In the retractable elbow awnings market, 2021 has seen speculation around the types of fabrics used for awnings and awnings. Some unscrupulous sellers mislead buyers regarding the qualities and properties of fabrics for awnings.
It comes to the point that, when competing on such a parameter as fabric density on one of the sites, sellers put a figure for fabric density comparable to the density of lead! Well, of course! The tighter the better! The latter, by the way, is far from a fact..... On the one hand it’s funny, on the other hand it’s sad. But let's return to the main topic.
The purpose of this article is to give all awning buyers a complete and simple idea of what modern fabrics for awnings are available for. Providing the buyer with complete and open information about the product is the policy of the ALEKO® ALEKO® retractable awnings are sold , and these are Canada, USA, Russia and Japan.
What is canopy fabric?
Let's start with the fact that both acrylic and polyester are not fabrics as such - they are fibers obtained by chemical means. And it’s not just fabrics that are made from these fibers. But we are interested in fabrics used for retractable awnings - awnings, so we will not dwell on the breadth of use of these materials, but just note that in their pure form, fabrics exclusively made from acrylic or polyester fibers do not exist. In order to improve the quality of the fabric, other additives and fibers are used in them. And the range of modern artificial fabrics is so wide that it simply drives you crazy.
What to pay attention to
In order for the protective fabric to live up to expectations, you should take a responsible approach to its choice.
Consider:
- dimensions - length, width and other parameters. To clarify the exact figures, our specialist can come to the site in Moscow or Khimki;
- product density – it is desirable that it be at least 45 g/sq.m. cm.;
- the presence of eyelets (they greatly simplify securing the awning);
- the quality of the material from which the canvas is made - it is best to choose awnings made of polypropylene.
Waterproof fabric made from environmentally friendly resources will protect you from gusts of wind, rain and sun. The durable and strong covering material is easy to clean and does not form fungus.
In addition to efficient operation, the waterproof product does not cause any complaints in terms of external design. Due to this, it can be used for advertising purposes and in recreational areas. The mobile design is easy to transport and quickly installed.
What's the difference?
Both types of artificial fabrics were developed in the forties. The goal of the development is the same - replacing natural ones. The starting material for manufacturing in both cases is natural hydrocarbons - oil and gas.
In the simplest formulation, the fundamental difference is that initially acrylic fabrics were developed to replace natural wool, and polyester - cotton fabrics.
We all know very well about the properties of wool and cotton. Likewise, when choosing fabrics for canopies, you need to understand that with all the variety of fabric properties introduced by developers, their substitutes retain the basic properties inherent in their creation. Polyester only at first glance resembles wool, but its characteristics are close to cotton. And acrylic fabric, for example, holds heat excellently, i.e. is a thermal insulation material. At the same time, modern acrylic and polyester fabrics also have common properties. For example, they lend themselves well to coloring.
Recommendations for choosing fabric
When choosing fabric for a canopy or outdoor tents, you need to think not only about how it protects from rain, but also from other weather conditions. What you should pay attention to when buying fabric:
- on the density of the material, its strength and durability will depend on how dense the material is, but at the same time it should not be too heavy so that the structure can be easily not only assembled, but also disassembled;
- for water resistance, which is measured in millimeters of water. For example, the water resistance of acrylic fabrics for awnings does not exceed 350 mm of water column, while for awning fabrics this figure reaches 800 and even 1200 mm. But the higher this indicator, the more expensive the fabric. Therefore, you need to focus on the purpose for which the canopy is being built;
- for resistance to ultraviolet rays. This indicator is especially important when the sun canopy is erected over the terrace where you plan to relax on a hot summer day;
- on the size of the fabric, try to ensure that when building a canopy with your own hands, there are as few joints of fabric sheets as possible, this will reduce the risk of water leakage;
- on the color of the canvas. The canopy over the terrace near a private house in a rustic style can be decorated in stripes, and for a classic house the best canopy would be a neutral color to match the facade. The color of the canopy can be combined with the color of the roof, or fence, or gazebo. A canopy can become a striking element of the exterior of a dacha.
Making a fabric canopy with your own hands
The simplest option to build a fabric canopy with your own hands is to buy a ready-made awning structure. It is enough to secure such a canopy using brackets on the wall, and you are done. But with a canopy on supports everything is much more complicated. Firstly, in addition to fabric, you will need metal tubes and poles or wooden supports and joists. Secondly, the installation process will take longer.
So, first, according to measured dimensions, you need to build a metal or wooden frame for the future canopy, and then stretch a fabric cover over it. Let's take a closer look at all the work using the example of an awning canopy. To assemble it yourself, you need to do the following work:
- Prepare 6 metal pipes with a diameter of 35 mm and a length of 190 cm, 14 pipes 1.5 m long for the roof frame and 12 one and a half meter pipes to connect the support pillars and give rigidity to the entire structure. You can cut the blanks yourself using a grinder.
- We make holes at the ends of the pipes to fasten them with bolts.
- Using connecting plates and bolts, we connect the tubes into a frame for the canopy; thrust bearings must be attached to the vertical supports, otherwise the structure will not be stable.
- Then you need to take a material measuring 3.2 x 6.2 m, fold the edge around the perimeter and sew it on a professional sewing machine.
- Next, stepping back from the edge, you need to make holes for the eyelets at a distance of no more than 30 cm from each other.
- The fabric is attached to the roof using cords with a head. Thus, the fabric canopy for the garden and recreation will be assembled with your own hands.
For your information! Canopies made of fabric of a similar design are sold ready-made; all you have to do is assemble it, bypassing the work of a grinder and other tools.
