Regarding fabric shelter structures, the choice between two fabrics often sparks debates among experts and consumers alike. Understanding the differences between these fabrics could enable you to choose the right one to effectively protect your people and assets. This article compares these materials in terms of their properties, applications, and advantages, thus providing adequate information to help you make a choice.
What is PE Fabric?
Polyethylene, commonly called PE, is a versatile and durable thermoplastic polymer that plays a crucial role in various industries. Its production involves the polymerisation of ethylene, resulting in a material renowned for its exceptional strength and flexibility. PE fabric stands out in applications where resilience to environmental factors is critical, such as withstanding UV radiation and extreme temperatures. Its widespread use is a testament to its reliability and adaptability in meeting the diverse needs of different sectors.
Properties of Polyethylene PE Fabric:
- Durability: PE fabric is resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for long-term use in various conditions.
- Flexibility: Its flexibility allows for easy installation and handling, making it an ideal choice for constructing large structures efficiently and conveniently. This versatile material not only simplifies the construction process but also ensures that the final result is sturdy and durable. Its adaptability to different architectural designs and structural requirements further enhances its appeal for projects of varying scales.
- Environmental Resistance: PE fabric is highly resistant to the damaging effects of UV radiation, harsh chemicals, and unpredictable weather conditions. Its exceptional resistance ensures that it can withstand the test of time, providing long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Cost-Effective: Typically, PE fabric is more affordable than PVC, making it a cost-effective solution for many applications.
What is PVC Fabric?
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a versatile thermoplastic polymer synthesised through vinyl chloride monomer polymerisation. This material is highly regarded for its exceptional durability and resilience, making it a preferred option for various industrial and commercial applications. Whether in the construction, automotive, or healthcare sectors, PVC continues to prove its worth by withstanding challenging environments and maintaining its structural integrity. Its ability to resist corrosion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures further solidifies it as a reliable and enduring choice for various industries.
PE vs. PVC Fabric Comparison
| Factor | PE Fabric | PVC Fabric |
| Material Composition | Polymerized ethylene | Polymerized vinyl chloride monomer |
| Durability | High resistance to wear and tear, salt, sand, dust and corrosive materials | High strength and robustness |
| Flexibility | Very flexible and easy to handle | Less flexible |
| Environmental Resistance | Excellent UV, chemical, and weather resistance. Handles season stress well. | Becomes brittle and breaks down from the sun. |
| Environmental Impact | More environmentally friendly – recyclable | Less environmentally friendly – non-recyclable |
| Translucency | More translucent, allowing more natural light to pass throw | Approximately -5% less translucent creating a darker shelter inside. |
| Flame Retardancy | A flame-retardant coating is available | Naturally fire retardant |
| Failure Rating | 1 in 10,000,000 events | 1 in 48,650 events |
| Cost | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
Which Material are Allshelter’s Fabric Shelters Made of?
At Allshelter, we prioritise our customers’ safety, using high-quality materials and ISO-certified procedures to manufacture our container domes and shelters. Our fabric structures are made using Straatex®️ High-Density Polyethylene Fabric (HDPE). This fabric not only ensures durability but also provides superior resistance to UV rays, corrosion, and extreme weather conditions. This means that our PE fabric shelters offer unparalleled protection and longevity, giving our customers peace of mind knowing that their assets are safeguarded.
Moreover, PE fabric’s cost-effectiveness allows us to offer high-quality shelters at a competitive price, making them accessible to a wide range of customers without compromising on the structure’s strength and reliability. This affordability factor, combined with PE fabric’s durable nature, makes our shelters a cost-effective investment in the long run.
The flexibility of PE fabric further enhances the installation process, making it quick and efficient. Our shelters can be easily transported, assembled, and disassembled, saving valuable time and effort for our customers. This ease of installation also means that our shelters can be relocated or adjusted as needed, providing versatility and adaptability for various applications.
In line with our sustainability commitment, PE fabric’s use aligns with environmentally friendly practices. PE fabric is recyclable and has a lower environmental impact than PVC, reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future. By choosing Allshelter’s PE fabric structures, customers can protect their assets and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Why Choose PE Over PVC?
While both PE and PVC fabrics have their own set of advantages, PE fabric stands out for several reasons:
- Better Environmental Profile: PE is recyclable and has a lower environmental impact than PVC, which is less eco-friendly due to vinyl chloride monomer.
- Ease of Use: PE’s flexibility makes it easier to work with, especially for large-scale installations like dome shelters.
- Cost Savings: The generally lower cost of PE fabric makes it a more economical choice for many applications.
When considering shelter structures, the choice of material is crucial for ensuring long-lasting durability, easy installation, and cost-effectiveness. PE fabric stands out as a top choice, offering many benefits that make it an excellent option for various shelter needs. At Allshelter, we prioritise using high-quality PE materials to guarantee that our customers receive top-notch products tailored to their specific requirements. Explore our range of dome shelters to discover the ideal solution for your shelter needs, providing protection and peace of mind in any environment.
