(Spiceland, Ind.) – Traditionally, shade fabric selection has been made with most of the attention on interior design. But with more precise manufacturing of shade fabrics and the development of testing capabilities, performance and specifications should be used to determine fabric choice.

Draper is helping integrators learn to do just that with a new CE course. “Shade Fabric Selection–A Performance Based Approach” earns .5 credits for CEDIA Certification and is available via in-person or virtual presentation.

Properties of visible light transmission (VLT), absorption, reflection, and other characteristics all have an effect on views and daylighting. They also significantly impact HVAC loads, aesthetics, thermal comfort and circadian health of occupants, productivity, and surface condensation. It is these performance factors, and not simply interior design, which should play the major role in shade fabric selection.

In the course, integrators learn to evaluate the impact of roller shade fabrics on comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics, and identify the characteristics of coated fiberglass and coated polyester fabrics, including weave patterns and view-through options. The course also covers how to adjust colors, openness factors, and weaves to optimize comfort, performance, and aesthetics and how a fabric integrates with the home’s exterior, surroundings, geographical location, and orientation.