types of backyard awning systems to consider; retractable and fixed frame:
A retractable awning is the perfect solution for someone looking for shade during hot summer days but also wants the option to enjoy the sun with the awning retracted or closed. These fabric awnings are designed for shade only. They are not designed for storm protection. Motorized systems are available with sensors that will detect and retract the awning at a predetermined wind velocity. This is a safety mechanism to prevent frame damage from sudden wind gusts. Retractable awnings are available in many styles, colors and qualities. They are a great addition to the home.
Fixed frame awnings are permanent structures that are typically engineered with steel pipe or aluminum tube. The awning fabric is fastened to the frame using rope or staples making it stationary. Removing the fabric cover is still possible but is labor intensive. The frame is designed to stay in place with or without fabric. Fixed frame awnings are engineered for wind load and meet building code guidelines. These structures are sufficient for all weather protection allowing you to enjoy the backyard even during a rainstorm. People and furnishings stay dry and protected.
Regardless of frame system, if you are looking for waterproof sun protection and an awning that is cleanable and easy to maintain you will want to choose a vinyl awning fabric like Coastline Plus or Natura by Herculite.
Do you have any personal experience with backyard awnings that you can share?
Posted by
craig zola on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 10:38 AM
More and more companies are switching to digital print fabrics for their advertising and promotional campaigns. With the new increase in fabric choices and extended widths, using fabric as a retail and exhibition medium can be both cost-effective and convenient. Just walk through any convention center, shopping mall, large retail store or outdoor exhibition area and note the use of digitally printed fabric.
Why Choose Digital Print Fabrics
- Fabric is an ideal medium because it can be colored, designed, stenciled, painted or digitally printed to exact specifications.
- Digitally printed fabrics are completely accurate and lose nothing of the original design intent.
- These fabrics are easier to store, pack, unpack, install, dismantle and transport than more rigid, traditional materials.
- Digitally printed fabrics require less storage space than conventional materials.
- They are also less bulky, heavy and expensive to transport.
- Colors are vibrant with clear definition and generally aesthetically pleasing to consumers.
- Eco-friendly fabrics are recyclable.
- Digitally printed fabrics can be chosen that show through or totally block out light.
- Wider widths and greater fabric selection increases choices for the perfect design.
- Flame retardant fabrics meet building safety regulations.
Bright overhead banners, flags and soft signage seems to be evident everywhere. Displays and backdrops are frequently decorated with fabric, as favorite brands and styles are promoted in the most eye-catching manner. Event promotions are brought to life with bright, vivid colors.
How to Incorporate Digital Print Fabrics into Your Business
- Soft signs are an inexpensive but effective way to advertise.
- Overhead banners and flags have eye-catching consumer appeal.
- These fabrics will attractively and effectively replace standing walls at conferences and trade-show exhibitions.
- Creative minds have used these specially designed fabrics for draperies, floor mats, wallpaper, tablecloths and even lamp shades.
- In-store advertisers can use these materials to highlight featured brands and labels.
- Theaters find digital print fabrics ideal for easy-to-handle props.
Whatever your reason, let digital print fabrics bring your dreams and ideas to life.
Posted by
craig zola on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 10:34 AM
When selecting fabric for use in healthcare textiles there are 5 important features to look for. From patient gowns to bed linens, scrubs to privacy screens, health care textiles are found in almost every aspect of the healthcare industry. Healthcare textiles represent a significant investment for any healthcare facility. When choosing fabrics, healthcare facilities can maximize the return on their textile investment and maintain a healthy environment for patient care and wellbeing by following these 5 guidelines.
Top 5 Guidelines for Purchasing Healthcare Textiles
1. Stain Resistance
This is self-explanatory in the health care industry. Resistance to common substances like grease, oils and biological contaminants is a given, but ease of clean up, using only mild soap and water is important for maintenance and a long useful product life.
2. Antistatic
Build up of static electrical charges present a danger to patients and sensitive medical equipment. Look for fabric formulated with antistatic properties to prevent accidental discharge.
3. Odor Resistance
Although frequent washing is the best defense against odor, fabrics that actively resist the buildup of odor causing bacteria are a must. Look for treated fabrics that resist the build up of bacteria.
4. Durability
The cost of healthcare textiles is a significant budgetary line item. Be certain to purchase fabrics that stand up to frequent washing and intense use. Strong fabrics that resist tearing are especially important to maximize the life of the textiles.
5. Antimicrobial
In a healthcare setting, textiles with antimicrobial properties are critical for preventing the spread of infection. Look for fabric with a controlled release antimicrobial agent that should last the working life of the textile.
Following these 5 guidelines will insure you purchase fabrics of high quality, maximum cleanliness and ease of use in any healthcare facility. But, just because the fabrics are durable, odor resistant antimicrobial, antistatic and stain resistant does not mean that they have to be utilitarian or boring. Healthcare textiles that contain these important qualities should also be decorative and appealing for patients and healthcare workers alike.
Posted by
craig zola on Mon, Dec 19, 2011 @ 09:53 AM
You know, Innovation is in our DNA. We always search for better ways of doing things. The same holds true in business, we innovate.
Innovation is the fuel that drives a successful company. Oh, sure, there are other things that make a company successful, but innovation distinguishes leaders from followers.
How do we get new ideas or technological breakthroughs? How do we determine if a new idea - is a good idea?
Innovation, quality and legendary customer service underpin everything we do.
From research and development to delivering high performance fabric widths up to 98”, Herculite is fully equipped to handle a wide range of best practices and procedures.
At Herculite, we measure innovation success by Proven performance.
So visit us and learn more about our total cost of ownership package. You too can experience textile solutions that are Powered by Innovation and Proven by Performance.