Awning fabrics: 11 types, their properties and characteristics

Fabrics with awnings are necessary to offer shade and weather protection. They are available in numerous varieties, and each has special qualities that allow it to be used in various contexts. There is an awning material that will work for you, regardless of whether you need something strong for outdoor use or something with a little flair.

Knowing the features of an awning fabric is essential to selecting the best one. While some are made to withstand UV rays, others are waterproof. Every kind of fabric has advantages that make it the ideal option for particular situations and requirements.

We’ll look at eleven distinct awning fabric types in this article. You will discover their characteristics, what sets them apart, and how to pick the best one for your project. You’ll know for sure by the end which fabric is ideal for your requirements.

Description

Awning material is a category of strong textiles used in many industries for protective gear. Awnings can be classified as mixed or synthetic based on their composition. Furthermore, the latter show poor durability. The awning materials must meet the following specifications:

• strength;
• resistance to weather conditions;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• no deformation with temperature changes;
• water-repellent ability;
• resistance to chemical reagents;
• the material should not rot;
• regardless of the composition – safety for humans and the environment.

PVC, acrylic, or Teflon varnish is applied to awning fabrics. The material is strong and fairly flexible. The fabrics can be joined if needed by welding, which is a long-lasting method of connecting them. Because of this, the fabric can be used to build intricate structures like hangars and prefabricated buildings.

Table with general characteristics

The following table lists general awning fabric characteristics:

Characteristics	Indicators
Type of raw material	Synthetic, sometimes with the addition of natural raw materials
Types of raw materials	Polyamide, polyester with PVC coating (acrylic, Teflon), nylon, lavsan, polyester
Tactile properties	Durable elastic fabric
Purpose of fabric	Awning
Strength	High
Hygroscopicity, %	1 – 5 and lower
Density, T	185 – 400 and more
Thickness of thread, D	190 – 1600 and higher
Average density, gr./m2	630 – 900
Standard web width, cm.	250
Standard roll length, m.	65
Strength strength, n/5 cm	2100-1900
Gap strength, n	300 – 270
Ability to accumulate static electricity	Present
Temperature range, °	– 30 – + 70
Resistance to water pressure, n/cm2	30
Elasticity	Good
Remiscuity	Average
Types of fabric	Oxford, Taffeta, Rip Stop (with reinforced thick thread)
Manufacturer	China, Russia, France, Germany, Yu.Korea
Standardization	GOST 30244-94
Price	From 970 ₽/meter

There are many different kinds of awning fabrics, and each has special qualities and traits that suit it for a particular use. Knowing the differences between these 11 types of fabrics will help you select the best one for your needs, whether you’re looking for something waterproof, UV-resistant, or extremely durable.

Types and their names

Awning fabric comes in a variety of forms, including clear, colored-dyed, waterproof, rubberized, fire-resistant, reinforced, etc. Every type has distinct characteristics. Now let’s look at the most common awning fabrics.

Tarpaulin

Tarpaulin is an inexpensive, strong, and lightweight material. It is made from a polypropylene mesh that is laminated on both sides using a thermoplastic process. The fabric is reusable and doesn’t rot. Making awnings for vehicles, yachts, boats, or summer cafes is the primary use of tarpaulin.

The material’s resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, and mechanical damage are its advantages. +80°C is the melting point. The fabric is resistant to rain, UV rays, and fading, but with time, sun exposure causes structural alterations.

Tourist

The fabric used for tourist awnings is made entirely of polyamide and has a water-repellent film coating on the back. It is not susceptible to UV rays. A strong polymer cord serves as reinforcement for the fabrics. They are employed in the production of trade tents, awnings, curtains, canopies for gazebos, and baby carriage protective components.

Mesh

The purpose of mesh awning fabrics is not to provide rain protection. A perforation encourages the best possible airflow. One can distinguish them based on whether the cell is 1×1 or 1×6 mm in size. Durable, wear-resistant mesh is used to make gazebo walls, canopies for shade, and protective curtains (from birds and insects). Military uniforms, hunting gear, and equipment are all protected with camouflage nets.

Tarpaulin

Tarpaulin is an impregnated material made of jute, linen, or semi-linen that contains special compounds. referred to as "canvas". Sails were made out of it in the previous century. prized for its ability to withstand seawater. It has good air exchange, does not trigger allergies, and can withstand temperature changes.

The substance might include synthetic ingredients. The fabric’s high weight as a result of its density is a drawback.

Awnings for cars, vans, trucks, and grain storage facilities are made from tarpaulin.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride fabric is known as PVC fabric. The foundation is a non-woven fabric composed of lavsan or polyester. The PVC coating gives the cloth unique qualities. The material is resistant to decay and fire safety is provided by special additives.

