Performance Properties
For Architectural Fabrics
Before architects and engineers can utilize coated polyester fabrics as a building material, it is necessary to understand the performance properties of Shelter-Rite architectural fabrics. Some of these properties are similar to those of conventional building materials, but many of the properties are unique to the flexible material.
Architectural Fabrics are made up of four components:
- Base Cloth
- Adhesive or Primer Coat
- Exterior Coatings
- Top Coating Systems
Each of these components contributes to the different performance properties, with some of the components having an affect on several properties. A review of the different critical performance properties of the architectural fabrics will continue to refer to the four different components that make up the coated fabric.
We will explore these properties:
- Tensile Strength
- Coating Adhesion
- Weldability and Seam Strength
- Tear Resistance
- Flame Resistance
- UV and Weathering Resistance
- Cleanability and Aesthetics
- Fungus and Mildew Resistance
- Uniaxial and Biaxial Elongation
- Non-Wicking Properties
- Dimensional Stability

