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5 Common Misconceptions About Having an Awning

Awnings can be a great choice to shade your patio or other outdoor seating area. The days when canvas was the only awning choice are long gone. However, some misconceptions are still common regarding the choices you can make for your awning in today’s modern world. These are some of the main misconceptions about awnings debunked.

1. All awning fabrics look the same.

You don’t need to get a canvas awning. There are a ton of popular choices and variety in the awning market. Some commercial fabrics are made out of high-gloss vinyl, giving your patio a modern edge. They can also be constructed to mimic the appearance of linen or canvas. The majority of today’s fabrics are created out of technologically advanced synthetic fibers. Even when they use natural fibers, they tend to have laminated construction support to offer extra strength.

2. Your only variety options are different colors and striped patterns.

When you look into commercial awning fabrics, you’ll find that there are hundreds of stripe and color variations that you can choose from. You even have the option to customize a color of your own. Some awning fabrics will have geometric patterns or fun prints on their undersides. If you want, you can add translucent or clear panels to the awning or its matching sidewalls.

There are so many customization options available that you’re guaranteed to find an awning to suit your taste. If you have a particular print or color in mind, you can get in contact with an awning company to see whether they could make that particular option.

3. Even though they provide shade, they don’t give sun protection.

A lot of commercial awnings are constructed with fabrics that are specially designed to filter almost 100% of the UV rays from the sun. If you’re covering an outdoor seating area or a place that children frequently play, you should prioritize this type of cover. When you eliminate UV rays, you can also protect the merchandise and furnishings found inside your windows, so they don’t suffer sun damage.

4. Awnings are hard to clean.

It’s natural to wonder how an awning can be cleaned, especially since today’s fabrics can cover large areas. But the fabrics are also designed to make maintenance super easy. You’ll need to do the basic work of making sure no major debris or dirt accumulates on them. But the engineering in today’s fabrics allows them to resist stains and mildew. In addition, you can add a top coat that prolongs the fabric’s life and makes cleaning even easier. All you have to do is remove the fabric, spray it with a hose, and let it dry before putting it back up.

5. The fabric won’t last a long time.

If you live in an area that experiences heavy weather conditions, any worthwhile awning maker will provide awnings that are able to withstand bitterly cold temperatures and heavy snow. They should also stand up well to summer humidity and heat, especially if you live in an area prone to thunderstorms and other humidity-related weather.

Even when you don’t take the weather into consideration, though, people are often concerned about the grit in cities. For people in forests, there are concerns about leaves and debris from the trees. People on the beach need to worry about high wind speeds and salt in the air. But today’s fabrics provide greater durability and strength than they ever have before.

If you’re still concerned about the lifespan of your fabric, make sure you get a warranty that lasts between five and eight years. A fabric with an eight-year warranty is the company’s way of saying, “This should last eight years, and if it doesn’t, we’re giving you protection that allows free replacement.” That’s an important aspect of any business deal.

Final Thoughts

An awning is a great investment if you want to cover your outdoor space. Awnings can help protect you from the sun so that you can safely enjoy the fresh air. They can also come in styles and customization options to suit anyone’s unique taste. The durable fabric construction should be easy to maintain and last for several years.