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Home > Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an awning last?
Today's fabrics are generally
warranted for five years. With proper maintenance and care, they should
last much longer. The exposure of your awning and care will greatly
determine their life. Our aluminum frames are guaranteed for a lifetime.
What colors are available?
Today's fabrics come in more than
500 solid and striped colors! Visit the fabric section of our website for
more information.
How do I keep my awning clean?
Regular
maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning, with additional care if
stains or soilage appears. Also, remember that your awning is an exterior
product. In the same way you wouldn't leave your automobile outside without
washing it for very long, you'll also need to clean your canvas awning to
preserve and extend its good looks and service life. Click here for cleaning
instructions.
Does the fabric color I choose affect how hot it is
under my awning? Or, for that matter, how dark it will be shaded underneath?
Good question. Of course, the darker the color chosen, the darker the shade
effect underneath will be. There are exceptions, however. Certain fabrics
have a lighter-colored underneath side than the top-side color, which gives
a more pleasing shading effect. As for the temperature, while color choice
has some slight impact, the type of fabric chosen and the overall
ventilation of the installation will have a greater effect.
Are
awnings waterproof? Can I stay out under my awning in inclement weather?
Generally speaking, awning fabrics are water-repellent, not waterproof.
There are exceptions, though, which may be practical in certain
environments. The fabrics' water-repellent characteristics allow you to
fully enjoy the space shaded by the awning during any weather conditions
that aren't severe. In other words, if the weather is nice enough for you to
be outside, then it is good enough for you to be out underneath your awning.
What are the support frames made from? How durable are they?
Metal support frames are made from either galvanized steel or aluminum and
will last a lifetime! Regular maintenance on a frame requires an annual
inspection of fasteners, connections and metal condition. Frames are also
available with a painted finish for additional protection and
attractiveness.
What should I look for in an awning professional?
You should seek out a certified Master Fabric Craftsman-the highest level of
certification offered by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)
(IFAI is the worldwide trade association for the industrial-fabrics
industry.) Beyond that, make sure that the firm you select is an active
member of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association. Lastly, ask for
references of other similar work provided by the firm you are considering,
along with a photographic portfolio of work the firm has done. Of course, if
the firm has a showroom, pay a visit!
How long does it take to
build once I place an order?
As with any custom-manufactured product,
there is a short lead time for quality work to be accomplished. For canvas
awnings, this can mean as little as three weeks. Of course, this varies
depending on the time of the year (summer typically is the busiest part of
the year), and it is not unusual for this lead time to run longer,
especially in seasonal climates.
What should be done with a
retractable awning in the winter?
By design, the awning is
self-storing when retracted. Many owners of retractable awnings remove the
loose hanging valance for winter storage, while others do nothing more than
keep the unit retracted and bring the crank handle in. And some owners
use their retractable awnings all year long!
What kind of wind
loads can a retractable awning handle?
Retractable awnings primarily
are for sun protection and should not be left out in windy conditions.
However, wind is a very unpredictable force, with a tendency to change
direction and speed very quickly. In a wind-tunnel test, which is a very
controlled environment, a retractable awning withstood straight-on wind
forces at over 50 m.p.h. In "real-life" applications, the general rule of
thumb is: If you are comfortable sitting outdoors dining or reading the
paper, then it is probably safe to operate your awning. The concern with
wind is the up-lifting effect on the awning rather than the downward force;
therefore the greater the pitch, the more wind-resistant the unit is.
Why would I want my retractable awning motorized?
Nothing
could be more convenient than simply flipping a switch and watching your
awning roll out on its own. Once fully extended or retracted, the unit will
stop automatically. You may also stop the retractable in any position with
the wall-mounted switch. Research has shown that a motorized awning is used
four times as much as a manual unit. Don't believe it? Consider how
few times you would change the TV channel if you didn't have a remote
control.
Are there any other weather conditions I should be
concerned about for my retractable awning?
Retractable awnings
primarily are designed to provide protection from the sun's rays and not
from rain. However, it can be used in drizzle or misting rains with proper
unit pitch. In heavy or driving rains, the unit must be retracted to keep
water from "pooling" on the fabric and causing damage or irreversible fabric
stretching.
What does an average-sized retractable awning cost?
Because most retractable awnings are customized for each residence, prices
cannot be given without verified measurements and on-site inspection. Your
awning supplier typically can meet with you for a free, in-home consultation
to design an awning that's right for you.
Will my awning give me
water and weather protection?
Generally, however, today’s awning
fabrics are considered water-repellent, not waterproof. Water-repellent
awning and patio canopies will allow you to enjoy your deck or patio during
most weather conditions that it is safe to be outside.
How can I
find out if my product or idea can be made?
That's simple: Just fax
or send a drawing or sketch to us and one of our design coordinators will
contact you and help you pull the concept or product together along with
costing.
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