Patio umbrellas are just one use of Sunbrella fabrics.
For over 45 years, Sunbrella fabric, manufactured by Glen Raven, Inc., of North Carolina, has been the leader in performance fabric in both the home and commercial markets. Primarily known for their outdoor cloth, they have now ventured into the decorator fabrics for inside the home. Sunbrella regularly receives accolades from designers and architects to boat owners and homeowners for their environmentally friendly products.
History
Sunbrella fabrics debuted in 1961 as an alternative to the most popular awning fabric at that time: cotton. Their outdoor fabrics offer the look and feel of cotton, but do not fade or degrade, even in the brightest sun. Boaters love the fabrics for their good looks as well as their durability for boat tops and sail covers. Today, Sunbrella is rated number one in fabric choice with boaters.
Function
Convertible tops may be made of Sunbrella fabric.
Sunbrella fabrics are used extensively by the outdoor furniture industry and it's likely the cushions on your set at home are covered in their fabric. They repel water and are easy to clean, a winning combination for outdoor use.
Outdoors awnings hung over windows, doors and patios are constructed of Sunbrella fabric for their durability. Even convertible car tops are made of this fabric for years of long wear in all weather conditions.
Awning and Marine Use
Awnings are commonly constructed of Sunbrella fabric.
Sunbrella makes different grades and series of fabrics, based on its intended use. The most commonly known and used is the regular 46-inch-wide and 60-inch-wide awning and canopy weight fabric.
For marine applications, Sunbrella makes Sunbrella-Plus, which is available in a 60-inch-wide option. The Plus is an added urethane treatment particularly useful to boaters because it helps the fabric repel water and moisture, but continue to breathe so that moisture isn't trapped, which could create a mildew problem.
Indoor and Outdoor Use
Outdoor furniture upholstery is sewn from Sunbrella's 54-inch-wide fabric. It is the weight of common decorator fabric and is not as stiff as the awning fabric, so it lends itself well to the curves and contours of outdoor cushions and pillows, as well as outdoor draperies.
Indoor decorator fabrics are now in the Sunbrella fabric line and offer a full range of colors and patterns in a 54-inch width for all decorating needs. Woven jacquard and innovative yarn constructions and finishes match the look and feel of fine interior fabrics. Since they retain all the popular characteristics of their outdoor counterpart, they are great for family living.
Environmental Impact
Glen Haven and Sunbrella fabrics, are very environmentally friendly and benefit the way we live. They offer a recycling program for their customers, which reclaims Sunbrella waste and re-purposes it for incorporation into a variety of recycled products.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends Sunbrella for use as part of a total regimen of sun protection, and Sunbrella furniture fabrics are certified by the GREENGUARD#xAE; Institute's Children and Schools standard as contributing to healthy indoor air.
Care and Cleaning
Sunbrella fabrics are easy to maintain. With simple regular maintenance, deeper cleaning is often not needed for years. Simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric, wiping up spills as soon as they occur, or spot cleaning as soon as possible will extend the cleaning cycle and add years of use to your product. Most spills can be cleaned with mild soap and water. For tougher stains, bleach can be used without fear of damaging the fabric or removing the color. Couple that with a five-year warranty, and this fabric is hard to beat.
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