Choice of Materials for Awnings and Canopies
The range of modern materials available for awning
or canopy designers is impressive. The following is a brief
overview of the more popular choices for fabric and framing
in the industry:
Fabrics
Following are the awning fabric types available
through TCT&A Industries.
Click here for available fabric colors.
| Solution-dyed acrylic |
|
Colors |
Wide variety-primaries and earth tones, solids and stripes |
|
Surface texture
|
Woven texture |
|
Mildew resistance
|
Very good |
|
Average lifespan
|
5 to 8 years (depends on climate and proper care) |
|
Flame resistance
|
Some colors available with flame-retardant treatment |
| Vinyl-laminated polyester
(for backlit awnings) |
|
Colors |
Solids |
|
Surface texture
|
Smooth or semi-smooth; slight woven or linen-like texture |
|
Mildew resistance
|
Very good; recommended for sustained high humidity |
|
Average lifespan
|
5 to 8 years (depends on climate and proper care) |
|
Flame resistance
|
All colors are flame-retardant. |
Other properties of interest are:
- Colors
- Light transmittance
- Warranty
- UV resistance
- Water repellence
- Flame resistance
- Mildew resistance
- Wick resistance
- Graphics acceptance
Framing
Steel Pipe -
This material can be characterized as a relatively thick,
round section of mild steel, with manufactured foot lengths
up to 24'-0". It is easily welded, bolted and threaded,
and is adaptable to many shop environments. It is heavy and
functional, but not necessarily highly aesthetic.
Steel Tubing -
Steel tubing is similar to steel pipe, but available in a
range of wall-thicknesses and shapes, including round, square
and rectangular- it is easily welded or bolted, and can be
obtained in higher strengths than steel pipe.
High-Strength Steel Tubing
- This is a cold-worked, thin-wall steel tubing that is available
in round, square and rectangular shapes. Popular sizes are
under 2 inches. High-strength steel tubing normally is furnished
with corrosioninhibiting surface treatments. It is also easily
bent to designer shapes, relatively light weight and easily
welded.
Aluminum Pipe -
Manufactured with the same dimensions as steel pipe, it weighs
only one-third as much. On the other hand, it is only one-third
as stiff as steel pipe. Temper is lost at welded joints, which
reduces its strength.
Aluminum Tubing
- This is available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and
tempers, with an array of advantages and disadvantages in
comparison to steel.
Staple-on Extrusions
- Aluminum tubing is extruded into cross-sections that are
used to connect fabric panels to the face of the tubing. Connections
are made by stapling the fabric inside a groove that is filled
with a pressure-installed weather strip/trim piece.
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|
