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• 18 July 2024
• Awning

How to Choose the Right Awning Fabric?

The most critical step toward long-lasting performance and high comfort in outdoor shading is choosing the right awning fabric. However refined the architecture of your space and however robust the awning mechanism, the element in direct contact with the weather is the fabric.

We have gathered everything you need to know to make a durable, elegant and functional choice against intense sunlight, UV radiation, rain and wind.

Awning Fabric Types and Characteristics

When selecting a fabric that matches your needs, start by understanding the main types on the market and what they are designed for:

1. Solution-Dyed 100% Acrylic Fabrics (The Most Popular Choice)

Acrylic fabrics are indispensable outdoors. Because they are dyed at the yarn stage, they keep their colour and vitality for many years.

• Sun resistance: High UV protection; the fabric colour does not fade.
• Breathability: The woven structure allows air to pass through, preventing warm air from collecting underneath and creating a cooler shaded area.
• Water repellency: Special impregnation coatings shed light to moderate rain rather than letting it through.

2. PVC-Coated and Polyester Fabrics (High Waterproofing)

An ideal choice for those seeking high waterproofing and for regions with heavy rainfall.

• Surface structure: Smooth and synthetically coated; it holds little dirt and is easy to clean.
• Durability: Highly resistant to tearing and breakage.
• Typical use: Most often specified for commercial venues, fixed awnings and areas that need year-round protection.

3. Blackout (Light-Blocking) Fabrics

Layered technical fabrics frequently used in pergola and motorised awning systems.

• Heat and light insulation: The black blocking layer in the centre stops sunlight completely.
• Coolness: Noticeably lowers the temperature under the awning in summer.

Four Criteria for the Right Choice

1. Regional Climate Conditions

• Sunny and hot regions: Prioritise high UV protection and a breathable weave. Acrylic fabrics offer the coolest solution in these conditions.
• Rainy and humid regions: Prioritise waterproofing and mould resistance. PVC-coated or high-weight membrane fabrics should be specified.

2. Colour Choice and Weight

• Dark colours: Absorb more sunlight, so they provide more shade, but they can lead to heat build-up under the canopy.
• Light colours: Reflect sunlight and feel more open, but they show dirt and stains more quickly.
• Weight: For outdoor awning fabrics, a mass of 280 g/m² to 350 g/m² is generally recommended.

3. Colourfastness Warranty Period

Quality manufacturers offer acrylic awning fabrics a warranty of five to ten years against fading and rot. Asking for colourfastness certificates at the point of choice protects your budget in the long term.

4. Ease of Care and Cleaning

Fabrics with mould-resistant and stain-repellent (Teflon/Scotchgard-type) protective coatings tend to self-clean even with rainwater. They can be maintained easily with a soft brush and soapy water.

In short: If you need a cool shaded area on hot summer days, acrylic fabrics are the right choice; if you need full rain protection and high durability, choose PVC / polyester fabrics.