Applying Teflon or acrylic varnish to the fabric gives it resistance to water, UV rays, and dirt. It also prolongs its service life. It is possible to print on the material’s surface.

Oxford

Oxford is a type of waterproof tent fabric that is used to make travel gear. A product’s service life may last for 20 years.

Oxford awning fabric resists fading and dirt and is water-resistant. Teflon or acrylic varnish is impregnated into the material. Oxford that has been coated with polyurethane offers dependable protection from heavy rain. Awnings for cars, boats, motorboats, and outdoor cafes are made from this material.

Taffeta

Awning fabric known as taffetta is made up of nylon, polyester, and occasionally elastane as well. The fabric is made by using a cross weave of threads. The fabric is lightweight, elastic, and flexible. To impart performance attributes, a variety of impregnations are used:

• PU – waterproof transparent;
• Silver – silver, reflective;
• PVC – protection from high temperatures and chemicals;
• PU milky – moisture-retaining;
• Rip Stop – with reinforced threads.

Cordura

Cordura is a type of mixed fabric made of cotton and nylon fibers. The material is resistant to high temperatures (up to +85°C) thanks to its DWR coating and polyurethane impregnation. Fabric that is resistant to heat doesn’t get wet or fade in the sun. becomes deformed at -25 degrees Celsius.

Dewspo

The material used for Dewspo awnings is very resistant to moisture. Polyester is used to make the material. The surface is textured and matte. I use impregnations to impart qualities of protection:

• PU – waterproof;
• WR – water-repellent;
• PU milky – moisture retaining.

Duspo exhibits excellent resistance to wind and moisture. Drops roll off the fabric’s surface without entering its interior.

Reinforced types

The structure of reinforced awning materials is multilayered. The base is a strong polyester fabric cord that has been PVC-coated on both sides. Awnings with reinforced fabrics have excellent resistance to tearing and abrasion.

The material is employed in situations where awning structures are subject to stricter regulations.

Appearance

There are variations in the appearance of awning fabrics. However, they’re all elastic and dense. The front surface has a distinctive sheen due to the varnish covering it. Certain materials exhibit an obvious structure, such as a fiber weave.

Depending on the kind of fabric, it may be painted in primary colors or come in various shades:

1. Camouflage is a popular option used in tourist equipment, army camouflage products.
2. Strip – widely used in the production of curtains, drapes, awnings.
3. Plain – fabrics painted in different colors. Most plain-dyed awning fabrics are not subject to fading.

Application of awning materials

In many different fields, awning materials are widely used.

• awnings for car trailers;
• protective curtains, canopies, awnings, blinds;
• covers and awnings for cars and shipping;
• awnings for swimming pools;
• garden gazebos.

Type of Awning Fabric	Properties and Characteristics
Acrylic	Durable, water-resistant, and resistant to UV rays; ideal for outdoor use.
Polyester	Lightweight, quick-drying, and resistant to mildew; commonly used in various outdoor applications.
Canvas	Natural fabric, breathable, and strong; often treated for water resistance.
PVC-coated Polyester	Waterproof, heavy-duty, and easy to clean; excellent for heavy weather conditions.
Vinyl	Waterproof, fade-resistant, and durable; good for long-term outdoor exposure.
Mesh	Allows air flow, provides shade while reducing heat; suitable for warm climates.
Polypropylene	Lightweight, durable, and resistant to mold; commonly used for temporary awnings.
Olefin	Stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and durable; good for outdoor furniture and awnings.
Sunbrella	Highly durable, water-resistant, and UV-protected; popular choice for premium outdoor awnings.
Solution-dyed Polyester	Fade-resistant, durable, and retains color well; great for vibrant outdoor awnings.
PU-coated Nylon	Waterproof, lightweight, and flexible; often use

Awning fabric selection has a significant impact on the robustness and usability of your outdoor space. Selecting the type of fabric that best meets your needs is crucial because each one has distinct advantages, such as weather resistance and ease of maintenance.

There is an awning fabric out there to suit every need, be it extreme water resistance, UV protection, or ease of cleaning. Knowing these choices enables you to make a well-informed choice that will preserve the beauty and security of your area for many years to come.

You can choose the fabric that best suits your needs by taking into account its various properties and characteristics, which will guarantee that your awning will function well in any weather.

Video on the topic

Properties of PVC fabrics, which fabric to choose for making a boat

Professional sewing of gazebo awnings. High-quality awning fabrics

Awnings Types of awnings and tensioning methods

Why do you need a tourist awning. Which one is better to choose for hiking and camping.

What types of tarpaulin are there and how do they differ

PVC fabric review

CHOOSING THE BEST FABRIC FOR AN AWN. LIGHT-MOVING FABRICS, TEAR RESISTANCE

Comparison of fabrics for walking awnings. Sunbrella, Valmex pacific and Oxford 600D PU