The Architectural Fabrics Your Structures Deserve
Regardless of project, you can rely on our fabric structures to withstand the test of time. Use the matrix below the find the right product based on structure type and fabric strength.
Architectural fabric structures that need to maintain long-lasting aesthetics require Shelter-Rite architectural fabrics. For over 50 years, our products have been engineered using:
- A proprietary coating formula that delivers superior UV and mildew resistance
- Unique weft-inserted knit fabric that provides excellent tensile, tear and seam strength
Additionally, for over 30-plus years, we've been adding Tedlar® PVF films onto architectural fabrics. For added protection from the elements, Seaman Corporation offers the broadest line of top finishes in the industry, featuring Shelter-Rite® Brite™, Tedlar and Kynar® fluoropolymer top finishes.
Shelter-Rite's Unique Construction
FABRIC LAYER
Feature: Unique Weft-Inserted Knit Polyester Design
Benefits: Provides superior tensile and tear resistance at a lighter weight compared to woven alternatives and a consistent stretch.
ADHESIVE COAT
Feature: Unique Polymeric Adhesive Coat That Encapsulates the Yarns and Forms a Molecular Bond Between the Base Fabric and Exterior Coating Compound
Benefits: Maximizes peel resistance and seam strength, prevents wicking and achieves a superior static load at elevated temperatures.
OPAQUE COAT (optional)
Feature: Opaque Backcoat Layer on One or More Open Base Fabrics
Benefits: Provides the 100% opacity that's required for some military fabric structures.
BACK COAT
Feature: Superior Mildew-Resistant Formulation Applied as a Unique Continuous Film
Benefits: Extends the life and long-term aesthetics of the fabric and reduces permeation.
FACE COAT
Feature: A 50-Year-Proven, Proprietary Formula
Benefits: Provides superior UV protection, color stability and long-term performance.
TOP FINISH
Feature: Four Types of Top Finishes - Acrylic, PVDF, Kynar and Tedlar PVF
Benefits: Improve long-term aesthetics and provide added protection from the elements.
Performance Properties
Shelter-Rite architectural fabrics are made up of four key components:
- Base fabric
- Adhesive or primer coat
- Exterior coatings
- Top coating systems
Each of these components contributes to the following performance properties, with some components contributing to several properties.
Tensile Strength
The maximum amount of tensile stress that a material can withstand—this is the first and most important performance property that needs to be considered when choosing a fabric.
Coating Adhesion
This refers to the exterior coating compound's ability to adhere to the polyester base fabric. Good coating adhesion is required to allow the material to be handled, welded and able to carry the seam strength requirements.
Weldability & Seam Strength
Shelter-Rite can be prefabricated into large panels and then brought to the job site for final assembly.
Tear Resistance
The ability of a material to resist a tear or tear propagation may be critical to the structural integrity of the building.
Flame Resistance
Flame-resistant properties need to be fully understood so that the material can be used safely in a structure.
UV & Weathering Resistance
Any building material exposed to the sunlight, wind, rain, snow and air-borne pollutants will exhibit some form of degradation over time. The most harmful effects are those caused by the UV light present in sunlight.
Cleanability & Aesthetics
The general appearance of the structure is a major concern, not only when the structure is new but also as it ages.
Fungus & Mildew Resistance
Fungus growth on an architectural fabric is an aesthetic issue that can lead to structural problems.
Uniaxial & Biaxial Elongation
As a load is applied to the coated polyester fabric, the material will stretch and ultimately break at its breaking strength.
Non-Wicking Properties
The ability of a material to resist moisture from wicking into the polyester yarns.
Dimensional Stability
Materials change in size when exposed to different temperatures or humidity levels, and these changes need to be considered when engineering buildings.
Select Your Shelter-Rite® Product
If you need your architectural fabric structure to last longer, Shelter-Rite has the right product for you, regardless of application. We manufacture architectural fabrics for many types of structures, including:
Compare the technical specifications of each Shelter-Rite architectural fabric to see which is right for your next project.
