In the UK, the weather can be unpredictable. During the winter it can be windy and wet. In the summer it can be hot and dry. All fabrics can become weathered and aged after years of being exposed to the UK elements. Some fabrics can withstand the ageing process better than others. An understanding of the strength of each of the materials can help when making a decision.
Acrylic: the traditional choice
Solution-dyed acrylic yarns are coloured all the way through, so the colour can’t wash out the way it can with printed acrylics. Because of this, south-facing acrylic awnings keep their colour better. Solution-dyed acrylic is also breathable, so heat and humidity can pass through rather than get trapped under your patio table like it can with some other awnings.
Acrylic fabrics are soft and textile-like, making them work well with brick houses with garden flower beds. Like wool, they are also water-resistant, and will defend against a light shower, but like all textiles, will let water through in a hard rain for an extended period of time. If you want to sit out in a hard rain, don’t use this fabric. Simply roll it up and let it dry before you store it.
Polyester: light, bright and budget-friendly
Polyester is a thin fabric that is coated with a resin to make it water resistant. It has a smooth surface that takes printed patterns well, so you see a lot of stripes and plaids in polyester fabric. It has good weather resistance, so it is a good option in a sheltered spot that gets sun in the afternoons.
Colour fastness is the biggest issue with polyester. Because the pigment is sitting further from the core, polyester tends to fade, especially with darker and more saturated colours like red and dark blues. Also, the coating can wear at the folds and seams where the fabric rolls up. To increase the lifespan of the fabric, do not fold it while it’s still damp and brush off any leaves or bird poop.
PVC: the weatherproof workhorse
Choosing PVC-coated fabric is a good choice for rain protection. With the coating, it is waterproof and can be used over a doorway to provide protection from the elements. It can be used on covered walkways or seating areas where protection from the elements is needed. It is also easy to clean. Dirt is simply on the surface and can be removed with a soft cloth and a mild, warm, soapy water solution.
Some things PVC lacks are flexibility, breathability, and the ability to maintain its shape, especially when the panels are subjected to heat and humidity. Because of the rigidity of PVC, the walls of a PVC house have to be strongly braced and the frame of the house has to be well-constructed. Also, because of the rigidity of PVC, if the awning does not have a sufficient pitch (around 14 degrees or more), water can collect on the awning and will pool on the awning.
Matching fabric to your garden
Consider your actual usage when evaluating the material options. An acrylic awning over a dining terrace that’s only used in the evenings is a better choice than PVC. The same awning over a year-round smoking spot or a covered front entrance is better done with PVC. The same go for polyester when the budget is tight. Just be aware that more-pigmented (south) or southwest walls will bleach dyes faster.
Add maintenance to that. Whatever you go with, it’s essential to sweep off debris, rinse with lukewarm water, and never, ever, put it away with the awning still wet. Check the fixings every spring, as vibration and wind loosen bolts over time. Most fabric problems are caused by moisture, so that 10-minute dry-off on a breezy afternoon can extend the life of your awning.
Finally, you can compare warranties and the weight of the fabric when you evaluate samples. You may request to see a swatch and hold it up to a light source: a tight, dense weave is better. Colours are fun, but bold colours will show dirt and fading faster than neutral colours. A grey or cream colour would suit the swatch the best. You also need to choose a fabric weight based on what kind of weather you normally have. This choice will help you be comfortable when using the awning and improve your enjoyment of outdoor activities. The awning will make summers more enjoyable.