PE vs PVC for Fabric Buildings: A Detailed Comparison
PE and PVC are two common materials used for fabric buildings, such as container shelters and storage shelters. PE is lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective. On the other hand, PVC is heavier, more durable, and slightly more expensive. They both perform well in outdoor applications.
At Chery Industrial, we offer both PE and PVC fabrics to meet different demands. For some of you, it might be hard to decide on one of them.
In this article, we will make a detailed comparison between PE and PVC to help you make an informed decision. Read on to find out which material is the best for your building.
What is PE fabric?
PE fabric is a material made by weaving polyethylene into a base layer and coating both sides with PE. It is lightweight, durable, and flexible. PE fabric also offers good resistance to water and ultraviolet rays, making it ideal for outdoor use. Besides, this fabric is affordable. It won’t cost you a lot to complete your building setup.
What is PVC fabric?
PVC fabric is a polyester base cloth coated with polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The coating creates a smooth, strong, and waterproof outer layer. This makes the fabric highly durable and suitable for outdoor use. PVC fabric is also fire-retardant and UV-resistant. It performs well in fire emergencies and lasts long even with prolonged sun exposure.
Difference between PE and PVC fabric
PE and PVC fabrics are popular choices for storage buildings. They can protect your stuff inside from the sun, rain, and wind. However, their unique features may contribute to different performance.
Learn about the key differences between PE and PVC fabric.
Durability
PE provides decent durability, applicable in most outdoor occasions. But it is a lightweight and thinner material. It can’t withstand harsh weather conditions, though it is easy to handle.
Compared to PE, PVC is thicker and heavier. It provides better durability and tear resistance. Even in strong winds or heavy snow, a heavy-duty PVC canopy can remain secure on the structure. In addition, PVC fabric offers superior UV resistance. It won’t fade easily with exposure to sunlight for a long time.
Fire safety
PVC fabric outperforms PE fabric in terms of fire resistance.
The PVC coating contains flame-retardant additives that slow down ignition and limit the spread of fire. It provides added security for outdoor and industrial applications. PE fabric, on the other hand, is more flammable and can catch fire more easily. So it may pose higher risks in environments where sparks, open flames, or high heat are present.
Weather protection
Weather protection is always one of the top factors to consider when choosing a fabric canopy.
Though both PE and PVC fabrics are waterproof, PVC fabric offers better performance in heavy rain due to its weight and thickness. Its dense coating, meanwhile,blocks water absorption more effectively. This results in stronger moisture and mildew resistance. Moreover, PVC has a much smoother surface than PE. On arched shelters, this helps snow slide off faster, reducing the risk of buildup.
Light transmittance
PE fabric allows more natural light thanks to its lighter weave. This helps reduce the lighting costs during the day. However, higher light transmittance can cause more UV rays, potentially accelerating wear of stored items. Meanwhile, more sunlight may increase interior temperatures in hot weather.
In comparison with PE fabric, PVC fabric still allows some light to pass through. However, being thicker and more opaque, PVC provides better UV protection and shade. If you take privacy highly, PVC fabrics will satisfy your needs, too.
Initial cost
As a lighter-duty fabric, PE is generally more affordable than PVC. It suits well for light-duty, medium-duty shelters with limited budgets. PVC, on the other hand, comes with a higher initial cost due to its enhanced features. While the upfront investment is higher, PVC can offer longer-term value through increased lifespan and lower maintenance requirements.
Get an overview of the differences between PE and PVC in the sheet below.
| Feature | PE | PVC |
| Durability | Durable, but less durable than PVC in harsh weather conditions | More durable, perform better in harsh weather conditions |
| Fire resistance | No, need to add a fire retardant coating | Naturally fire retardant |
| UV resistance | UV resistant, the color fades over time | UV resistant, not easy to fade |
| Water resistance | Waterproof | More waterproof with dense coating |
| Maintenance | Easy to maintain | Easier to maintain with a smoother surface |
| Light transmittance | Translucent, allowing natural light in | Opaque, providing more shade and privacy |
| Initial cost |
affordable |
Slightly higher with long-term value |
PE vs PVC for Fabric Buildings: Which Is Better?
PE or PVC? It depends on your specific needs.
The two fabrics have their advantages and disadvantages. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness and more natural light, you can choose PE fabric. PE fabric shelters also suffice if you just need a temporary storage solution. Otherwise, we recommend you select the PVC fabric. It provides better performance in durability and weather resistance. Most importantly, its fire resistance can improve security in fire-risk situations.
Conclusion
PE vs PVC? It should be clear if you have read this far.
At Chery Industrial, we provide a wide range of fabric buildings. The fabric choices cover both PE and PVC of different thicknesses. No matter which one you choose, you can trust that the fabric is high-grade and durable. Our PE canopy lasts 5-10 years, while our PVC canopy reaches more than 10 years with proper care. Plus, they are backed by a 2 to 8-year warranty from the factory.
Explore our selection of fabric shelters today!
If you are considering buying a storage shelter, learn about how to choose the right storage shelter in our guide.
FAQs
1. Is PVC durable?
PVC is a durable material. It provides resistance to chemicals, water, and UV rays. It delivers long-lasting performance in outdoor use, even in areas with high winds and heavy snow.
2. Is PVC or PE better?
It depends on your specific needs. PE is better when you need a budget-friendly, light-duty, or medium-duty storage building. However, PVC can be better if you prioritize fire safety and long-term use.
3. What is the difference between PE and PVC material?
PE is lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective, often used for light-duty or medium-duty fabric buildings. In contrast, PVC is heavy, fire-retardant, and more expensive, ideal for heavy duty buildings.
