Outdoor Fabrics Do Not Protect The Same

Between furniture and protective covers, there is a wide range of available outdoor fabrics to provide cover from the elements while still trying to retain their aesthetic appearance. Depending on the intended use, fabrics can be as simple as plastic with designs on them or materials that are impervious to the weather.

Typically outdoor fabrics are developed to stop the free flow of water through them while still allowing them to breathe. Essentially, rain and water cannot penetrate but water vapor and air will freely pass through. The ability to breathe offers more than just protection, as it also prevents the buildup of moisture on the object it is designed to protect.

For the sole purpose to of stopping water penetration, plastic and vinyl offer the best use for outdoor fabrics, provided the covered object will not be damaged by humidity that will remain under the cover. Plastics also tend to allow the growth of mold or mildew, which can be a health hazard if allowed to grow unabated. Many of the outdoor fabrics used in applications such as tents and boat covers, on the other hand, will allow air to pass through helping to keep anything inside or under the fabric from getting damp from the humidity.

Some of the fabrics designed to be waterproof may allow water to enter due to the designs of zippers, grommets and seams and how the fabric is used will also determine whether it will weather storms or abuse from being used. Many of the outdoor fabrics today are designed with rip-stop to stop any rips in the fabric from destroying the overall material.

Another factor involving the waterproof nature of outdoor fabrics is not so much how much water to which it is subjected as it is to the movement of the fabric. Canvas, for example is known for being waterproof, but pressure on the canvas may allow water to penetrate at the point at which the pressure was exerted. Many of today's modern fabrics have been developed to stop water from going through, even when movement of the cloth applies pressure to the wettest areas.

These outdoor fabrics are most popular for boat covers and outdoor furniture as they not only stop the infiltration of rain, but their ability to allow vapor and air helps protect the items from being damaged by moisture. Available in many natural colors and designs, they provide protection from the sun and the weather while maintaining aesthetic appearances.