FAQs on Material Options & Specifications - Crowd Barrier Covers

Material selection affects:

• Appearance: Print clarity, finish (textile vs vinyl) and double-sided readability.
• Wind performance: Mesh openness and weight determine wind load on barriers — critical for safety.
• Durability: Resistance to abrasion, UV fade and moisture.
• Compliance: Fire ratings and site-specific requirements (indoor vs outdoor).
• Cost & reuse: Lightweight options reduce cost but heavy vinyl lasts longer for repeated installs.

Tip: pick the lightest material that meets your wind and durability needs to keep costs and handling effort low.

We stock a selection of substrates to match every brief, from short-term, low-cost covers to premium, long-lasting jackets:

• 115gsm Air-Mesh Polyester: Breathable mesh, excellent for windy sites; printed by dye-sublimation for vivid colours.
• 120gsm Eco-Mesh (EnviroRange): Made from recycled PET bottles; combines sustainability with good airflow and print clarity.
• 200gsm Knitted Banner Fabric: Soft-feel, block-out option for genuine double-sided graphics and a premium finish.
• 450gsm PVC Banner Vinyl: Heavyweight, waterproof and fire-retardant for long-term or exposed installations.

Each option can be finished with reinforced hems and stainless steel eyelets to suit repeated use and fast installation.

• 115–130 gsm (Air-Mesh): Best for exposed, windy sites, excellent airflow and lightweight handling.
• 120 gsm (Eco-Mesh): Sustainable option with similar performance to standard mesh.
• 180–230 gsm (Knitted/Soft Fabric): Balanced option for better opacity and a premium look.
• 300–450+ gsm (PVC Vinyl): Heavy-duty solution for long-term use, higher abrasion and weather resistance.

Advice: Mesh options reduce wind load; vinyl gives greater opacity and durability but increases wind forces on the barrier.

• 50%+ openness: Best for exposed, coastal or high-wind locations, minimal wind load.
• 40–50% openness: Balanced airflow and print visibility, common for most event applications.
• ≤40% openness: Denser mesh or woven fabrics, better image quality but higher wind load and more secure fixings required.

If in doubt, choose a higher openness mesh for open sites and vinyl or knitted fabric for calmer or short-term installs where image quality is a priority.

• Dye-Sublimation (Textile Mesh & Fabric): For polyester-based substrates, produces vivid, wash-resistant and soft-feel prints ideal for double-sided covers.
• UV-Curable Inks (PVC Vinyl): Direct-to-vinyl printing with instant-cure inks for durable, weatherproof and scratch-resistant graphics.
• Blockout Lamination: Applied to fabric covers to eliminate show-through for true double-sided artwork.

• Double-stitched, reinforced hems for strength
• Stainless steel grommets every 40–60 cm
• Reinforced corners and overlap seams for continuous runs
• Pre-cut modular strips (standard 23 cm high) to fit Heras-style barriers
• Optional reflective inks and anti-graffiti coatings
• Weatherproof sealant applied to hems for extra water resistance

We offer substrates with B1 fire certification (EN 13501-1) and equivalents where required for indoor or regulated spaces. If you need a specific certification for a venue or council, tell us at order stage so we can supply the correct documentation.

Our covers are typically modular to suit Heras-style barriers and are supplied as:

• Standard strip height: 23cm high (fits most Heras barrier rails)
• Panel lengths: Made to suit barrier sections and continuous runs are joined for seamless branding
• Custom sizes: Bespoke heights and widths are available on request. You can call 0113 205 5189 for an alternative quotation.

Tolerances depend on substrate and we advise ordering templates or using our artwork guides for best fit.

Yes. For true double-sided graphics we use block-out fabrics or bonded panels to prevent show-through. Double-sided printing carries a modest premium but delivers the best branding impact at events and spectator-facing applications.

• Mesh fabrics: Machine-wash on a gentle cycle where practical, or hose and air-dry. Avoid bleach and high-heat drying.
• PVC Vinyl: Wipe with mild detergent and a soft cloth; avoid abrasive brushes.
• Storage: Roll or fold loosely in a cool, dry place; avoid prolonged sunlight when stored.
• Repairs: Minor tears in fabric can be stitched or taped; replace heavily abraded PVC panels for best appearance.

Yes, our EnviroRange Eco-Mesh is manufactured from recycled PET and reuses approximately 8 plastic bottles per metre. We also offer recycled PVC content and low-VOC inks to help reduce your event’s environmental footprint.

Tell us about your site (indoor/outdoor), expected wind exposure, whether you need double-sided printing, and the intended reuse cycles. We’ll recommend the best substrate, finishing and fixing kit. For quick quotes and guidance call 0113 205 5189 or visit our main product page:

Barrier Jackets & Crowd Barrier Covers — Northern Flags