Fabric Selection

Thermal control is the #1 benefit of roller shades and is an essential part of the building envelope. Selecting a light color fabric will optimize heat management.

Specification Tip

Excellent Heat Control fabrics have high Solar Reflection (Rs %) especially in the Infrared spectrum (RsIR %). 

When working or relaxing, the visual comfort of a space can make or break the occupant experience. Select a fabric to block glare before it becomes a disruption. The best options are dark colors in low openness.

Specificaion Tip 

Glare Control performance is determined by Visible Light Transmittance (VLT %), also known as Visible Transmission (Tv %). Fabrics with a low Tv, less than 8%, are considered effective for glare control.

Studies show that visual contact with the outdoors promotes and enhances human health and well-being  in the workplace and elsewhere. Select a roller shade fabric that preserves a crisp view, with dark colors and higher openness.

Specification Tip 

View-Through, as a fabric characteristic, is determined based on a combination of Visible Transmittance (Tv %) and Visible Reflection (Rv %). A higher Tv and is required to ensure the view from the outside is clear, and a lower Rv is needed so the fabric effectively fades into the overall view.

Whether you need total blackout for private or sensitive spaces, or a sheer light-filtering fabric to maintain daylighting, Mermet offers fabrics to meet your needs.

Specification Tip 

The term Light-Filtering refers to a fabric with an openness factor of less than 1%. Openness is the component of Visible Transmission that passes directly through a fabric (Tv-direct %) without being diffused.
For complete light-blocking privacy, Blackout levels are tested with an incident 100,000 lux to simulate direct sunlight.

Roller shade color selection is a choice that affects the interior and exterior of a building. Darker colors blend seamlessly with glazing for a unified exterior building appearance.

Specification Tip 

The Façade Aesthetics depend on how visible a fabric is from the streetside. A lower Visible Reflection (Rv %) determines a fabric that will not compete with the glazing for the attention of an observer. Instead the color of the glass will be dominant.

When multiple spec goals exist, a balanced approach is required. Mermet offers ideal solutions to meet these multi-faceted needs.