Glen Raven Custom Fabrics expanded its Sunbrella fabric portfolio during IFAI Expo Americas with the introduction of Sunbrella® Clarity, an awning fabric with low-maintenance attributes geared toward the commercial awning industry. The fabric maintains the performance characteristics of traditional Sunbrella awning fabric but with an added technology designed to make the maintenance of hard-to-reach commercial applications easier.
"The technology in Sunbrella Clarity is the results of several years of research and development that will ultimately improve the experience our commercial awning customers have with our fabrics," said Vince Hankins, industrial business manager for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. "It is especially helpful for awning or canopy applications that are difficult to reach or of a size and shape that makes traditional cleaning methods impractical."Glen Raven Custom Fabrics expanded its Sunbrella fabric portfolio during IFAI Expo Americas with the introduction of Sunbrella® Clarity, an awning fabric with low-maintenance attributes geared toward #
Sunbrella Clarity features technology that works in two ways to help maintain the "like new" appearance of the fabric. The first involves a photoactive ingredient, which is fueled by UV light, even on cloudy days or in moderate shade. This action creates a natural cleaning mechanism that decomposes organic material such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), grime, oils, mold and mildew. The reaction does not deplete the active ingredient, ensuring that it works anytime sunlight and moisture are present.
"The photoactive ingredient literally eats the grime away over time," Hankins said. "This feature is a particular bonus for fixed, commercial applications where an awning's appearance is critical and cleaning is inconvenient."
The second part of the cleaning process involves a hydrophilic or moisture-spreading component that allows the surface of the fabric to wet out with water, washing away particles of inorganic matter left on the surface of the awning. The fabric is temporarily darkens during this process, but will return to its original color quickly after drying. Sunbrella Clarity features a highly water resistant coating that prevents water from penetrating through the awning, keeping people and the area beneath the awning drier.
"Working together, these two actions ensure that Sunbrella Clarity will offer a long-term, easy-to-maintain shade fabric option with true beauty and the natural looking elegance of a textile," Hankins said. The fabric also tested and certified by the GREENGUARD® Institute's Children and School standard as a low VOC-emitting product.
"The finish on Sunbrella Clarity stays active for several years, and the fabric will be easier to clean and appear cleaner throughout its life," Hankins said. "Regular cleanings are best for any awning fabric, but we realize it isn't always easy or practical with some installations and that's why we developed Clarity."
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