An invisible grille can provide the security your property deserves without obstructing the view of the outdoors. The cables are typically made from high-quality 316 stainless steel, and each cable is also surrounded by a protective coating made from either nylon or Teflon. Both coatings enhance your grille’s overall lifespan, but what differentiates these two materials?
What is Nylon Coating?
Nylon is a type of polymer, a chemical compound derived from petroleum-based plastics, and is a commonly used synthetic material across numerous industries. Since its creation in 1930, nylon has been widely used in various applications, including clothing, cutlery, and even toothbrush bristles. It is typically cut into fibres or filaments from large chips before it is used for manufacturing products. Given its widespread popularity, nylon is also the most common coating used for invisible grilles.
What is Teflon Coating?
Teflon, also known by its chemical name polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is commonly used as the primary coating on nonstick cookware. Like nylon, Teflon is also a polymer, but with a different chemical composition that also confers Teflon its impressive nonstick properties. Teflon coatings are generally used for outdoor invisible grilles, where their higher heat resistance further extends the grille’s longevity.
Advantages of Using Nylon Coating
Many invisible grille owners are pleased with the performance of their nylon coating.
Affordable
Not only is nylon a versatile synthetic material, but it is also a cost-effective one, too. Nylon’s pricing varies depending on the type of nylon used, as it comes in different forms and thicknesses for diverse applications. For invisible grilles, however, a small but substantial coating covers each cable, providing an additional layer of protection and keeping the overall cost low. Despite the thin coating, nylon’s unique properties ensure that your invisible grille investment lasts for a considerable time, giving you long-term savings and peace of mind as a result.
Durable
Nylon has a significant amount of tensile strength that grants it impressive durability against damage, making it a great choice to shield your invisible grille cables. While 316 stainless steel possesses a much higher tensile strength than nylon, the additional layer of nylon is a feature that helps to deter virtually any form of physical damage. At the same time, nylon is also resistant to corrosion, along with some decent heat resistance as well, making it a great way to protect the cables from gradual environmental degradation (like rust).
Unique Properties
Apart from its heat and corrosion resistance, nylon’s synthetic properties also make it resistant to mould, mildew, and insects. Not only that, but nylon is also quite waterproof, keeping moisture (like from raindrops) at bay. All of this further strengthens the invisible grille’s overall durability and prevents rust and other complications from affecting the cables.
Advantages of Using Teflon Coating
Teflon typically commands a slightly higher price, but it does have its share of benefits.
Nonstick Properties
Teflon is well known for its nonstick properties, and that can be advantageous for invisible grilles. Teflon’s nonstick nature stems from a low coefficient of friction, making it resistant to stickiness, and low surface energy that prevents it from clinging onto other materials. These qualities allow Teflon coatings to resist rain and other elements from affecting the invisible grille’s cables, thereby enhancing the grille’s longevity. In fact, this also gives Teflon a slight edge over nylon in terms of durability.
Higher Heat Resistance
Teflon is also capable of resisting high-temperature ranges without degrading. Coupled with its low coefficient of friction, even the hottest days will cause minimal damage from gradual wear and tear, and it will not cause the material to burn. You can easily place Teflon-coated invisible grilles on your balcony or other frequently sun-exposed areas, and the coating will provide lasting support to your grille’s cables for a few years.
Weatherproof
Even when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, extreme temperatures, and various contaminants, pollutants, or debris, Teflon can resist these tribulations. Not only is it resistant to the elements, shielding the cables from gradual corrosion or other issues, but Teflon coats also resist various corrosive chemicals or chemical reactions (like rust) without degrading or exposing the grille’s cables to these chemicals.
Which Invisible Grille is Ideal For Your Property?
For general home security, a nylon-coated invisible grille is a good investment thanks to its decent durability, lower entry cost, and significant benefits in shielding the grille’s cables from the environment. Typically, nylon coating can last one to three years, but with proper care, some can last up to four years. Constant exposure to heat can still cause gradual wear and tear, so if you notice cracking or peeling on the coating, it would be a good time to have it replaced.
Teflon-coated invisible grilles can offer significant improvements for outdoor use, as Teflon typically has improved heat and weather resistance compared to nylon. They tend to command higher prices for invisible grilles thanks to these properties, but they can be prone to scratching if you are not careful. Nevertheless, their weatherproofing capabilities can contribute to the invisible grille’s durability, as Teflon coatings can last anywhere from one to five years (warranty).
Are you in need of an invisible grille? Contact Degrille to learn more about our HDB-approved nylon-coated and Teflon-coated invisible grilles, designed for your safety. Contact us today for a complimentary on-site quotation, and let us safeguard your property’s security.