Awnings are excellent home additions that provide shade and protection from the elements so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces in comfort. When properly installed and cared for, these features typically last anywhere from five to 15 years. Time and exposure eventually cause wear and damage, requiring an awning fabric replacement. Find out how to spot the signs that you need a new awning so you can continue to enjoy your deck or patio in comfort.
When Is Awning Fabric Replacement Required?
One of the great things about an awning is that it provides shelter from both the harsh sun and intense weather like heavy rains. The combination of the frame, brackets, and fabric can withstand these conditions for years. However, the fabric part is the most vulnerable, and it’s normal to need a new one after years of continued use.
There are several instances where you need to recognize that it’s time to replace your awning fabric. The first is when it gets old and begins to wear. The fabric may start to fray, rip, or stop providing adequate protection.
You can also invest in an awning fabric replacement to create a new look for your home. A different color, size, or style that is better suited to your needs and preferences is a great home upgrade. Select colors that complement your home for a cohesive and stunning aesthetic.
What Are Signs You Need a New Awning?
Regular maintenance like cleanings and inspections for weak spots and damage can help you prolong the life of your awning. Check it over for obvious signs of damage. If you find any of the following, you should consider getting a new awning:
Mold
Since awnings act as a barrier to protect your patio from the elements, it’s expected that they come into frequent contact with water from rain. Continuous exposure to moisture can cause mold to grow on the fabric.
Climates that are often damp, humid, and rainy increase the chance of your awnings growing mold and mildew. You can eliminate mold to some extent by cleaning your awning, but too much can damage the fabric and makes awning fabric replacement necessary.
Sagging
Allowing a buildup of debris to sit on your awning, or rain to pool in it, causes the fabric to stretch and sag. If you take action to clear away vegetation like sticks and leaves and sweep away collected rain, you can prevent some sag. Failure to keep your awning clean and maintained eventually leads to irreversible sagging. If this happens, the only course of action is to replace it entirely.
Tears
Exposure to strong winds and falling debris from trees can lead to rips and tears in the awning. Examine it often for any rips and puncture marks. Even a small one can enlarge and fray over time if it’s not addressed. These are always red flags that should grab your attention and inspire a closer inspection.
Minor issues are sometimes fixable with a patch, but a severely torn awning no longer functions as intended and demands awning fabric replacement if you wish to continue to enjoy the benefits of shade and shelter from the weather. Rips near the edge of the awning are generally cause for full replacement, as this significantly weakens the fabric.
Thinning
Another telltale sign of damage is thinning of the awning fabric. This happens after long-term sun and rain damage. Easily check your awning for signs of thinning by looking up while the sun is out. Sunlight makes thin spots appear transparent. Sealants and protective coatings work to prolong the life of your awning if applied before damage takes place.
Sun Damage
Intense UV rays from the sun are another culprit that deteriorates fabric awnings. They cause discoloration and weaken the fabric. Over time, the awning material weakens to a point where it needs replacing.
How Do You Choose Your Awning Fabric Replacement?
Do your research and weigh your options before purchasing a new awning fabric. Use these criteria to help you narrow down your choices.
Measure Your Awning
One of the most important steps is ordering the right size. Measure the width and height while the awning is fully extended to get the correct measurements. Remember to only measure the fabric and not the frame.
Select a Fabric
Choose the right type of fabric to get the results you desire. Canvas, acrylic, and vinyl are the most popular awning fabrics. Each has its pros and cons. Acrylic is the most durable, but the right one for you depends mainly on your personal preference and budget.
Pick Your Pattern
Awning fabrics come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. A colorful pattern is a wonderful way to add a decorative element to your home, but choose wisely. Eventual fading can make a patterned awning appear older than a solid color and shorten the timeframe until your next awning fabric replacement.
Browse Your Color Options
The addition of an awning is more than a functional solution to maximize your usable outdoor space. It’s an opportunity to increase the value of your home through efforts to make it more visually appealing. Choose a natural or neutral color to blend in with your home’s exterior or make a splash with a bright and bold hue.
Consult the Experts
Removing the old awning fabric and replacing it with new is a difficult and cumbersome process if you’ve never done it before. You typically need several people for a proper installation that results in a smooth awning free of snags and bunches. Calling in professionals ensures proper installation of the fabric without causing damage to the frame.
Select the Best Company for Awning Fabric Replacement
At Apple Annie Awnings, we have a wide range of sunroofs and pergola awnings to suit any style and awning preference. Contact us today to browse our selection and speak with our professional staff for recommendations on your awning fabric replacement. We have nearly 40 years of experience to assist you with creating a custom outdoor system, backed by a comprehensive warranty.