Metal Awnings vs. Canvas or Fabric Awnings

An awning provides reliable exterior coverage for commercial buildings and industrial establishments. It’s a fantastic shade solution for windows, entrances and outdoor areas, offering protection from sun exposure and other elements. According to the United States Department of Energy, awnings can minimize solar heat gain during the summer by up to 65% for windows facing the south and up to 77% for windows facing the west.

Different types of awnings are available, from canvas and synthetic options to metal awnings. To determine which type best suits your needs, learn the differences between metal vs. fabric awnings, including their durability, maintenance, aesthetic appeal, overall costs and possible applications.

Durability and Life Span

Compare the differences between canvas, synthetic fabric and aluminum awnings when it comes to durability:

Canvas: Canvas is a natural fabric typically made from spun cotton. Because it’s a natural material, it’s often treated with a protective coating to maximize its life span, making canvas awnings fade-resistant and waterproof. However, years of exposure to changing seasons and harsh weather, such as hot summers, thunderstorms and snow, eventually wear down its protective layer. Depending on how well they’re maintained, weather conditions and installation quality, canvas awnings may last a few years.
Polyester fabric: Made from petroleum-based chemicals, polyester is a synthetic and durable fabric that can withstand challenging weather. It’s suitable for high-humidity areas, is less prone to stretching and can resist windy environments. Consider this material if you’re looking for awnings that don’t deform easily. Standard polyester awnings can last a few years longer than canvas awnings.
Aluminum: Highly suitable for commercial buildings, aluminum awnings are incredibly durable and built to last. They’re corrosion-resistant and require minimal upkeep. Aluminum can withstand challenging weather, such as heavy rain, summer heat, strong winds and snow. Depending on the quality and installation, some aluminum awnings resist powerful winds and will not warp under years of exposure to rain and sunlight. When maintained well, they can last 20-30 years.

Maintenance

To maintain aluminum, canvas and synthetic fabric awning materials, take note of proper upkeep practices:

Canvas: Even with a protective coating, rain and humid environments can eventually cause mold and mildew on canvas awnings. These awnings can also collect rainwater, leaves, debris and dirt. To maintain a canvas awning, it’s ideal to hose it gently with water once per month. Removing surrounding branches or anything that could scratch or stain the fabric is also beneficial. Some property owners may take down and deep-clean their canvas awnings every one or two years.
Polyester fabric: While polyester awnings can resist mold growth, they can still develop stains and mildew if dirt accumulates without maintenance. To address this, property owners must regularly remove dirt and debris using a broom. It’s also a good idea to schedule deep cleaning every few years as needed. A mild detergent with lukewarm water can help remove stains.
Aluminum: Unlike fabric awnings, rain does not typically pool on aluminum awnings. To clean aluminum awnings, use a broom to remove dirt and debris. If there are stains, they can be scrubbed using soft-bristled brushes with soapy water. Aluminum storefront and window awnings usually require less maintenance than fabric awnings.

Aesthetic Appeal

In terms of colors and fabric customization, here are the differences between metal, canvas and synthetic fabric awnings:

Canvas: Canvas awnings come in a wide range of colors and patterns. These are suitable for commercial property owners who want more coherent branding while improving their location’s curb appeal. There are many color choices, from neutral tones to bold colors and fabrics with patterns. If business owners want digital prints for their commercial space, canvas is a good material for logos and custom images. However, the printed images can eventually fade and require replacement.
Polyester fabric: Like canvas, polyester awnings are available in a variety of colorful options and designs. This fabric is also excellent for printing high-resolution images and logos, making them appropriate for commercial establishments. However, prints on polyester also eventually fade and require replacement. Furthermore, since polyester is a synthetic, oil-based material, sustainability and proper recycling can also be an issue.
Aluminum: Well-designed aluminum awnings can elevate a property’s aesthetic appeal. Many commercial buildings with modern and sophisticated architectural themes have sleek aluminum awnings in entrances and outdoor areas. While they may not provide pattern options like fabrics, professional aluminum suppliers still offer a variety of colors that can complement a building’s unique style.

Overall Costs

To get a better picture of awning expenses, let’s explore the possible long-term costs of metal, canvas and synthetic awnings:

Canvas: Plain canvas awnings are generally less expensive than synthetic fabric awning materials. They are also typically not as costly as metal awnings upon installation. However, canvas awnings can become more expensive based on the type of canvas and the framing structure. Additionally, because canvas doesn’t last as long as synthetic fabric or aluminum awnings, frequent replacements can add to costs.
Polyester fabric: Synthetic fabrics like polyester usually cost slightly more than canvas awnings. Since they also come in different colors and patterns, the type of polyester, including printing and other specifications, can make it more expensive than canvas. Upon installation, polyester awnings are generally not as costly as aluminum. However, polyester awnings do not last as long as aluminum awnings, which incurs additional replacement costs.
Aluminum: Compared to fabric awning materials, aluminum appears to be the more cost-effective, long-term option. It’s a wise investment that’s resistant to rust and corrosion, making it more reliable with a longer life span. Aluminum doesn’t require as much maintenance or cleaning as fabric awnings. Moreover, compared to other types of metal, aluminum is typically more affordable and not as heavy as steel.

Possible Applications

Here’s how you can use each type of awning:

Canvas: Canvas awnings provide adequate shade and marketing opportunities for commercial and industrial spaces. Since they are customizable, they enhance brand recognition through logos and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. They provide a softer look compared to metal alternatives. Canvas awnings can be seen at hotel entrances, restaurant fronts and windows, event venues and many commercial establishments.
Polyester: Like canvas, polyester awnings are customizable and can boost brand awareness for commercial and industrial spaces. Besides enhancing storefronts, well-designed polyester awnings can enhance a building’s aesthetic quality. They can improve any outdoor space, such as a walkway beside an office building or an al fresco dining area outside a cafe.
Aluminum: Aluminum awnings provide a modern and sophisticated look for commercial and industrial buildings. They make commercial establishments look unique and eye-catching, reinforcing a building’s architectural theme. Aluminum awnings and canopies can be seen in many office buildings, hotels, apartment complexes, convention centers, entertainment venues and mall facades.

Let Sharchs Help You Choose the Right Quality Aluminum Awning

If you’re an architect or commercial property owner looking to install a metal awning for a commercial or industrial building, Sharchs Corporation has the experience and expertise to help. We provide durable and aesthetically appealing aluminum awnings that can last for decades. We also offer custom options that complement a structure’s unique style.

Sharchs is an industry leader in the design, manufacture and delivery of aluminum awnings for commercial buildings of all sizes. We work with you every step of the way to achieve an effective solution for your needs.

Carolyn Ciccocioppo