Its not Immaterial

February 18, 2021 4 Comments

Its not Immaterial - The Custom Windsock Co.

How the Fabric of your Windsock can Impact Its Performance

Material of Windsocks

Windsocks can be made of several different types of materials. Each type allowing the windsock to perform in different ways.

Windsocks, like flags, take a lot of abuse in the elements. They are also made to keep worksite safe, so they need to be made of a material that is light enough to move in the breeze and durable enough to withstand the elements (waterproof, flame retardant, UV resistant etc..) If a windsock is made of too light a material then it would tear apart in heavy winds. If a windsock is made of too heavy a material, it would not rise in 3 knot winds and not fulfil its purpose of telling you accurate wind direction and windspeed.

There are four main fabrics used to produce windsocks.

Windsocks can be made of a variety of materials. Nylon windsocks are the most common, so are knitted polyester, vinyl, and canvas. There are also lots of companies that use a mix of synthetic and natural fabrics to create windsocks as well.

Nylon Windsocks – nylon is a great choice for material. It’s the number one flag material choice because it can be printed through a means which allows the color to be retained in the fabric for a long time. Nylon allows the color to show vivid and bright and comes coated with UV resistance. Its also an extremely lightweight material and is responsive to light winds. These are recommended for areas with lighter winds and a more stable, predictable climate.

Vinyl Windsocks – Vinyl fabric is known for its visibility. The material has almost a reflective quality about it. Vinyl works well in heavy winds and light winds and is visible from great distances easily. We recommend this material for tropical, sub tropical and costal areas. This material is also ideal for areas that are known to have hurricanes and tropical type storms. This material is not as long-lasting as other options.

Canvas Material – Canvas windsocks are made of a heavy-duty treated cotton type fabric that is water repellent and mold resistant. The canvas material is extremely long lasting and works well in areas with heavy winds. The downside is that visibility and color retention are not as good as vinyl or knitted polyester.

600D PU Polyester Fabric – This is the premium material for windsocks in our opinion. The material works well in heavy and light winds. In ultra light breezes it is beaten out by its nylon counterpart. However, in an area where you would see a range of weather patterns, such as most states in the US, we have noticed the knitted polyester performs the best. We print using a method called sublimation printing which allows for high color retention and high visibility (depending on what you print on it of course)

Now you are armed with the knowledge you need to purchase a windsock made of a material that fits your needs in your area. Please feel free to comment below on your experiences and let us know what material you prefer and why. 

Contact us for a quote or for customer service at 1-833-786-1035 or info@custom-windsocks.com to speak to our customer service representative and rest assured that we will be able to help you.

4 Responses

The Custom Windsock Company
The Custom Windsock Company

June 08, 2022

Excellent question – the “Koinobori” carp windsocks are windsocks in the shape of a fish and they are commonly used in Japan to mark a festival that celebrates children. 

Unfortunately, we do not sell these yet but we are thinking about adding it as a product to our site!

The Custom Windsock Company
The Custom Windsock Company

June 08, 2022

The best material for an oceanfront home with salt and fog would be a reflective nylon material or the 600D PU Polyester material. Reflective nylon will ensure visibility and both materials are mold resistant, waterproof, UV resistant and fire retardant.

The metal fasteners and spinners are made out of cold rolled steel that has a power coat finishing over it. They are commonly used at marinas and other ocean-side locations

Francisca Roseiro
Francisca Roseiro

June 08, 2022

Hi,
Would you be able to produce a custom windsock? Most likely to be a kind of fish shape (resembling a Japanese fish windsock).
Let me know,
Thank you,
Francisca

MARCIA W SARNOW
MARCIA W SARNOW

June 08, 2022

What material is best used at an oceanfront home with a lot of salt and fog? What about the metal fasteners, spinners…. what are they made of?
How long is expected life in this environment

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Thinking Out of the Box when it comes to Socks

Industrial Vs Variegated Vs Airport Windsock. Whats the Difference?
Industrial Vs Variegated Vs Airport Windsock. Whats the Difference?

November 22, 2023

View full article →

FAA compliant orange windsock for aviation and industrial use
What makes a Windsock FAA Compliant?

November 13, 2023

View full article →

Custom Printed Windsock in Kuwait for Oil and Gas and Industrial Purposes
A Guide for Purchasing Custom Windsocks in Kuwait

October 04, 2023

View full article →

WAIT! GET WIND OF THIS!

Sign Up to Get 10% off your First Windsock or Flag Order by Suscribing to Our Email List!