The great outdoors can bring a special dimension to any home, but let’s face it- mother nature isn’t always gentle. If you’re looking for ways to protect your outdoor area from the elements while adding style, an awning may be just what you need! But hold on, not all fabrics are made equal in this regard. The true key is woven into each line of fabric – so which one should you choose? To ensure long lasting protection and stunning visuals, consider high quality materials perfect for creating beautiful yet resilient exterior accessories.
Awning Fabric Options
We offer many different options for awning fabrics for your residential awning. With a vast array of fabrics available to choose from, you’ll find that they’re all not created equally when it comes to protection. Whether it’s shielding your outdoor space from rain and light or standing up against wear and tear, there are distinct differences between the various types of fabric for awnings.
The biggest question for property owners tends to be natural awning fabrics versus synthetic awning fabrics.
Polyester, Acrylic, Canvas Awning Fabric Features
Natural fabrics do not always make the best awning fabric; however, they do have their uses. There are two primary materials used for awning fabrics:
- Synthetic materials
- Natural materials
Canvas is an incredibly sturdy material created by weaving together spun-out cotton fibers. But, as with all natural materials, it may not last long in intense climates – whether the scorching sun of summer or frigid winds of winter. To maximize its durability and extend its lifespan, a protective layer can be added to your canvas awning fabric.
The coating that makes a canvas fabric waterproof and fade resistant tends to be made of synthetic fabric material. Although, the underside of these canvas’ is made of natural cotton material.
Polyester fabric is synthetic and made in a lab. Polyester is made up of petroleum, even though polymers do occur naturally in things like silk and rubber.
Have you ever wondered how fabric is created? Manufacturers start off with a liquid polymer, made from petroleum. This molecule-filled liquid then gets processed in a machine that creates strands of durable thread which are woven together to form the tough and long-lasting fabrics we use today.
Acrylic fabrics are born out of a process steeped in science and technology. From the melting down of coal or petroleum, to being pushed through machinery that spin thin threads – acrylic fabric is woven together layer by intricate layer until an incredibly strong end product emerges.
Awnings made from canvas don’t have the same longevity as those crafted with synthetic materials such as acrylic or polyester. The modern fabrics are more resilient and able to withstand harsh weather conditions, which makes them a great choice for protecting against Mother Nature’s worst!
Solution Dyed Fabric, What Is It?
For those new to the world of textile manufacturing, it’s natural not to know about solution dyed material versus stock dyed fabric. With an innovative approach that takes color into consideration much earlier in the process, fabrics created from a solution dye are more resilient against fading when exposed to sunlight and other outdoor elements. As any top layers fade away over time, there is still vibrant hues beneath – thanks to their unique production technique!
Stock dyed fabric is treated to a vibrant dip in dye, where large pieces are immersed for an even coat of color on the surface. The colors penetrate into the threads but due to their woven nature, won’t reach too far inside – providing a unique and attractive result.
Acrylic and polyester fabrics can be solution-dyed for vibrant, longer lasting effects. However, natural cotton canvas cannot experience such treatment – as it is a naturally occurring material crafted in its off white or white form by nature itself. Yet with methods of pre-weaving dyeing available, even the most durable organic fabric may resist fading when given an extra boost to color permanence.
Stock dyeing is a more cost-effective option for fabrics since the shades and hues are added towards the end of production. Solution dyed fabric has slightly higher quality due to its color being permeated throughout – however this process limits buyer versatility as colors must be committed much earlier in the manufacturing cycle than with stock dyes. So, if you’re looking for affordability without sacrificing too much on quality, stock dyes may just be your perfect alternative!
UV Resistance Is Very Important
Awning fabrics can take a real beating from the harsh UV radiation of the sun, often without us knowing it. While we use an awnings to get protection ourselves from this harmful form of light, our shades are also sacrificing themselves in their duty!
With the International Association for Applied UV Protection’s guidelines, fabrics can be certified as providing superior protection against ultraviolet radiation – even more than is usually found in America. This special certification standard is called UV Standard 801 and it ensures materials are equipped to combat intense rays from the sun.
