Shade nets are necessary agricultural materials that offer shade to crops and plants, protecting them from direct sunlight and heat. They are composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material that is UV stabilized, making them durable and resistant to degradation caused by sunlight and weather.
Shade nets can be used for greenhouse shading, horticulture, animal husbandry, and other outdoor activities.
This article focuses on shade nets that use high-intensity polyethylene, which reduces degradation caused by sunlight. Purchasing a quality shade net is every buyer’s intention. This article could be helpful when one needs to buy one.
With the constant shift in the industrial revolution, the demand for machines increased to satisfy the need to make work easier, increasing the production levels of various companies. This included the need for shade nets.
Below are some factors you should consider when buying one;
Shade factor
The shade factor is the amount of sunlight a shade net can block. This is expressed as a percentage. Higher percentages block more sunlight and vice versa. The most common shade factors include 50%, 75%, and 90%.
You should choose a shade factor depending on the type of crop or plant you are protecting and the sunlight it should receive. Different crops and plants require different levels of sunlight.
Color
Shade nets come in different color ranges, for instance, black, green, white, and silver. The color you choose should depend on the shade net’s purpose. Black shade nets are ideal for high sunlight areas to reduce sunlight intensity.
White shade nets are used for diffused light and temperature control, while green shade nets are used to blend with the environment in urban areas. However, silver shade nets reflect light and provide an additional cooling effect.
Durability
Shade nets are exposed to harsh weather conditions, such as sunlight, wind, rain, and snow which could damage them. When buying a shade net, one should consider its durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. A durable shade Net has the following qualities; it should be tear-resistant, have high tensile strength, and have a UV-stabilized coating to prevent degradation from sunlight.
Size
Shade nets come in different sizes depending on the scale of the area you want to cover. The size of the shade net you choose will depend on the size of your garden, farm, or greenhouse. One should measure the area before purchasing a shade net to get the right size.
Knitting pattern
Shade nets are knitted in patterns like mono-filament, tape-mono, and tape-tape. The knitting pattern influences its durability, shade factor, and airflow. Mono-filament shade nets intend to have a high tensile strength and are more durable than tape-tape ones. The tape-mono shade nets have a higher shade factor than mono-filament shade nets, which makes them suitable for crops that require a high shade factor.
Price
This is the primary consideration while looking to purchase a shade net. The reason being one can only buy what they can afford.
Conclusion
This article defines various factors to consider when buying a shade net. This makes it a more excellent reference for future purchases. For more, check shade nets prices Kenya.
