When deciding what type of awning is best for your property, there are several factors to consider. Awnings come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you aren’t limited in your options when choosing one for your home. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of fabrics and materials to choose from:
Acrylic Fabric
Acrylic fabric is often used for awnings because of its durability and its ability to repel water. While not waterproof, they do hold up well in humid conditions, as they don’t develop mildew and can sustain the wear and tear of wet weather. The downside to acrylic is that it can stretch a bit in cool weather and shrink a bit in the heat.
Vinyl & Polyester Composite
Durable and waterproof, vinyl & polyester composite awnings are strong and long-lasting. Among the benefits are that it’s a lightweight and flexible material, and will stay tight on the awning frame. It’s also fire-retardant, which is a nice safety feature.
Vinyl Coated
Vinyl coated awnings resist UV light and mildew, making them highly durable in hot or humid climates. However, the strength of the fabric makes it less flexible. Its superior water resistance makes it a great choice for wet weather. One of the drawbacks is that vinyl can have a plastic-like appearance, which some homeowners may find unattractive.
Canvas
Canvas is a natural fiber material which offers a nice look but lacks long-term durability and strength. They’re more prone to wear and tear and can rip more easily than other types of awnings. This means that natural fiber canvas awnings have to be replaced more frequently than options like vinyl and acrylic.
Metal
While extremely durable, metal awnings require maintenance and upkeep to maintain their appearance and longevity over the years. Metal will eventually begin to rust, making it unsightly and wearing down its strength. It can also be more easily damaged by inclement weather, debris, etc. Metal is also a much heavier material and it can attract heat. For these reasons, it’s generally not the best choice for covering a patio or outdoor living space.
Other Considerations When determining What Type of Awnings is Best
In addition to the material that the awning is made out of, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind:
Budget
Your budget will likely play a role when you’re selecting an awning for your property. However, spending more on a high-quality product will save you money in the long run. A retractable awning is an investment that not only beautifies your home but also serves a useful purpose.
Custom size
Depending on your needs, you may need a custom-sized awning to properly cover your space. This can impact your material choice, as well as the overall cost. Figuring out what type of awning is best for your needs depends on a few important factors. An experienced, reliable installer will be able to direct you towards your best options. Ultimately you want to choose an awning that offers a combination of quality, attractiveness, and affordability.
