A Guide to Types of Awning Materials
Awnings are beautiful additions to a home or business that increase outdoor enjoyment space, reduce energy bills, enhance comfort, and offer protection from the elements. They come in different materials to meet numerous users' needs and complement existing décor.
Choosing the right awning material depending on your needs and local climate can save you time, headaches, and money. Learn the merits and demerits of different awning materials to select the best one for your home or business.
Canvas Awnings
Canvas is an excellent awning material due to its durability, flexibility, and affordability. The secret to using this fabric is to ensure proper installation so that it adequately stretches between supports to withstand inclement weather like snow and heavy rains.
Nevertheless, canvas awnings have a rough and unfinished appearance that may affect their appeal, especially in homes with a polished aesthetic. Also, they can sag in the middle if not installed correctly and are hard to clean compared to other fabrics.
Vinyl Awnings
If you live in a rainy area, vinyl awnings are for you. Vinyl is waterproof, easy to maintain, strong, and inexpensive. It is a good choice for illuminated awnings because of its translucency.
However, vinyl is relatively inflexible and thus prone to tear and has limited styles and colors than other fabrics like acrylics. When poorly maintained, vinyl awnings can allow mold growth. Also, since vinyl is not breathable, you might feel hotter under a vinyl fabric.
Cotton Awnings
This is a familiar and popular awning material because it is water-resistant and readily available and has self-contouring properties. Also, cotton is easy to clean and machine washable. One of the most significant assets of cotton awnings is their resistance to mold, making them ideal for homes and businesses in cold regions.
However, cotton is costlier than other materials like canvas and less durable than polyester. Also, it is flammable, thus unsuitable for regions prone to wildfires.
Polyester Awnings
If you need a weather-resistant awning material, polyester is an excellent choice. It is a synthetic fabric that can withstand harsh weather, from strong winds to UV rays and heavy rains. The material is suitable for high humidity areas and does not allow mold growth.
On the downside, polyester is a rough material and may not appeal to people looking for a soft-touch fabric. Also, exposure to high amounts of sunlight makes the material susceptible to fading.
Acrylic Awnings
These awnings are famous for durability and easy maintenance and hold color well. Acrylic awnings are a top choice for windy climates since they hold up well to strong winds. Also, you have numerous options for colors and designs with this material. Since acrylic is breathable, it dries very fast, and you feel cooler the awning.
Nevertheless, acyclic awnings are not entirely waterproof, and water may seep through the material during heavy rains.
Fiberglass Awnings
Fiberglass is a strong and low-maintenance awning material. You don't have to repaint the awning regularly since the color is molded into the fabric for long-lasting beauty. Also, you choose from opaque or slightly translucent fiberglass to meet your unique needs.
Translucent fiberglass is a good choice for a patio awning since it allows natural light into the space. Nonetheless, fiberglass awnings crack and brittle with time.
Metal Awnings
Metal awnings such as steel and aluminum are sturdy, durable, low maintenance, and cost-effective. They can withstand snow, wind, and rain. Metal awnings stand out with their versatility and can be custom made to fit your personal taste and home's design.
However, aluminum dents easily, while steel requires regular painting to keep off rust. Also, most metal awnings cannot be rolled up unless they have foldable hinges.
Contact Sunstate Awning for high-quality custom awnings for your home or business in Central Florida. We excel in designing, fabricating, and installing all types of awnings to meet your needs and budget.