Summers are closing in and it would only be a little while before we feel the full might of the summer season. While in the northern part of India there is still some respite from the heat, the southern part of India has already started to experience summers.
ACs, coolers and the humble ceiling fan are the electronic remedies for regulating the temperature indoors, but there are other ways too through which indoor temperature can be kept on the lower side. These are:
● Shading: Installing shades like curtains and UV blocking HDPE shades help in blocking incoming sunlight, thus keeping the house cooler
● Reflective painting: Majorly done on the terrace, these paints reflect the sunlight off the roof, from where the majority of the heat comes in.
● Thatch roofing: Found mostly on huts in villages, thatched roofs have found their way into urban dwellings as well as an effective way of keeping houses cooler for longer.
Of the three methods we will be talking in detail about the importance of shading in keeping indoors cool.
What is shading?
Ever wondered why the shade under a tree is so relaxing on a hot summer day? The shade of the tree blocks the sunlight, hence you feel cool and relaxed on a sunny day. Simply put, shading is blocking sunlight from entering indoors via doors, windows or any opening that might allow entrance of sunlight into living space.
Shading is the most effective way of keeping cool.To keep your house or office space cool and soothing, all you have to do is pull the blinds or draw the curtains to block the incoming sunlight.
Another technique of effective shading is to block the sunlight before it hits the walls, since walls act as insulators they will absorb the heat and make the temperature inside go up.
Shading at a distance with effective shades like a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) net fabric not only blocks the incoming sunlight but also UV rays by up to 95%.
What are HDPE Shades?
High-Density Polyethylene is a kind of knitted fabric that unlike other materials is highly durable and can withstand extreme abuses from the weather.
Another important aspect of HDPE shades is their ability to block UV rays that can cause skin burns or even cancer of the skin. Although an HDPE fabric is not fully waterproof it does offer resistance to some degree of rain.
The porous nature of HDPE fabric allows the heat generated underneath it to escape from the top. HDPE is very durable, if used properly the fabric can last anywhere from 5-15 years, this is due to its inherent structure that grants it strength to survive violent wind lashes, high temperature and rain. Another quality of HDPE fabric is that it is available in shapes, sizes and colors of your liking.
HDPE Fabrics By Hippo
Hippo is the leading manufacturer and exporter of high-quality HDPE fabrics that have applications in over 12 countries. Some of the qualities of Hippo’s HDPE fabrics are:
● Dimensional-Stability - HIPPO fabrics are dimensionally stable that enables the fabric to not stretch or tear during extreme weather conditions and allows it to retain its shape in outdoor applications.
● Long UV-Life - Hippo’s HDPE fabrics are manufactured using German UV Inhibitors that empower the fabrics to withstand extreme weather conditions and possess an extended UV resistance capability.
● 100% Recyclable - Hippo’s fabrics are developed using knitted Polyethylene material that is 100% recyclable.
● Wide Range of Colors and Sizes: HDPE shades from Hippo are available in a wide variety of colors and an equally wide range of shapes and sizes to suit each and every requirement.
FAQs
Q1. How to choose a good HDPE shade fabric?
While choosing an HDPE shade fabric you can keep these points in mind:
● Quality of the fabric: Always choose a good quality knitted HDPE fabric that offers some level of UV protection as well. A higher UV protection percentage is better
● Kind of the fabric: Select a fabric according to your requirement, if you want a fabric specifically for shading purposes go for regular HDPE fabric that offers UV protection. But if you are looking for some sort of water protection as well, then go for waterproof fabrics.
● Stitching: Stitching is an integral part of fabric selection. Always look for top grade stitching protected by patches which give the stitch an added layer of protection.
● UV Protection: If looking for shades that offer UV protection choose a number that is higher, like 85% - 95% UV protection.
Q2. How are HDPE shades installed?
Installation of HDPE shades is a simple and easy process. Hippo’s shades, roller blinds or curtains come with pre-fitted mounts, frames and strings that aid in installation of the shade very easily. Here’s how you do them.
Step 1: Drill holes in the wall for the inside and outside mounts.
Step 2: Screw the mounts on the wall.
Step 3: Align the groove on the roller blind/shade with the mount, press and fasten.
Step 4: Check for sturdiness, the roller blind/shade should not shake. If it does, check the mount again and adjust accordingly. Your installation is complete.
Additionally,a steel rod fixed at the bottom gives weight to the shade along cup hooks and wall fasteners are provided for locking the roller curtains to the wall so that it stays put during winds.
Q3. Do HDPE Shades require cleaning?
While there is no need to specially clean the HDPE fabric, it is always a good idea to give it a periodic clean with warm water and a light detergent. This will help in extending the fabric’s life, certain HDPE fabrics like curtains can be washed and look as good as new.
Q4. Are HDPE Shades waterproof?
HDPE shades are not fully waterproof as they allow water permeability due to their knitted structure. But they do offer a certain level of water resistance, however, if you do require a waterproof fabric opt for Hippo’s PU coated polyester fabric or PVC coated polyester fabric.
