Outdoor awnings are more than just a pretty addition to your home—they’re an investment in style and functionality. Imagine lounging on your patio on a sunny afternoon, sheltered by a beautiful awning that enhances your home‘s curb appeal and provides protection from the elements. This is what an outdoor awning offers. But to get the most out of your awning, choose the suitable fabric.
This article will explore the history of awning fabrics, discuss the best materials available today, and provide tips on selecting the perfect awning fabric for your needs.
Awnings have come a long way since their inception. Initially, awnings were made from cotton, a material that, while durable, had its limitations regarding weather resistance and longevity.
In the early days, cotton canvas was the go-to material for awnings. Canvas is a natural fiber that offers breathability and a classic look. It is known for being thick and durable but requires unique treatments to resist staining and water. Cotton is not typically used anymore in the awning industry.
Vinyl fabrics brought a new level of durability and weather resistance to outdoor awnings. This material is typically coated or laminated, making it durable, waterproof, and strong. It doesn’t require in-depth maintenance and can withstand harsh weather conditions. However, the downside is that it is not as flexible as other fabrics, making it prone to tearing. For awning companies on the creation side, vinyl fabrics can be more difficult to sew due to increased weight and rigidness.
With advancements in technology, coating-based fabrics emerged. These fabrics are waterproof, resistant to weathering, and easy to clean. However, they can be less breathable than other materials, which might not be ideal for all climates due to mildew and mold issues. Additionally, the acrylic-painted canvas can shrink, and vinyl-coated canvas adds substantial weight to the canvas making it harder to work with on larger projects.
Solution- Dyed polyester is another standard option for awnings and outdoor coverings. Acrylic Coated Polyester can be breathable or not breathable depending on the product. Polyester fabrics are becoming increasingly popular due to the cost and the fact they are 100% Recyclable. One downside to Solution Dyed Polyester is that it is not as fade resistant as Solution-Dyed Acrylic
The introduction of solution-dyed acrylic fabrics revolutionized the awning industry. This material offers excellent color retention, durability, and weather resistance, making it one of the most popular choices for outdoor awnings.
This fabric’s color is dyed using acrylic pigments that are absorbed all the way through the fabric, resulting in a long-lasting color. Solution dyed acrylics are known for there durability but can also be challenging to clean.
When selecting the best fabric for your outdoor awning, several factors include durability, weather resistance, and aesthetics. Here are some top brands and materials to consider:
Sunbrella is a renowned brand in the outdoor fabric industry. Its solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are known for their durability, UV resistance, and vibrant colors. Sunbrella fabrics are also breathable and water resistant, making them a great choice for outdoor awnings.
Tempotest is another leading brand offering high-quality solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. Known for their excellent color retention and weather resistance, Tempotest fabrics are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions while maintaining their aesthetics.
Vinyl fabrics, such as those offered by St. Clair Textiles, Coastline Plus and Nite Lite, are highly durable and waterproof. They are a great option for areas with heavy rainfall or on commercial applications.
Top Notch fabrics by Marlene Textiles are made in the USA from solution-dyed polyester. They offer excellent durability and weather resistance. Marlene textiles is an innovator creating a treatment that works exceptionally well resisting mold and mildew. They are also highly breathable, making them a great choice for areas with fluctuating temperatures.
Solution-dyed acrylic is one of the most popular materials for outdoor awnings, and for a good reason. However, like any material, it has its pros and cons.
Durability: Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are incredibly durable and can withstand all weather conditions, including rain, UV rays, and wind.
Color Retention: The solution-dyeing process ensures that the color penetrates the fiber, resulting in vibrant colors that resist fading over time.
Wear: Although durable, acrylic can show wear in areas that experience rubbing, chafing, or abrasions.
Costs: Costs can vary based on your color or pattern choice. Solid colors are the most affordable, whereas stripe patterns cost more because weaving requires multiple yarn colors.
Solution Dyed Acrylics are difficult to clean because when cleaned the factory treatment gets washed out of the material and you then must retreat the fabric. This makes the cleaning process 2 steps increasing the maintenance cost.
Choosing the right fabric for your outdoor awning is crucial to ensuring it provides the protection and aesthetic appeal you desire. There’s a perfect fabric for every homeowner, with options ranging from Solution dyed acrylic and Polyester to Vinyl.
At Country Canvas Awnings, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality awning solutions tailored to your needs. Our expert team is here to help you choose the best fabric and design for your outdoor space.
Discover more about our offerings and contact us to transform your outdoor space today!
Your investment is safe under the care of our experienced staff of awning professionals. Enhance your home and make the most of our outdoor space with our help!
Call Country Canvas Awnings at 724-228-2707 or use the form to get more information or to schedule your service.
Country Canvas Awnings has referred several customers to Dollar Bank for financing. Learn more information about financing with Dollar Bank.
