Quality awning fabrics are very different from other textiles. They have an advanced set of properties which allow them to withstand annual changes in temperature, along with the other challenges posed by life outdoors, including UV lightening and damage caused by rain or dirt. They are strong enough to resist tearing effectively, even on seams and hems, and stay taut despite being opened and closed thousands of times.
Appearance – Colours, Textures and Light Permeability
A patio awning cover choice is mainly dictated by aesthetics. There are hundreds of different colours and styles to choose from; take a look at the Markilux and Weinor brochures for more information. We are also able to send fabric swatches on request and have the full range on display in our showroom.
You will not only be able to choose between solid colours and striped designs but different light permeability levels and textures too. The weave of the fabric may be smooth or textured, with or without perforations or a sheer finish. Once you know what you are looking for, you will be able to find which fabric range is most suitable.
Fabric Ranges
Both Markilux and Weinor offer a choice of awning fabric ranges. While some, like Markilux’s Sunsilk and Sunvas, are suitable for all awning types, others are specifically tailored to fabric roof awnings or a certain product’s requirements. The main variations concern styling (colours and patterns, translucency, weave textures), and technical specifications such as special waterproof or flame retardant coatings. Perforated fabrics are generally more suitable for vertical awnings as they provide vision but less protection from the rain.
Read on for a simple outline of each range’s standout properties.
Markilux
Markilux weave their fabrics in purpose-built factories in Germany, creating technically advanced covers on state-of-the-art machines. They offer a number of different collections which you can choose from, categorised by style and fabric type. Their full range can be found here, and information on key technical ranges below:
Sunvas – a polyester fabric with nano coating through the weave. SNC FINISH: new, highly effective, dirt and water-repellent finish, permeable to air, weather and rot proof
Sunsilk – a polyester fabric with nano coating on the surface SNC FINISH: new, highly effective, dirt and water-repellent finish, permeable to air, weather and rot proof.
Sunbow – a poly acrylic fabric with a Water repellent, oil- and dirt repellent finish; PVC free. In compliance with the requirements of EN 13561:2015-0 (tex Gaurd)
Visutex
50 innovative fabrics, including both Sunsilk and Sunvas options.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours, Stripes
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Suncolours
Seven different colour ‘families’, from bright yellow tones to muted greys and beiges. Both Sunsilk and Sunvas fabrics available.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours, Stripes
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Sunsilk
Markilux’s main polyester range. Translucent for a soft glow effect, with an SNC self cleaning coating.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours (Sunsilk Classics), Stripes
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Sunvas
Markilux’s main acrylic range. More opaque than Sunsilk, with an SNC self cleaning coating.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours (Sunvas Classics), Stripes
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Sunbow
Textured awning fabrics characterised by unique patterns in classic shades.
Available Designs:
Variety of patterns
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Specials - Transolair
Perforated polyester for transparency, light and fresh air. Breathable to prevent heat from building up under the awning cover.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours
Suitable for*:
Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Specials - Vuscreen
Finely perforated polyester for some transparency. Contains aluminium pigmentation for maximum heat and light reflection, and a Teflon coating to repel water and dirt. Optional flame retardant coating.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours
Suitable for*:
Conservatory, Vertical
Specials - Perfotex
Finely perforated polyester for some transparency. Contains aluminium pigmentation for maximum heat and light reflection, and a Teflon coating to repel water and dirt.
Available Designs:
Stripes
Suitable for*:
Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Specials - Perla
Polyester with a waterproof coating.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Special - Perla FR
Polyester with a waterproof coating. Perla FR flame retardant complies with strict fire retardancy regulations.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours, Transparent
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Special - smartart
16 creative and artistic fabric patterns. Pattern motifs manufactured usinbg proven latex printing process.
Available Designs:
Motif fabric patterns
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Weinor
Weinor offer a wide selection of acrylic and polyester fabrics, primarily organised by colour in the Momentum, Melange and Not Crazy collections. There are also four ‘special’ collections, suitable for vertical sun protection.
