CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES

Here are a few hints when you are looking at purchasing an awning:

Style
What purpose does the awning have? To catch your eye? Protect from sun and rain? Increase your privacy? Do you want it to be able to retract? Will you be sitting under it?

Fabrics
First consider whether you want canvas or vinyl; the appearance is different and both are great quality. Homes typically use canvas, commercial uses both. Maintenance is often a factor in the choice. Smooth finish vinyl is easiest to clean. Flat finish vinyl and canvas (acrylic) require a bit more time. All have excellent warranties.

Colors
Are you planning to use existing colors from your business? Do they complement the area and enhance the look of the building? Remember that light vinyl colors (white, cream, yellow, grey) will allow light to transmit through while they shade, making it less dark underneath than darker colors (blue, green, purple, dark grey). All colors allow shade but many make it bright underneath. The majority of vinyl fabrics have an underside of white. The acrylic canvases have the same color on both sides. In the case of acrylic, stripes with light and dark colors allow light to transmit through.

Framework
Awning frames are typically welded aluminum or extruded aluminum. The framework is ground and painted at the welds to hide the blackness of welding. An option for the framework is to be powder coated and it is included on any awning that the ends are open. This keeps the frames looking better over time.

Warranty
Fabric manufacturers have fabric warranties from 3 – 10 years. Awning suppliers vary from 3 to 10 years… always check your warranty and inquire as to who will pay for the labour if the fabric must be replaced under warranty.