Does your canopy, pergola or awning work well during the rain?
I want something to shade the sun, but what happens when it rains? Do these things blow away? Must one close them up? How about the framed canopies??
From my experience, don’t get one of those cheap metal stand alone canopies with the canvas top ($300 or so). They do not hold up to the elements very well here in the Houston area. We have been through 3 of them because the UV rays from the sun dries them out within a year (2 years tops). Plus the weight of a heavy rain really puts a strain on the cloth causing it to start to stretch and eventually rip. I have been through 3 of them so far. Luckily i got my original one at Academy and since they make their own canopies, they have the replacement canvas on hand. I havent had one blow away but its been rocked quite a bit with some big storms that have rolled through. But i do have it screwed down to my deck so that helps. One of these days i plan on purchasing one of those retractable awnings. I believe Marygrove makes the higher end ones with a high-wind sensor that will automatically roll it up if a high wind is detected. That sold me when i heard that. But they are $$ so thats why ive stuck with replacing my canvas for now.
Which Awning Fabric is Best?
There are many different kinds of fabrics designed for both home as well as industrial usage. Awning fabrics are specially designed for home use because of their UV protection, flame retardant and moisture repellent properties.
Why awning fabrics are so great
When you invest in an awning fabric you receive more than just one advantage in the process. These types of fabrics help in reducing the heat from the sun by as much as 65 to 77 percent. In addition, they protect the home from harmful UV rays, thereby preventing fading in the interiors. It also prevents the accumulation of excess moisture or heat, thus helping to reduce expenses in terms of air conditioning usage. Many of these fabrics are coated with vinyl to have a waterproof effect and the easy stretching helps to ensure a tight grip over the frame.
Variety of prints and textures
Depending on your need and requirement you would need to select an awning fabric that is suited. You will find these fabrics available in solid, multicolor as well as mono colors. These are also available in geometric as well as floral prints. So according to the look and feel you desire you can select these fabrics according to convenience. These fabrics also come along with a polyester and vinyl composite material, which adds more resilience and optimal performance. If you want to have graphics, which are pressure-sensitive then you will find most of these fabrics being compliant with such a requirement. Special vinyl coating and a top coat helps aid easy cleaning and maintenance. Many of these fabrics are flame-resistant, which ensures an added protection for your home.
Industrial purposes
If you are into the automotive, agricultural, marine, canopies and covers, recreational or structural segment then you undoubtedly require industrial fabric for a variety of uses. There are a variety of brands to select from and each one has numerous weights of such fabrics under their banner. Many come with polyester scrims, which have been woven into the fabric and are resistant to tears and abrasions. These have special materials on them to prevent buildup of mildew or entrance of UV rays. These are also resistant to flames and are in strict adherence to the 191-5903 federal standards. Many of these fabrics come with knitted scrims made of polyester and these aid in the flexibility quotient of the fabric.
Thus, depending on whether you need fabric for domestic or industrial usage you can take your pick accordingly.
irinaM
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/which-awning-fabric-is-best-683615.html
How much does an awning cost?
I need a (residential) awning to go above my front door. What are the different kinds of awnings and which one is the best for all kinds of weather? What are the prices?
There are fabric ones and metal ones. The run a few Hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on material, style, and size.