Today's fabrics come in more than 500 solid and striped colors! Visit the design studio page of our website for more information.

Regular maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning, with additional care if stains or soilage appears. Also, remember that your awning is an exterior product. In the same way you wouldn't leave your automobile outside without washing it for very long, you'll also need to clean your canvas awning to preserve and extend its good looks and service life. http://www.ehow.com/how_4778187_clean-canvas-awnings.html

Good question. Of course, the darker the color chosen, the darker the shade effect underneath will be. There are exceptions, however. Certain fabrics have a lighter-colored underneath side than the top-side color, which gives a more pleasing shading effect. As for the temperature, while color choice has some slight impact, the type of fabric chosen and the overall ventilation of the installation will have a greater effect.

Generally speaking, awning fabrics are water-repellent, not waterproof. There are exceptions, though, which may be practical in certain environments. The fabrics' water-repellent characteristics allow you to fully enjoy the space shaded by the awning during any weather conditions that aren't severe. In other words, if the weather is nice enough for you to be outside, then it is good enough for you to be out underneath your awning.

Our metal support frames are made from aluminum and will last a lifetime! Regular maintenance on a frame requires an annual inspection of fasteners, connections and metal condition. Frames are also available with a painted finish for additional protection and attractiveness.

Retractable awnings primarily are designed to provide protection from the sun's rays and not from rain. However, they can be used in drizzle or misting rains with proper unit pitch. In heavy or driving rains, the unit must be retracted to keep water from "pooling" on the fabric and causing damage or irreversible fabric stretching.

Because most retractable awnings are customized for each residence, prices cannot be given without verified measurements and on-site inspection. Your awning supplier typically can meet with you for a free, in-home consultation to design an awning that's right for you.

Retractable awnings primarily are for sun protection and should not be left out in windy conditions. However, the wind is a very unpredictable force, with a tendency to change direction and speed very quickly. In a wind-tunnel test, which is a very controlled environment, a retractable awning withstood straight-on wind forces at over 35 mph. In "real-life" applications, the general rule of thumb is: if you are comfortable sitting outdoors dining or reading the paper, then it is probably safe to operate your awning. The concern with wind is the uplifting effect on the awning rather than the downward force; therefore, the greater the pitch, the more wind-resistant the unit is.

However, today's awning fabrics are considered water-repellent, not waterproof. Water-repellent awning and patio canopies will allow you to enjoy your deck or patio during most weather conditions that it is safe to be outside.

That's simple: Just fax, email or send a drawing or sketch to us and one of our design coordinators will contact you and help you pull the concept or product together along with costing.