You don’t have to be located in the middle of some desert to feel the full effects of the sun. That goes for your awning, too. Even at street level, in New York City there’s plenty of sun to set you wondering . . . do NYC awnings fade from the sun? Should I be worried about my awning?
Awnings are a big investment. They’re an integral part of your business and your building. Their appearance makes a definitive statement about you, and faded does not say chic, hip, quality, reliable, tasty or anything else you want people to associate with your enterprise.
But let’s be honest. Nothing lasts forever. You should expect to get anywhere from five to ten years of good-looking life from NYC awnings, depending on the materials you choose and other factors. For instance, how much your awning will fade depends on the angle of the sun, how long your awning is exposed each day and during what parts of the day.
There are other things that can cause NYC awnings to look less than desirable, too. Pollutants like vehicle exhaust, salty air from the ocean or moisture build-up can all encourage premature deterioration.
You can’t control those things. But you can take steps to keep your NYC awnings clean – the best way to prolong their life. Leaving dirt and debris to accumulate encourages mold and mildew to grow, then you’ll have unsightly stains. Retractable awnings are especially vulnerable to trapped moisture and dirt .
You might see advertisements for spray-on repellant that claims to help prevent fading on outdoor fabrics. Such a product might give you some back-up protection – your awning professional can tell you more about that. But the only way you can truly guard against fading for NYC awnings is by choosing the right fabric to begin with.
Sunbrella® acrylic fabrics exemplify the ultimate in no-fade options.
They aren’t the only company that manufactures this type of high-performance fabric, but they are certainly the best-known.
Sunbrella® fabrics are made of solution-dyed acrylic. The color is literally blended into the liquid acrylic before it’s spun into “yarn” used to weave your awning fabric, so it’s built-in. That’s why the fabric is so extremely resistant to fading. Acrylic fabrics now come with a limited 10-year warranty against fading and other problems such as mold and mildew. They can be flame-retardant, they can block 99% of the sun’s UV rays, and the fabric won’t degrade over time.
Acrylic fabrics can give you the appearance cotton, quite different from the surface appearance of vinyl. Acrylic fabrics are also breathable, so they are least likely to trap heat and moisture underneath your awning. And they come in hundreds of colors, so they’re plenty versatile.
Fading affects more than just your awning.
Fabric that’s engineered to resist fading will keep your awning looking great for a long time. But NYC awnings can protect other things from fading, too. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause fading and damage carpet, upholstery and hardwood floors indoors. Even your toughest teak outdoor furniture will look better and last longer, thanks to the shady protection.
You can spend a lot of time on the internet researching fade-resistant fabrics for NYC awnings. But there’s a lot to learn. Or you could cut to the chase and call your local expert on NYC awnings – a company that’s nearby, with a showroom, so you can actually see your options.
A company with a long-standing reputation for premiere-grade materials and craftsmanship will steer you right about all the details, not just the most fade-resistant fabric. You’ll get what you pay for – an awning that performs beautifully, for years. No worries. You’ll be happy.
But one day you’ll look at your awning and think, “hmmmm, it doesn’t look quite as pizzazzy as it used to.” Then you’ll know it’s time to investigate the latest developments in NYC awnings.
Photo Credit: gr33n3gg via Flickr