Window Shade Fabrics Provide Acoustical Benefits

SheerWeave Acoustical window shade fabric

Phifer offers three window shade fabric options to address acoustical needs within the commercial and office environment.

As commercial design trends continue to lean toward the contemporary—open spaces and sleek surfaces with the use of more glass and exposed ceilings—architects have been met with new acoustical challenges. Phifer is excited to offer three window shade fabric options to address acoustical needs within the commercial and office environment.

SheerWeave BASIC 3%, Style 2500 and Performance + Style 2500 interior sun control fabrics show beneficial performance ratings of 50-60 percent as measured by the Noise Reduction Coefficient, or NRC, for their ability to absorb sound.

The performance of these SheerWeave fabrics peaks depending on the type of sound they are exposed to. In fact, SheerWeave BASIC 3%, Style 2500 and Performance + Style 2500 fabrics have each been shown to display increased absorption among human speech frequencies, making them even more effective at controlling sound in environments, such as office settings, in which privacy and noise reduction are key. Within this range, these three fabric styles achieve NRC values up to 83 percent.

Phifer’s SheerWeave fabrics elegantly manage the sun’s heat and glare. SheerWeave’s light-filtering qualities diffuse light, reduce glare, help control solar heat gain and reduce the fading of interior furnishings. Unlike many shade fabrics, SheerWeave allows good outward visibility, even when shades are lowered or blinds are closed.

For additional peace of mind, SheerWeave BASIC 3%, Style 2500 and Performance + Style 2500 have been certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute for indoor air quality performance and meet the more stringent GREENGUARD Children and Schools standards for commercial use.

These fabrics are also infused with Microban antimicrobial protection for an additional layer of cleanliness protection. Added during the manufacturing process, Microban works continuously for the lifetime of the shade to inhibit the growth of stain-causing bacteria, mold and mildew that can damage the shades.