Aluminet is a great shade cloth product that Roy ran across through work connections. He was introduced to this versatile fabric by John Locker, a wholesale distributor of Aluminet for Xton, Inc.  It is a high quality reflective aluminum screen made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers that have been metallized, plastic coated and then knit into mesh. It creates an open weave shade cloth that has a surprising number of applications, especially for homesteads and farms. It is lightweight and comes in rolls or panels that can be sewn like cloth. It has UV protection for 4 years and the plastic coating is anti-oxidizing.

This material is usually used to cover greenhouses as well as poultry and livestock quarters. It protects from frost, moderates temperatures, and repels pests. It is also used for patio covers and screens. It can reduce temperatures by 10-15 degrees.

The open weave makes it great for high humidity conditions and allows it to both shade and cool. Traditional shade cloths are more tightly woven and often black so that they don’t reflect light and they hold in heat. Aluminet’s structure and reflectivity keeps it from absorbing heat in the summer as well as helps it preserve heat in the winter.

Traditional shade cloths are also heavier than Aluminet limiting their applications. Aluminet is so lightweight and breathable that it can even be worn. John Locker has created a hooded jacket, called the “Chiller”, that he uses, and has introduced it to the Auburn University football team to use during summer practices. He admits it looks a little “space age” and he gets a lot of stares and comments when he wears his, but I’ve tried on the one he gave Roy and it really makes a difference.

We bought enough to cover the roof of our shipping container and Roy is working on a system that will work in that application. Meanwhile, we are using a piece on our trellis to shade the trailer and are very impressed with the shade it provides. It is literally like sitting under a shade tree.

For more information go to www.xtoninc.com and read more about Body Chillers, Horse Chillers, and the research that’s been done on Aluminet.