Awning fabrics

Pay attention to the fabric used on awnings, and its properties. Mesh fabrics allow better ventilation. Some fabrics are more breathable; acrylic fabrics are more fade-resistant than others. Vinyl coated fabrics are particularly water-repellent.

Waterproof and water-repellent fabric awnings

Most awning fabrics are water-repellent - not exactly waterproof. But there are also fabrics that are waterproof.

Waterproof fabrics are usually made of reinforced laminated vinyl, and provide full protection from rain, even in harsh conditions (while more common water-repellent fabrics just allow you protection during drizzle weather conditions or light showers). If water-proofing is important to you, study the diverse alternatives. If possible, avoid vinyl fabrics. Vinyl is environmentally-unfriendly.

A good awning professional can help you make the proper selection: See: Awning Manufacturers and Installers.

Awning fabric colors

Fabrics come in hundreds of colors, and you should pay attention to it.

The impact of color on the shade provided by modern awnings is relatively small, due to nature of current fabrics and coatings, but lighter colors are usually preferable. They contribute to a fresher shade.

Fire-retardant fabric awnings

There are fire-retardant fabrics, particularly pertinent on awnings for commercial sites.

Ventilation

Ventilation around the windows, patios or doors is obviously important. To contribute to that ventilation, some awnings may have openings like grommets along their top or sides. That's a detail, but consider it.

Metal awnings

Metal awnings are a good option. Their lifespan is large, and their efficiency is reasonable. Consider metal awnings, whenever practical.