Sunsafe Shade Cloth Fact Sheet

The external factors that influence the rate of photosynthesis are to a degree, under the control of the plant grower. Modifying these factors can influence crop yields.

Light comes in various wavelengths or colours, which influence either the foliage growth or the flowering pattern of crops and plants. Shade fabric affects the amount of UV light transmitted - which is the light that burns.

Shade fabric allows control over the density of light and shade that falls on crops and plants. The type of fabric needed as part of a shade house or canopy will be determined by the requirements of the crops and plants growing beneath it. The UV filtration factors are derived from the density of the weave. So fabric with more holes in it allows more UV light to filter through.

Shade fabrics with accurate shade percentages and high UV stabilization create a more productive greenhouse growing environment by providing uniform shading for plants, regulating high temperatures caused by constant direct sunlight, and allowing plants to retain more moisture.

How do the Sunsafe shade fabrics work?


Scarecrow Sunsafe knitted shade fabrics come in 3 different shade percentage grades: 30% (low density), 50%, 70% (high density), and two different widths of 1.83m and 3.66m. Scarecrow Sunsafe Pro is a premium woven range with shade percentages ranging from 30% - 70%.

Sunsafe shade fabrics can act as a physical barrier to incident solar UV, and transmits as much UVR (Ultra Violet Radiation) as visible radiation. Simply put, the more you can see through it, the more UVR can get through. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) or amount of transmission depends on the amount of ultraviolet radiation that is absorbed by the fabric (e.g. the % of Ultraviolet Block out - UVB).

The amount of transmission depends on the shade factor. Therefore, if the shade fabric is rated 50%, it absorbs 50%, transmits 50% and has a UPF rating of 2. If the shade fabric is rated at 90%, it absorbs 90%,transmits 10% and has a UPF of 10. Darker coloured fabrics tend to transmit less UVR than lighter coloured ones of the same type.

Applications


Sunsafe Shade fabrics find several applications to block harsh sun, wind, damaging rain and pests.

~ Shade cultivation of various horticultural crops and plants including:plantation, forestry, nurseries, seed and seedling production.
~ Fruit, flower and vegetable nurseries.
~ Outdoor plants and crops.
~ Shading animal and poultry sheds.
~ Building all-net shelters or covering hothouses.
~ Screening outdoor events and around pools, fences and patios.
~ Other uses as protective windscreen, playground shading or on vehicles when transporting crops, plants, animals, or poultry.




Accessories

Scarecrow offers a range of accessories for use with our products. They are specially protected to prevent degradation from exposure to harmful UV rays.




Fact Sheets



All Scarecrow Fact Sheets are also available to read online - click here.