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Technical Waterproof Fabrics: Types, Characteristics, and Applications

Waterproof fabrics and those that repel water may not be the most common in our daily lives, but they are necessary when manufacturing footwear, fabrics, or clothing suitable for outdoor use, rainy conditions, or unstable weather. For example, camping, hiking, or mountain products and garments. What are technical waterproof fabrics, and what are they used for?

Expafol offers a wide range of waterproof products for multiple uses and applications.

Expafol offers a wide range of waterproof products for multiple uses and applications.

This technical fabric for outdoor covers is a lightweight material with high resistance to ultraviolet rays, making it very practical for use in exterior coatings for vehicles and boats. It also manufactures outdoor covers for furniture, jacuzzis, pools, and garden or terrace utensils. It is available in various colours to match the decoration or style of the space.

Uri FR canvas

Uri FR canvas is a flame-retardant, waterproof, high-strength polyester fabric with a thickness of 400 microns. These and other characteristics make it the perfect waterproof fabric for orthopaedic accessories, including wheelchairs. It can be used for wheelchair seats, orthopaedic boot interiors, slings, wrist supports, and more. However, unlike other waterproof fabrics, this one is only available in black now!

Keder 

Keder waterproof fabric consists of two parts: a core and a fabric. The core is generally made of PVC, although other elastic materials can also be used to provide flexibility. The manufacturing process continues with wrapping the core in this fabric, which keeps some fibres exposed on the exterior. The inner part is coated to ensure proper adhesion. Additionally, there is a type of this fabric with a double coating that provides maximum strength.

Some applications of Keder include:

  • Printed advertisements remain outdoors for a long time.
  • Tents and awnings.
  • Structures that involve fabrics and textile architecture.
  • Covers for roofs, pools, and others.
  • Some marine products and objects.
  • Fabrics for blinds.
  • Special upholstery.
  • Canopies. 
  • Fabrics that need extreme tension. 

Keder is not a fabric but is considered a reinforcement attached to a fabric to create a connection that repels water between the core and the fabric.

Skirt tent

A skirt tent is a 400-micron PVC fabric that is joined with linen at the bottom and joints. It can be used for various purposes, such as tent covers, stages, floor insulation, etc. It is a waterproof fabric that is only available in black and has multiple applications due to its thickness.

PU Cover

The PU cover is made entirely of polyurethane and is mainly used to protect mattresses for domestic or hospital use and in the hospitality industry. Its most notable characteristics are:

  • Waterproof and breathable.
  • Soft. 
  • Resistant to hydrolysis.
  • It can be washed up to 95º.
  • Sterilizable.
  • Antibacterial and fungicidal.
  • Resistant to abrasion.
  • Prevents leaks of urine, chemicals, grease, and oils.

Blackout 

Blackout is a technical waterproof fabric made of opaque PVC that offers high resistance to natural light. That’s why it is used in insulating ceilings and awnings that require maximum quality but with little weight. This type of waterproof fabric can also be used indoors as curtains to prevent sunlight from entering the room and create a perfectly dark environment for resting.

Its use is common in Nordic countries that have more daylight hours in summer.

TT5

TT5 is one of the most well-known technical waterproof fabrics, as it is used for tents and other camping products. It is coated with PVC and has a matte finish. It is perfect for making awnings and tents and is available in more than six colors, not just limited to black. It also has a thermal resistance of up to 70º and provides excellent protection against ultraviolet rays.

Blackfol

Blackfol is a polyester fabric with an acrylic coating. It is flame-retardant and used for elements that need to serve as thermal insulation. For example, it is commonly found in curtains in homes, offices, or other places.

There is a wide range of technical waterproof fabrics, each with specific characteristics and applications. Do you have any doubts about the most suitable one for a specific use? Contact our team for advice.

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