To summarize, we note that the most practical for building a canopy with your own hands are synthetic fabrics. They not only do not allow water to pass through and protect from sunlight, but are also dirt-resistant, durable and reliable. Even a squally wind does not tear such awnings. You can safely build a canopy from fabric, it is affordable and quite feasible.
What is the canvas for awnings made from?
Fabric for awnings is made from both polyacrylic threads and polyester. Without exception, all manufacturers of such fabrics pursue one goal - to offer a competitive product on the market that meets a number of properties. These properties include, as will be discussed in detail below, resistance to any type of influence, natural color rendering, high reflectivity, resistance to pollution, etc. When selecting fabric for awnings, manufacturing engineers take into account many factors that can affect the properties of the selected fabric.
Important material qualities
In order for the fabric for an awning or boat to last a long time, it is necessary to choose it taking into account the following characteristics:
- resistance to weather conditions;
- does not deteriorate due to mechanical damage;
- do not deform when there is a sudden change in temperature;
- repel water;
- resistance to chemicals.
Important! Even if the awning fabric is made from synthetic fibers, it should not emit harmful substances for humans and the environment.
The awning should not be subject to rotting. Additional characteristics that increase the value of the fabric include impregnations that repel dirt and dust.
So which canvas should you choose?
The answer is actually simple; you need to choose a canvas that is specially designed for awnings and has all the necessary characteristics, such as:
- strength;
— durability;
— resistance to sunlight and fading;
- color attractiveness;
- minimal wetting during rain.
ALEKO® awnings are equipped with just such fabric. The optimal density indicator is 280
g/m2 allows you to ensure both strength characteristics and the absence of sagging as a result of long-term operation. The choice of polyester fibers as the basis for fabrics is due to the wide geography of sales (USA, Canada, Russia, Japan), and accordingly the wide range of temperatures at which the awning will be operated. Again, due to the wide geography of sales of ALEKO® , when choosing fabric, the company’s engineers also took into account the fact of the need to select fabric that is more resistant to rain.
Cost of curtains for gazebos and verandas
| Cost of the product with edging and straps on the sides | 1100 RUR/m2 |
| The cost of the product with round eyelets at the top, sides and bottom straps | 1190 RUR/m2 |
| The cost of transparent PVC fabric is 700 microns with edging (without fastenings) | 690 RUR/m2 |
| The cost of polyurethane fabric is 500 microns with edging (without fastenings) | 1190 RUR/m2 |
| Cost of colored PVC fabric 630 g/m2 per product | 380 RUR/m2 |
| Fastening unit (bracket, grommet, strap) | 90 RUR/piece |
| Fastening unit: rotary “French” bracket | 120 RUR/piece |
| Garter strap | 120 RUR/piece |
| Zipper in the product (double-sided lock) | 900 r/p.m. |
| Painting the fastening unit | 50 r/pcs |
| Installation of turnkey products (measuring, manufacturing, delivery, installation) | from 1590 RUR/m2 |
In the “dry” residue.
Thus, to summarize the problem of choice, we can definitely say that the main thing is to choose a finished product from a well-known and well-established manufacturer who has been working in the market of retractable awnings for a long time and values its reputation and brand.
ALEKO®
You can find our recommendations for choosing the color of the canvas in the following article.
Beneficial partnership
Thanks to our cooperation with material manufacturers, you can buy waterproof PVC fabric in Moscow quite inexpensively. To save money, order in bulk! The client will have at his disposal a reliable and wear-resistant coating that can be used for a variety of needs.
With the development of the Internet, it is easy to find out the current price for waterproof awnings and place an order using a smartphone or computer. In addition to selling goods, Stolichnaya Tent Company LLC guarantees the client delivery of waterproof fabric to any point in Russia. You can get a preliminary consultation online or by phone.
Comparative characteristics of PVC and polyurethane films
| Properties | PVC 500 micron | PVC 700 micron | Polyurethane 500 microns |
| Frost resistance | up to - 25° C | up to - 40° C | up to - 75° C |
| Elasticity (from 1 to 10) | 6 | 7 | 10 |
| Tensile tear resistance | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Puncture and cut resistance | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Availability (cost) | 550 RUR/m2 | 750 RUR/m2 | 1250 RUR/m2 |
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Outdoor country curtains for gazebos and terraces are used not only for “glazing” of various buildings, the unique properties of PVC materials allow them to maintain different temperature conditions, the required levels of humidity and dust, and this is often an integral requirement when working in production and warehouse premises.
PVC curtains for terraces, verandas and gazebos are made from frost-resistant film that can withstand changes from -30˚ C +70˚ C. All curtains from the Tent Workshop are 100% equipped with the necessary fittings from trusted European manufacturers.
The average service life of curtains is more than 5 years - and this at a more than affordable price
Transparent curtains for gazebos and verandas can be made from various PVC fabrics, equipped with fasteners, locks and fittings, and have different configurations and cut options.
Therefore, if you decide to protect your dacha building, take the dimensions - the price for such products is calculated individually. Call us or leave a request on the website, and our specialists will contact you as soon as possible to clarify all the necessary details.
Gazebos, verandas and terraces have long become an integral attribute of almost any country house or cottage. In the warm season, it’s nice to spend time with friends or family in them. But with the onset of cold weather, it becomes uncomfortable to relax in such structures. “Tent Workshop” offers a modern, environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution - transparent protective curtains from rain and snow. With their help, you can relax comfortably, being at one with nature and despite the vagaries of the weather and time of year.
