How Strong is Polyester Mesh?

When you're ready to make an investment into a screen enclosure, you need to sit down and consider all of your options. You may already be aware that there are different types of materials used for the screens. You may also already know that polyester is by far the strongest type of material used. But exactly how strong is polyester mesh?

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Some individuals may only need a screen that lasts for a few years before relocating, and while polyester mesh can certainly fulfill that need, investing in it may not make sense if you plan on moving soon. The true strength of polyester mesh is most appreciated for long-term uses.

• 100% Stronger Than Fiberglass

  The most common material seen in screen enclosures is fiberglass. In comparison, polyester mesh boasts a strength that is 100% superior to fiberglass screens. The warp tensile strength of polyester mesh measures roughly 112 pounds of force, with a warp tear strength of about 31 pounds and fill tear strength around 27 pounds.

  Moreover, the critical ball burst strength for polyester screens reaches approximately 190 pounds. Essentially, when new, polyester mesh can withstand almost anything and maintains durability for over 20 years.

• Strength After Years of Absorbing UV Rays

  Fiberglass screens often have a limited lifespan. Usually, you might only get about 7 to 8 years of functionality before issues arise. This is partly due to the intense UV rays experienced in Florida. Over time, fiberglass can deteriorate and become brittle, necessitating replacement.

  On the other hand, polyester mesh includes UV inhibitors to withstand harmful rays without compromising its color or durability. After a decade, the polyester screen should maintain a strength comparable to when it was first installed.

• Simple Maintenance to Keep Strength Intact

  An advantage of polyester mesh is its maintenance ease, ensuring its strength is preserved. The mesh is designed with biocide properties to deter insects and importantly, prevent algae and mildew buildup.

  Unlike fiberglass screens, which become brittle and cannot be power washed, polyester screens can be easily power washed throughout their lifespan. Regular rinsing is all that is required to keep your polyester screens looking impressive and strong.

• Is Polyester Mesh Worth It?

  It should be evident by now that polyester mesh stands as the strongest material for screen enclosures. The next question is whether the extra expenditure is justified. The short answer is yes, but the popular response is more nuanced.

  If you plan to remain in your home for only a few more years, it may not be wise to invest in polyester mesh. However, if a long-term stay is in your plans, opting for polyester mesh is undoubtedly prudent.

  For further information, do visit Polyester Filter Mesh.

  While fiberglass possesses admirable short-term strength, polyester excels in both short-term and long-term strength dimensions. Consider your future living arrangements to assess if polyester mesh is a worthwhile investment.

The debate around the better material for window shades—fiberglass or polyester—has been gaining traction as companies specializing in polyester shades advocate its superiority over fiberglass.

This notion is misleading. Each fabric type offers unique benefits, which is why Draper produces both fiberglass and polyester window shades.

It’s accurate that polyester core yarns typically have a higher strength rating compared to fiberglass; nonetheless, fiberglass is substantially stronger than steel when compared pound for pound. Thus, both fabrics are sufficiently resilient for window shade applications, though fiberglass possesses advantages in certain areas.

One notable aspect of fiberglass is its dimensional stability, particularly under heated conditions. Fiberglass boasts a higher melting point than polyester and remains unaffected by temperatures found between window glass and shades. In contrast, polyester may suffer from dimensional distortion and stretching when exposed to high heat.

The thinner construction of fiberglass yarn has traditionally been seen as superior, providing improved glare control and enhanced visibility. Thinner yarns allow for larger shades while minimizing the bundle diameter, which also leads to savings in the manufacturing of operating mechanisms and other hardware, reducing resource usage significantly. Although recent advancements in polyester yarn technology have made thinner yarns possible, generally, fiberglass maintains an edge in this aspect.

However, fiberglass can be more prone to fraying during manufacturing. Draper employs ultrasonic cutting technology that generates enough heat to ensure a clean edge on polyester fabrics, exploiting polyester’s sensitivity to heat. This innovative technique also reduces the fraying likelihood for fiberglass. In cases of fraying, scissors can easily tidy the edges. Because both fabric types are white, fraying is more noticeable on darker shades.

Draper also provides eco-friendly fabric options. Both polyester and fiberglass offer sustainable material choices for environmentally conscious consumers.

Some of Draper's polyester fabrics are designed with non-PVC coatings, while the GreenScreen Revive polyester fabric has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified (CM) Silver status, indicating it meets stringent environmental standards. However, it's worth mentioning that environmental benefits are available for both materials, as they are GreenGuard Gold certified for low chemical emissions.

For detailed insights into Draper’s extensive assortment of window shades crafted from fiberglass, polyester, and additional materials, click here.

To access a complimentary white paper contrasting fiberglass and polyester fabrics used in shades, click here.

If you’re keen on learning more about polyester mesh cloth, contact us today for an expert consultation!