When investing in an awning for your patio, it’s important to consider the type of awning fabric you’ll want to choose. After all, the awning’s fabric is its most customizable, yet most vulnerable, part. You’ll want a material that is both durable and long-lasting while remaining vibrant enough to spruce up your backyard. Here are some of the most common materials used for patio awnings and which one will get you the most bang for your buck.

The Most Common Awning Cover Materials

There are several awning fabric options, each with their own advantages.

• Canvas – One of the first awning fabrics ever used, canvas provides a classic look with a high level of breathability, which is good for hot summer days. Unfortunately, canvas material is highly susceptible to mold and mildew issues, therefore requiring the most maintenance. Canvas colors also tend to fade more quickly than other patio awning materials.
• Coating-based fabrics – Durable and water-resistant coating-based fabrics,like acrylic-coated polyester, are used for several different outdoor items such as outdoor umbrellas and boat and grill covers. However, these fabrics aren’t breathable, meaning more mold and mildew issues, and its coating can fade after constant UV-ray exposure.
• Laminated or coated vinyl fabrics – Durabile, water resistant and low maintenance, vinyl fabrics are a popular and cost-effective patio cover option. The main drawback to using vinyl is that it is not very flexible, limiting its use in areas with thunderstorms that produce high winds. Vinyl also has a limited number of color options.
• Solution-Dyed Acrylic – Perhaps the best awning fabric you can use for your outdoor living structure, solution-dyed acrylic has transformed the awning industry by providing high-quality aesthetics while remaining resistant to extreme weather.

Benefits of Solution-Dyed Acrylic Awning Covers

Some of the main benefits to using a solution-dyed acrylic material for your patio awning cover include:

• Breathability: Solution-dyed acrylic is lightweight, providing shade without creating extra heat underneath.
• UV Resistance: Protection from harmful UV rays is one of the most common reasons to install a fabric awning. The solution on dyed acrylic fabrics block significant amounts of UV rays, which protects both you and any furniture underneath the awning from sun damage.
• Durability: Solution-dyed acrylic is tightly woven, making it resistant to wear-and-tear. It’s also easy to clean, as most messes can be cleaned with just soap and water.
• Resistance: Since the fibers of solution-dyed acrylic fabrics are non-porous, they are less likely to trap moisture inside. This reduces mold and mildew buildup, which is one of the top reasons to replace your awning fabric.

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space with Universal Awning & Sign

While picking out the best awning fabric may seem like a simple job, consulting with the local awning experts at Universal Awning & Sign will ensure you get an affordable, long-lasting and durable awning cover. To learn more about our inventory and professional awning installation services, call us today at 407-328-7781.