Awning Fabrics

Best Awning Fabric

Being involved in the soft awning fabric market for many decades, one understands the disadvantages and advantages of the different fabrics used in the local South African market.

Products used outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight and rain deteriorate quickly, mainly because of the harsh environment.

Fabric products break down very quickly and become very brittle from the harsh ultraviolet sunlight, which fades and destroys most soft furnishing or outdoor coverings.

Many types of covers are used in awnings, and most consumers don't really understand the difference.

In 1970, most soft coverings used on awnings were made of cotton canvas, which faded quickly as they were also printed with different colours and strips.

Scientific advances were made, and the first company in the USA started to manufacture Sunbrella acrylic non-fade fabric. 

After that, the Europeans also set up plants to manufacture high quality water-resistant, fade-resistant fabrics for the covering of umbrellas and awnings.

These new covering became popular in the sailing industry because of their superior advances and longevity.

Many companies who manufacture awning still use the old style fabrics to reduce cost and take more significant market share.

They also use other fabrics such as vinyl polyester and woven products.

The property owners need to do their homework before spending their hard-earned money on recovering their existing shade awnings or even buying new ones.