Canvas Awnings for your Patio

Canvas awnings are made of thick & sturdy canvas material and provide your patio with protection from the heat of the sun. They prevent too much heat from getting into your home, making your home cooler; thereby decreasing the need for air conditioning during the summer season which will in turn cut the costs of electricity bills.

Canvas awnings are low-cost and can be customized according to your specifications. They come in a wide variety of selection online; so you have a lot to choose from; that will certainly meet your needs, preferences and budget. You just have to determine what specific color, design and pattern you want for your patio canvas awnings.

The material used in canvas awnings is the same to that of used in ships’ sails. It is a treated form of canvas cotton. This canvas material is water-resistant, durable and protective against the sunlight and other harsh environmental elements.

All natural fibers including the canvas material has a risk for ultraviolet ray damage. Although it exerts some form of protection against the heat of the sun, some ultraviolet energy may still be able to get into your home, causing damage to both your outdoor and indoor furniture in the form of color fades and cracks.

Furthermore, in the 20th century, awning manufacturers tried to make use of other awning materials such as vinyl. It’s a solid material and is not breathable. However, it still has a risk for damage by ultraviolet radiation; hence, it can still pose some serious risk for UV damage-related health risks.

In the 1940’s another material was utilized in manufacturing patio canvas awnings. It was the dyed acrylic, and it has turned to be the most preferred patio awning material today. It is made from fiber and designed into various patterns. It is also thick, comfortable, durable and protective against damage by adverse weather elements.

Today, portable patio canvas awnings are already made available. They are more affordable and highly customizable, so that you can come up with canvas awnings that meet your demands and specifications. Portable patio canvas awnings are easier to install, since most of them can be constructed in a do-it-yourself fashion.

Canvas retractable awnings are now being sold over the market too. They are easier to operate and more convenient; since canvas retractable awnings can be operated by a switch or remote control.

Maintaining Your Canvas Awnings

Canvas awnings serve to perform the most important function of protecting your outdoor space from the sun, strong winds, heavy rain and other harmful elements that the environment may have in store for everyone at home.

However, be reminded that these canvas awnings themselves are just as vulnerable to damage like any other units or furniture; therefore, you should take care of them properly so that you can maximize the benefits that can be derived from their use. However durable they are, they will wear out sooner than expected if you don’t exert the effort to care for them.

Canvas awnings are made from specially designed fabrics; gently wash and clean them with anti-mildew products to always keep them in top condition. Not protecting them from damage-causing factors defeats the very purpose why they are manufactured-to provide shade and protection to your outdoor space and furniture.

You don’t necessarily to clean them every day; just make sure that you clean and take care of them every time you use them; on a regular basis. Leaving accumulated dirt behind will lead to the material’s deterioration; and you will have less protection from the damage caused by sunlight. To make sure your canvas awnings are optimally clean, buy a chemically formulated disinfectant that can get rid of all accumulated dirt from the canvas material.

One simple tip that you should keep in mind in installing canvas awnings is construct them far from trees or shrubs. These plants can give off acidic substances that can produce irreversible damage to your awnings. Damage caused by this reason which can be considered as an act of negligence is not covered by product warranties. As the homeowner, you are primarily responsible for the care of your awning. If you don’t do what it takes to take utmost care of your patio canvas awnings, be ready to face all the consequences

Another tip would be to be very careful where you unroll or drag your canvas awnings. Don’t expose them in an area that is either very hot or cold; as temperature extremes can cause irreversible damage.

Don’t drag them in rough and stony areas as well. This can cause scratches and cracks, and will be more prone to irreparable damage in the future.

Keep these tips in mind in caring for your canvas awnings; and you can surely make the most of your time, money and effort..