Windsocks are used in many different industries around the world. These handy pieces of equipment are used to assess the direction of the wind, and wind speed but what are they made of? Let’s take a look into windsocks fabric; what materials are used, how is a windsock constructed and how do they work?
What Fabric are Windsocks Made Of?
The fabric of a windsock has to be light enough to move with the breeze, without fluttering around too much, meaning that they have to be lightweight but also durable too. Windsocks are located outside open to the elements 24/7 which means they have to withstand all extremes of weather. The fabric must not be too light, or the windsock will easily tear, too heavy, and the windsock would not rise, thus giving an inaccurate reading or no reading at all.
Windsocks constructed from polyester or nylon fabrics give it strength and durability, as they are both synthetic materials, The nature of these fibres makes them perfect for this type of use as they are both lighter and stronger than cotton. Some windsock manufacturers may use a blend of natural and synthetic fibres.
The colour of the fabric can be customised to the customer’s liking, though they are traditionally orange. Most manufacturers recommend a brightly coloured windsocks fabric. On golf courses, where the environment is much more relaxed and where windsocks are not essential for safety, the customer has a bit more flexibility, should they want a different colour or specification.
Windsocks fabric needs to be resistant to varying weather conditions, including hotter temperatures. Although made from thermoplastic material, windsocks need to withstand extreme weather conditions; windsocks fabric must be water-resistant to ensure a more accurate reading. Materials that become saturated with water become heavier, leading to an inaccurate reading.
These materials are lightweight; enabling windsocks of all shapes and sizes to be constructed without any impact to the reading. Larger windsocks will behave similarly to smaller ones; they are not being held down by a mass of fabric.
This fabric can also be coated with urethane to allow the colour to last longer and can be UV treated to prevent fading, keeping those bright orange windsocks vibrant for years to come.
The harness that keeps the windsock affixed to the pole is constructed from galvanised steel. The harness is essential in keeping the windsock attached even in the stormiest weather. If this isn’t strong enough, then the windsock will not remain attached.
Galvanised steel is a stronger option which made using a process by coating the steel with another alloy, strengthening the core of the steel. As this occurs, the steel becomes more resilient, without becoming significantly heaver. For this reason, it’s ideal for use in the harness of a windsock.
Wire ropes are used to fix the windsock to the pole, again these have to be strong enough to hold the windsock in place in stormy weather. The wire ropes attached in such a way that they tether the windsock to the pole, giving it a degree of movement, they also have to withstand all of the elements without rusting.
Fabric Innovations
Synthetic fabrics are always being innovated, with new options to make them lighter and more durable than ever before. For example, our chlorosulfonated rubber fabric, an innovation now being used for windsocks fabric. It is a heavy duty material that is indestructible.
Windsocks made from chlorosulfonated rubber fabric can withstand any extreme weather conditions, giving them longevity. This type of windsock located in the hottest desert or the chilliest region is the world's strongest windsock, and it will remain in place for a long time.
There are so many environments that require windsocks, so the fabric has to be able to withstand a range of challenges while remaining accurate, no matter the wind speed.
While they can found on golf courses, they are also crucial in environments that include offshore drilling and chemical dispersion. Without the use of windsocks, it is not possible to estimate wind speed and direction accurately, meaning these areas would be a potentially unsafe environment for those people working there. If a windsock were to be torn or damaged, the results could potentially be catastrophic.
We are always looking for new ways to innovate our windsocks fabric here at Windsocks Direct. We ensure we keep up to date with the latest developments and to make sure our products remain cutting edge too. As such, you’ll see products like the Falcon Heavy Duty being world firsts!
Summary
Now that you know a little bit more about what fabric is used to construct windsocks, you can start shopping for one that best suit your needs. You’ll find a range of fantastic options, from windsocks that attach to your car to those located on a helipad!