St. Petersburg, Florida -- 727-898-3129
Frequent Awning Questions
| What are Staple-in Awnings ? |
| Staple-in awning frames are fabricated from aluminum extrusions. Everywhere the fabric will be attached special extrusions with channels are used. After the frames are welded together and cleaned (and painted if requested) the fabric is stretched over the frame and stapled into the channels. The process allows us to make each awning taut and wrinkle free. |
| Which fabric is best ? |
| Choice of fabric is dependent on taste and environmental issues. The two fabrics most often used are vinyl, usually preferred in commercial projects, and modified acrylic, often referred to as "canvas" and the fabric of choice for most residential projects. Vinyl is to be preferred in settings which lead to above average soiling, such as direct runoff over an awning or proximity of a tree. Both fabrics are generally warranted by the manufacturer for five years for standard grade. There are higher grade vinyl's which are warranted for eight or ten years. |
| Which colors resist fading best ? |
| Generally the reds, yellow, and terra cotta colors fade faster than normal. The darker blues and greens usually last longer than average. However, each situation is influenced by the amount of sun exposure the awning gets. |
| How do I clean my awnings ? |
| The fabric should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt, roof particles, etc., are allowed to accumulate on and become embedded in the fabric. The fabric can be cleaned without being removed from the installation. Simply brush off any loose dirt, roof particles, etc.; hose down and clean with a mild solution of natural soap in lukewarm water (no more than 100 degrees F.). Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS. Allow to air dry. |
| How much pitch should my awnings have ? |
| It depends on the fabric, Vinyl is an impervious fabric, and a pitch of as little as 10-15%(about inch and a half per foot) should be adequate. Canvas is a pervious fabric and requires a much greater pitch, say 25 to 30% or (about three and a half inches per foot) minimum. The other issue is appearance and depends on overall size of the awning and the surroundings. |
| What size awning should I have? |
| It depends on your specific needs i.e. protection from rain or sun exposure or simply appearance. If you are in the Tampa Bay area you can contact a sales rep to come to your home or business for a free estimate. In any event, you need four measurements for an awning: The width. This is how wide you would like the awning from side to side over the opening, generally 8" to 12" wider than the opening centered over the opening. The down or drop. This is the distance from top to bottom of the awning ( not including the valance). Generally the awning will be mounted 4" to 6" above the opening. If appearance is the only concern then one-quarter of a window will be covered. If protection from the sun is an issue then one-half of the window will be covered. The out or projection. This is the distance out from the structure you would like the awning to protrude. Protection against sun will usually include a larger projection as well as a greater drop. The valance size. This is how large you would like the valance (scalloped bottom) most valances are 6" to 8" long (this is in addition to the down of the awning. If down is 24" then with a valance the total drop of the awning would be 32" |
| What color will look best on my house? |
| This is strictly personal preference. Most people want a medium to high contrast to their house. Also, some people like to match the trim color. However, when matching awning colors to paint colors you should chose your awning color then match the paint to it, because there is a limited selection of material colors and the paint can be made to match it. |
| Is canvas really canvas ? |
| No. True canvas is now rarely used in the industry. Artbilt uses Sunbrella Canvas which is a solution dyed acrylic fabric. |
| When is vinyl better than canvas on residential property ? |
| Vinyl is used on residential properties when there is a concern about excessive run off from a roof (i.e. when there are no gutters above the awnings). or when the awnings are located near trees, opening up the possibility of mold and fungus from damp leaves that accumulate on the awnings. In these circumstances vinyl is much easier to clean. |
| How long will my awnings last ? |
| The frame lasts indefinitely. The cover, depending on material and environmental conditions, may last as long as ten years. In Florida, canvas awnings generally need to be re-sewn after three to five years. because thread rots from sun exposure. Vinyl covers which are heat sealed with minor use of thread largely avoid this problem. Staple-in covers of both canvas and vinyl avoid the problem completely since no thread is used, except in free hanging valances. |
| What are retractable awnings? |
| Retractable awnings are designed for temporary shade only. Their structure allows them to be fully retracted and extended but will not withstand even moderately high winds. They are useful on decks and patios which are only used in good weather. |
| How should I choose an awning company? |
| If you are a homeowner or have a small business: Choosing an Awning Company -Residential and Small Business If you own or work for a contractor, home builder or property management company: Choosing an Awning Company-Commercial |