10 Common Misconceptions About Commercial Awning Fabrics

Decades ago, commercial awning fabrics came in one choice: canvas. You could select from a couple of solid colors, or you could go upscale with stripes. The kind of stripes that became so ubiquitous we now call them “awning stripes.” Fortunately, those boring old days are long gone, but many people still don’t realize how many options now exist for commercial awning fabrics.

Let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions about commercial awning fabrics.

1. They all look the same.

Canvas is out, variety is in. You can find commercial awning fabrics made from high-gloss vinyl or made to look like canvas or linen. Most of today’s fabrics are made from high-tech synthetic fibers or feature extra-strong laminated construction.

2. All you get are solid colors and stripes.

Commercial awning fabrics now come in literally hundreds of colors and stripe variations, or you can customize your own color. Some have fun print or geometric patterns on the underside. You’ll can add clear or translucent panels to your awning, or to matching sidewalls.

3. They provide shade but don’t protect you from the sun.

You can find commercial awning fabrics that filter out nearly 100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. That’s extremely important if you’re covering areas where children play or you have outdoor seating. Eliminating UV rays protects furnishings and merchandise inside your windows, too.

4. You can’t use fabric to cover a large area.

Today’s commercial awning fabrics lend themselves beautifully to large areas. You can use them to create striking tension membranes, or sails, to cover performance venues or even parking areas.

5. They’re hard to clean.

Most commercial awning fabrics are super-easy to maintain, as long as you keep dirt and debris off them. Today’s fabrics are engineered to resist mildew and stains. And you can add top-coatings that prolong their life and make them ever easier to clean.

6. I can’t put graphics on them.

You can dress up commercial awning fabrics any way you like. You can add your name and address, your logo, etc. using any one of several graphics applications techniques, or you can use digital printing to add any graphic design anywhere on your awning.

7. They don’t last very long.

When you live someplace like New York, the least you should expect is tough awnings that can withstand heavy snow and bitter cold as well as summer heat and humidity – year after year. Aside from the weather, NYC’s major thoroughfares and even side streets can be grimy and gritty, and beach-side communities have wind and salty air.

Thankfully, strength and durability are greater than ever with today’s commercial awning fabrics. That’s why you’ll find fabric warranties that typically range from five to eight years. That’s a long time.

8. Commercial awning fabrics only work for traditional slant-style awnings.

Heaven forbid! Traditional styles have morphed into an array of rounded and domed shapes, double-sided “roof” shapes and boxy looks. You can use today’s fabrics to cover any custom-shaped awning you can dream up. You can even use them to cover three-dimensional objects.

9. They’re expensive.

Today’s commercial awning fabrics come in a wide price range. You can find a fabric you love at a price you can afford.

10. Imported commercial awning fabrics are cheaper.

Quality counts. You want a manufacturer who stands behind their products, should you ever have a problem. Getting the best return on your investment depends on low total cost of ownership, and that includes not just the initial price but the cost of upkeep, repairs and – worst of all – premature replacement.

The truth is, commercial awning fabrics have evolved so much in recent years that choice and versatility are their two most prominent features. You can achieve virtually any look you want, for any size or style of awning. The more you learn about today’s commercial awning fabrics, the more impressed you’ll be.

Commercial Awnings