There’s no question that adding fence wrap and signage to your site fence is a great idea. It looks professional, reduces dust and debris and provides privacy and security. Choose to print your company logo and information on it and you also have a cost-effective way of advertising your brand 24 hours a day.
The two most popular choices for fence signage or wrap are shade cloth and banner mesh.
What is the difference between shade cloth and banner mesh?
While the two materials offer similar benefits, there are some important key differences between them.
The main differences between the two options are:
- Type of material
- Tightness of the weave
- Print quality
- UV protection
- Dust control
- Transparency.
Both options can be custom printed with your company brand and information, and installed to your fence.
Take a closer look at each option to decide which is right for your needs.
Pros and cons of shade cloth
Shade cloth is generally the lower cost branding and outdoor advertising option. It is lightweight and usually made from HDPE (high density polyethylene), which is a permeable material with a looser weave.
A looser weave means the print quality can vary on shade cloth. The material is more transparent so it can affect the appearance of some colours. Black and dark colours are likely to appear dull and faded.
RapidMesh shade cloth offers 70 per cent UV blockout with a 2-year UV fade and material guarantee. It provides some protection against rain but is not waterproof.
Shade cloth is effective for containing dust and debris, while also providing good ventilation.
Shade cloth features button holes to make it easy to install. Simply attach the shade cloth to your fence with cable ties or ring fasteners.
- Cheapest fence advertising option
- Quick and easy to install
- Good dust containment
- Long outdoor use
Check out the RapidMesh shade cloth range here.
Pros and cons of banner mesh
Banner mesh is made from PVC and has a tighter weave than shade cloth. This means less light shows through and therefore the print quality is better, even with dark colours.
The thicker or denser fabric provides the greatest UV block-out capability. Banner mesh is also less transparent than shade cloth and, therefore, offers more privacy.
Banner mesh is completely breathable, allowing for airflow without compromising on wind resistance on your worksite. It is also waterproof which helps protect the quality of any printing for longer.
The RapidMesh banner mesh range offers a premium banner mesh option, with 80% UV blockout PVC premium banner mesh, a 2-year UV fade and 5-year material guarantee. There is also a less dense PVC option that allows more light and air to pass through the material. This has a 65 per cent UV blockout and a 2-year UV fade and material guarantee. Both options have steel eyelets that make it easy to attach the banner to your fence.
- Best image quality
- Excellent colour reproduction
- Offers more privacy
- Higher UV blockout
- Long outdoor use
Check out the RapidMesh banner mesh range here.
Whichever option you choose, make sure your fence is properly braced
Shade cloth and banner mesh create additional wind loading to a fence so make you’re your fence is properly braced. This will ensure your fence complies with Australian standards AS4687:2007 Temporary fencing and hoardings, and meet occupational health and safety requirements. You can find temporary fence stays and other useful products in the RapidMesh temporary fence range.