Harnessing the Sun’s Power: Visible Light In, UV Rays Out

    Visible Light In, UV Rays Out - Fabric Buildings - Rigid Steel Frame
    January 31, 2019 | Tension Fabric Structures, Waste & Recycling Facilities
    Harnessing the Sun’s Power: Visible Light In, UV Rays Out
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    The sun’s rays are used to grow plants, and can even serve as a sustainable source of energy. But the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can also cause damage. In addition to the well-documented effects of UV rays on skin, UV rays are known to propagate unwanted plant life, and cause plastic, rubber and other materials to degrade.

    Controlling UV exposure is a concern in many industries, including wastewater treatment. Just like sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays, a fabric building protects equipment, plants, settling pools and other valuable assets.

    How Does UV Light Impact Fabric Buildings?

    ExxoTec™ is Legacy’s exclusive PVC fabric, consisting of a woven inner layer and six layers of protective coating. The outer layers of the fabric reflects and absorbs UV rays – protecting the contents of the building from this harmful invisible light.


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    At the same time, ExxoTec™ transmits visible light, allowing it to flood into the building through the walls and ceiling. The fabric has up to 16% translucency, which on a sunny day is enough to safely work inside without any artificial light.

    By blocking UV rays and transmitting visible light, ExxoTec™ PVC fabric gives building owners all the benefits of the sun without the potential damage.

    See how the sun powers this aviation facility.

    Long-Term UV Control Inside a Fabric Building

    UV light is also one of the biggest enemies of fabric buildings. Exposure to UV rays can cause some types of fabric to degrade – compromising their effectiveness, and in some cases causing building failure.

    Independent laboratory testing has shown ExxoTec to outperform the competition in both initial strength and strength after weathering tests. After 13 years of exposure to the elements – including UV rays – the fabric retains 91% of its initial strength – giving you more years of safe building use.

    See how ExxoTec compares to other types of building fabric.

    When expanding or adding facilities, the initial cost as well as the cost to run are both serious considerations. By eliminating the UV rays inside the building, ExxoTec™ fabric buildings help your equipment run more efficiently, saving money in both the short- and long-term.

    Get started today – contact us to see how a fabric building can protect your assets from UV rays.

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    What makes ExxoTec™ fabric different from other building materials?

    ExxoTec™ is a high-performance PVC fabric featuring a woven inner layer and six protective coatings. It resists UV degradation, retains over 90% of its strength after 13 years, and delivers long-term durability even in harsh climates like those found in Minnesota and across the Midwest.

    How do fabric buildings protect against UV rays?

    Legacy Building Solutions’ ExxoTec™ PVC fabric reflects and absorbs harmful UV rays while allowing visible light inside. This keeps equipment, water treatment systems, and other assets protected from UV damage and material degradation.

    Can ExxoTec™ fabric buildings reduce energy costs?

    Yes. With up to 16% translucency, ExxoTec™ fabric naturally illuminates the interior using sunlight—minimizing the need for artificial lighting. This visible-light transmission helps reduce operational energy costs year-round.

    How does UV protection improve equipment lifespan in wastewater or industrial facilities?

    By blocking UV rays, ExxoTec™ fabric buildings prevent premature fading, cracking, and corrosion on exposed machinery and materials—extending the lifespan of valuable assets and lowering maintenance costs for municipal and industrial sites.

    Where can I install a UV-resistant fabric building near me?

    Legacy Building Solutions designs, manufactures, and installs custom ExxoTec™ fabric buildings throughout North America, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and beyond. Contact our South Haven, MN headquarters to start planning your project.

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