Does anyone know anything about fabric awnings? We went to a local source that uses Sunbrella fabric, and they said we'd have to roll it up if it rains because it "doesn't like water". Is there such a thing as a water-resistant/repellant awning that we could leave open in light rain? Our idea is to be able to sit out on the porch in all types of weather.
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Hello Cisak,
I would go for a plastic material instead of fabric for your awning that you know will be waterproof. Check out your local fabric stores for some plastic that may be on sale and sew your own, or for a quick solution you can check out retailers like Canadian Tire:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/home.jsp?site=WebStore
Good luck!
Gwen McAuley (gmcauley at hhmedia.com)
Storefront awnings are up year-round and seem to stand up to all kinds of weather, and the fabric used seems to last several years. I would think the supports for them would tend to be rather heavy duty and likely expensive though.
I don't think most retractable residential awnings are designed to take strong wind and snow, so that's another reason why maybe they can't be left open. My neighbours had their glass patio table shatter last summer when the wind took down the patio umbrella. It was weighed down but I think they left it open overnight. I think they're lucky it didn't take out their window near the table. I imagine wind gusts could do similar damage to a retractable awning.