UV Standard 801 has designed its product with the highest doses of UV protection in mind. While North Americans may see a higher average for their summer months, Australians face an intense 10 to 14 on the UV index scale – not just during peak season, but all year-round! This standard is tailored specifically to those living (or traveling) Down Under and also caters towards people who have more sensitive skin types.
The sun’s UV rays can cause serious damage to our skin, ranging from a mild case of sunburn to the potentially deadly effects of skin cancer. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for its powerful beams to break down even tough and stable materials such as an awning. This makes it all too clear how much protection we need against this force of nature!
With the summer sun blazing, spending time outdoors can take a toll on your health and wellbeing. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to! Fabrics like O’Bravia’s outdoor UV Standard 801-rated fabric offer superior protection against damaging radiation – up to 98% of harmful rays blocked out with Sunbrella awning fabric. Create shade for yourself and keep safe this season by utilizing an attractive, durable awning material that offers maximum defense from unwelcome heat exposure.
Awning Fabric Care
Expertly crafted awnings are meant to stand the test of time. However, if you want yours to continue looking as good as well as performing optimally, don’t forget monthly maintenance. A quick spritz from your garden hose can keep dirt buildup at bay while keeping vivid colors brilliant.
Cleaning your fabric awnings doesn’t have to be an arduous process. You can easily give them a thorough rinse, even while they’re still mounted on their frame. Take advantage of the warm rays from the sun after rinsing for optimal drying results. This prevents any potential stains or mildew spots. If there are only certain areas that need attention, spot cleaning is also an option.
Keep your awning looking pristine despite the elements with these easy cleaning tips. Acrylic and polyester fabric awnings are remarkably durable, but they can still be susceptible to staining. Keep it in check by tackling stains before they set in. Use either degreaser or diluted bleach as soon as you see them appear. Just remember to rinse properly afterwards with water. For best results, give it a brush down using soft bristles for deeper cleansing power.
Keeping your outdoor fabric awning in optimal condition can seem like an intimidating task. With the right treatments, such as Tex’Aktiv and 303 Fabric Guard, it’s easy to ensure long-term performance. Start by thoroughly cleaning then apply one of these products for ultimate protection. You may want to hire a professional if you’re not confident doing so yourself.
Cleaning your awning fabric regularly is actually very simple to do all in all!
Awning Fabric Warranties
Most people are more familiar with getting a warranty for a household appliance or their home itself, but your awning fabric can come with a warranty as well.
O’Bravia and Sunbrella fabric awnings can handle the elements like pros! Their five-year limited warranties guarantee protection from fading, mold, mildew, and sunlight. So, you don’t have to worry about your outdoor shade solution standing up against nature’s toughest tests. Unfortunately, these guarantees are not applicable for intentional damage by people.
Extend the life of your outdoor awning fabric with proper care and maintenance. With key considerations such as location, climate, and weather conditions factored in accordingly, you may be able to enjoy up to 10 years of protection. Keep an eye on things though. Warranties typically only cover the fabric itself, not any fixtures or frames that are part of it.
Why Awning Fabric Is So Important
When selecting an awning, protection and durability should be at the forefront of your considerations. Your choice of material needs to ensure it fits with both the aesthetic character, traditional or contemporary, and functional requirements desired for your home.
As you hunt for the perfect outdoor shade solution, manufacturers are putting their best foot forward with offerings that vary in style and function. But no matter what look you go with, be sure to choose one made of durable fabrics that provide top-notch UV protection. This can ensure your new awning stands up year after year.
An outdoor awning is an important addition to any home, so it’s essential to make the right choice when selecting which fabric you’ll use. To help in your decision-making process and get the most out of this investment, learning about the science behind different textiles that are suited for residential areas can be immensely beneficial.
Invest in a high quality, long-lasting outdoor awning and you’ll never regret it. Enjoy the comfort of wraparound protection from UV rays while creating an inviting space to gather with family outside.
