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For decades, the choice of awning and canopy fabric was limited to cotton canvas. While cotton offers a great look and feel, it has performance limitations outdoors. Cotton fibers have short lives due to weather conditions. Although traditional cotton duck or canvas is still used occasionally, synthetics now dominate the market for residential and commercial awning and canopies.
 Today's fabric advances have been fueled in part by improved synthetic yarns as the basis for many laminated fabrics, giving them greater strength and flexibility Coatings, laminates, and topcoatings are common methods to equip fabrics with protective qualities.
Coatings are liquids that are cured as they are applied onto the woven scrim, which is the fabric base. While the coating in is liquid form, chemical compounds are added to provide pigment, flame retardance, and UV, water, and mildew resistance.
Laminates offer the benefits of two or more materials in one. Technically, they are formed when a reinforcing scrim, or base fabric, is calendared between two layers of thermoplastic film. But generally they are manufactured not only by applying heat and pressure, but also through inclusion of an adhesive layer between the film and scrim layers.
 Fabrics can be finished with a clear topcoating for added durability and cleanability. Acrylic was the first topcoat to be used widely, followed by urethane. Since then, two clear fluorocarbon films, PVF (polyvinyl fluoride, also known by its brand name, Tedlar) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) have come into use. Strong evidence indicates these topcoats do indeed keep vinyl laminates vibrant longer. A topcoating, which is an additional layer of protection applied to either coated or laminated fabrics, is typically a film that is laminated into place, usually only on the fabric's exposed or top side.
According to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), six primary fabrics are used in awnings and canopies:
- vinyl-laminated
- vinyl-coated polyester
- vinyl laminated or coated mesh
- acrylic, vinyl or resin coated polyester or polyester/cotton
- acrylic-painted cotton or polyester/cotton
- solution dyed acrylic
Most awning fabrics weigh between 9 and 24 ounces per square yard, although the exact range varies according to fabric type. All fabric types have good abrasion resistance and will last between five to eight years, depending on climate and proper fabric care.
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Vinyl-laminated polyester
Polyester has high strength, quick-drying, tend to have wrinkle resistance and crease retention, wet and dry. Some vinyl-laminated polyesters, fabricated specifically for backlighting, are highly translucent. Those meant for standard usage are translucent depending on their color. Lighter colors are more translucent then darker colors. These fabrics weigh between 16-24 ounces, are resistant to UV light, mildew, water, and are recommended for use in areas of sustained high humidity.
Comes in solids, stripes and custom colors.
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Vinyl-coated polyester
Primarily used for illuminated awnings, with the degree of its translucence depending on its color, vinyl-coated polyester weighs 13-22 ounces and is resistant to UV light, mildew, and water.
Comes in solids, stripes and custom colors.
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Vinyl laminated or coated mesh
Mesh is a fabric characterized by open spaces between the yarns. These fabrics weigh between 10-16 ounces, come in solids, bicolors or custom colors and are mildew resistant. This fabric comes in solids, tweeds and custom colors. Meshes can provide shade as well as shelter from wind. Since they are porous, meshes are, of course, little good when it rains.
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Acrylic, Vinyl or Resin-Coated Polyester or Polyester/Cotton
This fabric is translucent depending on its color, typical weight of 15 ounces, and is resistant to UV light mildew, and water. This fabric is available in 37 solid colors and 23 stripes. Because of their cotton base, these opaque fabrics are not recommended for use in areas of constant high humidity which can cause mildew.
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Acrylic-Painted Cotton or Polyester/Cotton
Like vinyl-coated polyester/cotton, painted polyester/cotton is opaque, and is not recommended for areas with constant high humidity, because of its cotton base. A weight of 13 ounces is typical. The fabric is resistant to UV light, mildew, and water. The fabric is available in 30 solid colors and 30 stripes.
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Solution-dyed acrylic
Solution-dyed acrylic was introduced for awnings in the early 1960s. Acrylic generally is considered an upscale material. Acrylic offers the aesthetics of cotton but is resistant to UV light, mildew and water. Weaving make it highly breathable, so hot air and moisture will not be trapped. Solution dyeing reduces fading and deterioration due to UV exposure. In solution dyeing, color pigments are added to the acrylic fibers while the fibers are in a semi-liquid state. As a result, the color becomes an integral part of the fiber, and unlike piece-dyed acrylic, won't wash out. Solution-dyed is translucent, depending on the color, typically weighs 8 @ 10 ounces, experience some shrinkage in cold weather, some stretch in hot weather.
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The numerous fabrics offered today are vibrant with color and are often marketed toward customers who want to coordinate their awnings, casual furniture and interiors. It's very important to choose the right fabric for each project. Fabric fading depends on the climate, type of fabric and the color chosen. For outdoor awnings, it is important to select a fabric that is waterproof. For cleaning awning fabric, it important to refer to the fabric manufacturer's instructions.
Carroll Awning can provide a cost-effective solution to any home or business. Call for a FREE estimate at 410-945-0022, or email us at
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