Solar Fabrics · Reference
Fenestration data, plainly.
The values that decide whether a solar shade fabric performs — what each one measures, and how the seven weave types change what you see through them.
Fig. 01Fenestration values
What the numbers on a spec card mean.
- RsTotal Solar Reflectance
- The % of solar energy directly reflected by a material.
- AsTotal Solar Absorptance
- The % of solar energy absorbed by a material.
- TsTotal Solar Transmittance
- The % of solar energy directly transmitted through a material.
- RvReflectance in the Visible Spectrum
- The % of visible light reflected by a material.
- TvTransmittance in the Visible Spectrum
- The % of visible light directly transmitted through a material.
- OFOpenness Factor
- The % of shade fabric made up of holes.
- SHGCSolar Heat Gain Coefficient
- The % of solar energy reaching the interior of the building.
- RATRAT Equation
- The combination of Rs, As and Ts to equal 100% of total solar energy. The total of each property is measured and reported as total solar energy, and is also broken down into separate values by ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) spectrums.
Fig. 02Weave types
Seven weaves, seven different views.
Weave decides view-through as much as openness does. Two fabrics at the same openness factor can look completely different from inside the room.
- Basket Weave
- This pattern gives the best view-through of any weave pattern due to the equally-sized square openings created in the final fabric.
- Plain Weave
- This is the simplest weave pattern, creating no distinct front or back.
- Mock Leno Weave
- This pattern utilizes separation of grouped threads to create openings that allow for good view-through capabilities in the final fabric.
- Rib Weave
- This pattern uses a larger yarn and exhibits a "ribbed" line effect in both the warp and weft direction.
- Fancy Weave
- This pattern includes any weave that doesn't fall into plain, twill or satin categories but still results in a textured surface or pattern.
- Twill Weave
- This pattern has more identifiable room vs. street sides. Each yarn row is offset from the previous in order to give a diagonal rib pattern. Each of these diagonal lines is called a wale. The wale is most visible on the room-side.
- Satin Weave
- This pattern creates a dual-sided fabric with the intended street-side fabric being predominantly white, providing added heat protection. This pattern provides different interior room-side color schemes while maintaining exterior uniformity due to the white street-side appearance.
Fig. 03Safety + sustainability
Certifications and ratings.
- GREENGUARD Certified™
- Low chemical emissions for indoor air quality.
- Microban®
- Antimicrobial protection.
- NFPA Certified™
- Ignition resistant.
- ASTM Certified™
- Bacterial and fungal resistant.
- RoHS® Certified
- Lead free.
- Cradle to Cradle Certified™
- Verified material health, reuse and responsible manufacturing.
All IWS solar fabrics are certified/rated by one or more of these organizations. Refer to the fabric's specification card or contact IWS to confirm exact certifications and ratings.
Not sure which fabric fits your opening?
Tell us the exposure, the glare problem and what the room is for. We'll send samples and the performance data behind them.