Different Wind Load Resistance in Safegard Scaffold Sheeting

Tensile and eyelet strengths determine how scaffold sheeting handles wind conditions at different levels. The higher these factors are, the better.

February 3, 2025 by

SP Group Global Ltd

Wind pressure varies at different scaffolding levels. The right tensile and eyelet strength in scaffold sheeting account for this—among other design considerations.

Scaffold sheeting is designed to manage airflow and reduce wind load while providing protection against fall and falling debris from higher points. However, not all types withstand wind conditions to the same degree. This varies by brand and manufacturer while meeting health and safety regulations.

To give you an idea of how this works, this guide will explain the three variants of Safegard® Scaffold Sheeting and their corresponding aerodynamic performance.

SAFEGARD CLASSIC Scaffold Sheeting

CLASSIC Scaffold Sheeting is made from co-polymer LDPE, designed for low-level applications where the risk of high wind is minimal and for short-term use.

Its tensile strength is 650N/50mm, meaning the main body of the sheeting can resist pulling forces from wind and tension. It can withstand a force of 650 Newtons over a 50-mm wide section—the standard width used to measure the strength of the CLASSIC variant when stretched.

The 750N/50mm eyelet strength, being stronger than the tensile, ensures that the material around the eyelets (the attachment points) stays intact. This prevents the sheeting from tearing at the fixing points.

A moderate to strong wind gust hitting the scaffold sheeting is a good example of this type of wind load. If the pulling exceeds these limits, the material and the fixing points may tear or fail.

SAFEGARD PLUS Scaffold Sheeting

PLUS Scaffold Sheeting is made from premium quality sheeting, meant to withstand stronger wind loads or sudden high-pressure bursts in mid to high-level areas.

This is achieved thanks to its tensile strength of 680N/50mm, which is a bit stronger than the CLASSIC variant. PLUS scaffold sheeting can be stretched over a 50-mm wide section and can hold a wind force of 680 Newtons. The same is true for its higher eyelet strength of 850N/50mm, which provides better durability at attachment points.

This makes PLUS more suitable for mid to long-term use and ideal for small and large scaffolding setups.

SAFEGARD PRO Scaffold Sheeting

PRO Scaffold Sheeting is our strongest and thickest variant to date, developed to manage extreme working weather conditions that might interrupt continuous site production.

As the highest-strength variant, PRO has a tensile strength of 700N/50mm and an eyelet strength of 950N/50mm. It has been tested using the same industry width as the CLASSIC and PLUS for compliance. It’s the perfect upgrade for both short- and long-term scaffolding projects that demand stronger coverage.

Speaking of meeting the standards, all Safegard scaffold sheeting conforms to BS 7995:1999. It’s the British Standards that specify the requirements and test methods for perforated and non-perforated scaffold sheeting. Request the latest Technical Data Sheet for updated details.

Tensile vs Eyelet Strength

Tensile strength is the force a material can handle when being pulled or stretched before it breaks. In contrast, eyelet strength is how much force an eyelet can withstand before tearing or failing.

SAFEGARD’s range of scaffold sheeting offers higher tensile and eyelet strength compared to other brands, which have a minimum of 630N/50mm for tensile strength and 500N/50mm for eyelet strength.

Other Aspects to Consider for Scaffold Sheeting’s Wind Resistance

If tensile and eyelet strength aren’t provided, these factors can help assess wind resistance, as specifications may vary by brand or manufacturer:

Porosity

Porosity in scaffolding sheeting refers to how much air can pass through a material (e.g., via open space or holes) rather than pushing against it. The higher it is, the more it lets more wind through—which reduces wind load. Lower porosity blocks more wind but increases pressure on the structure.

Air permeability

Air permeability measures how air moves through the material. Scaffold sheeting can have high porosity (lots of holes) but low air permeability if the holes are too small. This effect wind load, with higher permeability (larger or more open holes) reduces pressure, while lower result blocks wind but puts more strain on the scaffold.

Fastening methods

There are different ways to attach scaffold sheeting, and the best ones are:

Toggle ties are a common fastening tool used for a secure attachment. They are usually made of rubber or latex cord with a hook and toggle. To use them, insert the toggle through the eyelet and tighten the tie with the hook.
Bungee ties also work. These are elastic cords with hooks on each end. They stretch to fit around the scaffold and secure the sheeting in place by hooking onto the eyelets. Wrap the tie around the pole and hook it onto the eyelets to finish.

How the scaffold sheeting is tied also affects how it handles wind load. Poor fastening can lead to safety hazards and make the sheets more vulnerable to flapping. Find all the details in our guide: The Importance of Ties on Scaffold Sheeting

If you have any more questions or would like to get a quote, contact us at +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a scaffolding supplier based in the UK and Ireland, we supply scaffold sheeting (alternative to monarflex), FR debris netting, and more.