Screen fabric Openness factor, what does it mean?

Openness factor is expressed as a percentage when specifying screen fabrics.  Screen fabric is made by weaving a range of plastic coated Fibreglass/Polyester fibres into a basket like mesh, this results in a perforated finish which filters the light.  The openness percentage determines how tight or loose the fabric is woven.  

It specifically means the percentage of the surface area of the fabric that is perforation.

In Simple terms the closer the weave the less light will permeate through and the looser it is the more light it will let through. Generally 1% is the tightest woven fabric and 10% is the loosest.  These different percentages don’t mean one is better than the other. It all depends on what your specific needs are or what type of setting is the blind going to be installed in.

Our screen fabric comes in 3 openness factors which are 1%,3% and 5%.

Screen fabric with 1% Openness

Would typically be used on an elevation with direct sunlight.  Approx Price £50.01 based on R300 system at 1.2m x 1.2m.

3% Openness

Would typically be used on elevation that do not take direct sunlight.  Approx Price £48.36 based on R300 at 1.2m x 1.2m.

5% Openness

Can be used in a similar way to 3% but also used more like a voile to provide partial privacy or to just soften natural light in a room.  Approx Price £46.09 based on R300 at 1.2m x 1.2m.

Please note other factors such as the colour of the material also affect the fabric performance.  For example a black 3% screen fabric will offer better shading than a white 1% screen fabric.  More detail on this will be covered in a future Buroshade knowledge post.

Having trouble deciding which option to go for?  Contact the Buroshade team by clicking below or calling our team on 0333 050 9885.