Momentum
Acrylic and polyester fabrics in modern grey tones.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours, Stripes
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Melange
Acrylic and polyester fabrics in modern beige tones.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours, Stripes
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Not Crazy
Acrylic and polyester fabrics in modern colours.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours, Stripes
Suitable for*:
Patio, Freestanding, Veranda, Conservatory, Vertical
Special Collection - Soltis
Small pores for a sheer finish, air permeability and vision. Reinforced threads for strength.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours
Suitable for*:
Conservatory, Vertical
Special Collection - StarScreen
Woven fabric with a natural textile look and feel, and an open weave for increased light flow.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours
Suitable for*:
Vertical
Special Collection - Fibreglass
Made from coated fibreglass yarns for extreme durability and ease of cleaning.
Available Designs:
Solid Colours
Suitable for*:
Vertical
Special Collection - Modernbasics
16 new sustainable fabrics and latest trend colours made from 85% recycled PET.
Available Designs:
Trend Colours
Suitable for*:
Vertical
Manufacture and Dyeing
Brands like Markilux and Weinor have developed their own state-of-the-art polyesters and acrylics which can cope with the daily stresses an awning cover is put through. The yarns are hand-woven on looms and meticulously checked for imperfections.
Afterwards they are either stitched or bonded to meet the size required for your awning. Each join type has its own advantages, with stitching being the traditional choice which has been used for many years. Bonding uses a high pressure to produce what’s claimed to be a smoother seam. This means they can have better resistance to light, water and temperature changes, and therefore a longer life.
Your awning fabrics will be dyed in one of two ways. Yarn dyeing colours the surface of the fabric, while a spinneret process disperses colour pigment throughout each fibre before they are spun into the fabric. Both offer exceptional protection against UV bleaching due to their quality.
Acrylic or polyester?
Awnings were once made from canvas. Acrylic was a synthetic alternative which replaced canvas in the early 1960s, while polyester arrived in recent years using environmentally-conscious manufacturing processes. Acrylic looks and feels like canvas, while polyester has a thinner, flatter texture with a matt surface. Polyester’s more recent development meant a high-tech composition, with advantages in terms of strength, light fastness, UVA and UVB projection and nano coatings. Acrylic has developed and now offers similar properties in these areas, therefore the main difference is in the texture and feel of the fabric. Ask our team for samples to feel the difference for yourself.
Special Properties
Some fabrics are coated with special materials to add particular properties. SNC and Teflon provide a smooth surface which is difficult for dirt to stick to. Water-repellent fabrics work in a similar way, encouraging rain to run off rather than passing through the cover, although their effectiveness also depends on the pitch (the angle of the cover when it is extended). Aluminium may be woven into the fabric to reflect heat and light, and flame resistant coatings help building owners meet fire regulations.
UPF Ratings
The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates the percentage of UV rays which can pass through a fabric. The highest possible rating is UPF 50+, and the majority of Markilux and Weinor’s fabrics have been independently tested and rated at this level. A UPF50+ rating means the fabric blocks 98% of UV radiation, and offers 50 times more protection from sunburn than if you were exposed to the sun.
Maintenance
Awning covers are designed for minimal maintenance. Over time, if it begins to look a little bit grubby, this is easily remedied. Switch the power off and use lukewarm water with a little mild detergent like washing up liquid. Let the foam work its way into the fabric for 15 to 20 minutes, and rinse with normal water. Take care not to scrub or rub the material, and let the awning dry while extended.
To prevent water stains and mildew, simply let your awning dry completely before retracting it. Try not to let water pockets form on the cover whenever possible, as this can result in the cover sagging.
It’s also worth checking for leaves, twigs or snow before you retract your awning. You don’t want them getting trapped in between fabric layers and causing damage. Remove dust periodically with a soft brush.
If your awning will be situated near lots of trees or a busy street, you might want to take the colour of your cover into consideration. Soot, pollen and leaves can all leave a residue which is more noticeable on a light, solid colour. Dark colours and stripes will be much more forgiving.
Replacement Covers
Good quality awnings, like Markilux and Weinor designs, will last for many years. The mechanism will easily outlast cover fashions, so you may eventually want to switch the fabric for a new design. A new awning cover is a great way to update the look without paying for a whole new awning.
*Compatibility varies between specific awning models. Speak to the Roché team for more information on your options.