Choosing The Right Awning Fabric

As you shop for an outdoor awning, you will find many types of
fabric. Just as with anything you buy, especially something
subjected to outdoor elements, you want the best. With so many
companies vying for your business, awning fabric is getting some
special attention with the use of new materials, technologies,
and methods. For example, one type of awning fabric is actually
supported by the Skin Cancer Foundation for blocking out 99.9%
of harmful UVa and UVb rays.

One of the most popular features associated with awning fabric
is it being waterproof. Of course, other important features
include durability, fade resistant, strength, and even a thicker
type of pigmentation. For this, you could choose a 14-ounce
fabric designed with double-sided color. The result is more
vibrancy and longer lasting color. This particular awning
fabric is also made with as many as five layers of material,
meaning more durability, strength, and protection from the sun,
rain, snow, and wind.

Then, some types of awning fabric are coated with acrylic, which
is another great option for blocking UV degradation. In
addition, acrylic coated material will also resist scratches
from trees or debris while providing you with a surface that is
easy to maintain and clean. You might also look at a two-ply,
5.5-mil vinyl layer. Again, color is protected better, being
able to resist facing for a number of years.

Leading awning manufacturers have also discovered that using an
inner layer of 9x9 1,000 Denier materials with filament Dacron
incorporated is one of the best ways to offer strength. Again,
while waterproof awning fabric is important, other benefits you
should consider is something flame resistant, and mildew
resistant. Probably one of the most innovative changes seen
with awning fabric is one whereby the design has stripes light
at the top, fading beautifully to a solid cream color. In
addition to looking great, the reason for this design is that
the awning helps hold temperature down so you can enjoy time
outside more comfortably.

Other possibilities for awning fabric include 600 Denier
polyester fabric made with a strong, Teflon coating, nylon
fabric coated with polyurethane, and 100% cotton number duck.
This last option for awning fabric comes in various widths
ranging from 36 to 144 inches. Additionally, you can purchase
rolls with up to 100 yards. For this reason, some people will
actually make their own awning. Just keep in mind that this
material is heavy so it requires special type stitching.

Awning fabric made by a company called Phifertex Leisure has
become quite popular. Made from 100% vinyl coated and woven
polyester, you can choose from a mesh design that is ideal for
awnings and gazebos. Finally, Strataglass is yet another
company hitting big marks with awning fabric. In this case, the
material is a press polished vinyl that is perfect for blocking
out the sun's hot rays and resisting scratches. To make this
awning fabric so special, a chemical additive is used, giving
the vinyl a beautiful blue color while also blocking out harmful
UV rays.