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Which awnings to use?

The most common materials used in the construction of awnings are
Aluminium / Zincalume
Wood Steel
Or a variety of polyethylene

The type of construction material chosen is highly dependent on where and how your awning will be used.   Wood is possibly the least used component as it is expensive and susceptible to weather.  Aluminium and polyethylene is the most common as they are cost effective and resilient.  Steel on the other hand makes an ideal, long lasting support for awnings but it can be expensive and susceptible to the elements. Fabric is usually the covering of choice but again aluminium can be used as well as corrugated Perspex or Polycarbonates.

Canvas Awnings -  covers to match your use

Cloth awnings are not as durable as Perspex, aluminium or polycarbonates, but have a larger following due to their ability to be created in almost endless arrays of colours, shapes and designs.  As a rule of thumb, lighter awnings offer an airy feeling by allowing more UV light through but wont cool an area down as much as darker awnings will. Darker awnings will also allow less UV light through, filtering as much as 90% of the suns radiation.

For many years cotton being a 100% natural material was the “ultimate” choice for shade covering but over time showed some serious drawbacks one being it inability to resist UV radiation and the other being its susceptibility to the elements.  Giving over to synthetic materials we find awning coverings today made out of polyester, polypropylene, acrylic fibres and micro-perforated fabrics instead.

Polyester is highly resistant to tearing, it sensitive to UV light and is a material recommended for long-term use. Polypropylene is very cost effective but does not wear well and is subject to UV light.  It is a fabric best left for indoor use.