How to Select Awning Fabrics

One of the key decisions that you will have to make as you shop for an awning has to do with the colour and construction of the awning fabric. This article discusses some of the attributes that you should consider when selecting the fabric.

The Awning Size

The size of the awning that you wish to buy should play a role in what fabric you choose for that awning. For example, people who would like to buy large awnings, such as those covering an area that is 20-feet wide, should select polyester fabrics. Why is this advisable? Polyester is stiffer and will be less likely to stretch/sag over time when compared to other fabrics, such as acrylic ones. Select acrylic fabrics if you are shopping for a smaller awning. The framing of such an awning will provide ample support to prevent sagging.

Frequency of Use

Think about how frequently you wish to use the awning once you purchase it. Select acrylic fabrics if you anticipate to use that awning regularly (daily, for instance). Acrylic fabrics are less likely to lose their colour quickly when compared to other fabric types. Buy any other kind of fabric in case you will only use the awning once in a while.

Woody Areas

Are there many trees in the area where you intend to install the awning? Such areas put a lot of stress on the awning fabric because tree litter (leaves, for example) and dropping from birds make the fabric look dirty quickly. You can reduce your awning maintenance tasks by selecting an awning fabrics that are dark-coloured so that the fabric will take longer to look dirty. This will help you to increase the cleaning intervals.

Seam Type

Examine the awnings and find out how the fabric sections were joined. Some manufacturers use glue to join different sections together. Others sew the fabric pieces. Avoid glued seams because such seams will be more likely to fail under stress from wind forces. Sewn seams are stronger.

Hot Areas

People who plan to install awnings in places that are hot should select light-coloured awning fabrics. Such fabrics will reflect most of the heat from the sun. Additionally, the bright colour will allow the covered area to remain well lit.

There is an awning for every application. Use the information above to find the awning that will be best suited to your needs. Ask awning suppliers for advice in case you have other concerns about the awnings available on the market.

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