Your Important Queries Answered by Our Professionals

Here are answers to some of the frequently asked questions:

Delivery time usually depends on the type of awning purchased. Some suppliers can ship standard size awnings within days after the order is placed. Other awning fabricators, who supply custom-designed awnings, might take as little as three weeks. Of course, this varies depending on the time of the year (summer typically is the busiest part of the year), and it is not unusual for this lead time to run longer, especially in seasonal climates.

Many professional awning manufacturers offer removal and storage services for awnings and canopies. If you prefer to do this by yourself, make sure to clean and dry your awnings before you store them (visit the Awning Care page for more details). Give them a final brushing to remove all debris. Fold or roll the awnings, then cover and store them in a cool, dry place. For a fixed frame awning, inform your professional awning manufacturer of this requirement, so that the awning is designed for this purpose and the proper slip fittings are used. Many homeowners remove the fabric and leave the frame up over the winter.

Some awning fabrics are waterproof and some are water-repellent. Waterproof fabrics such as reinforced laminated vinyl provide protection from rain as well as sun protection. Woven fabrics that are water-repellent allow you to fully enjoy the space shaded by the awning during light passing showers or drizzle conditions. In other words, if the weather is nice enough for you to be outside, then it is good enough for you to be out beneath your awning.

There are several basic types of awning fabrics: woven, coated, laminated and mesh. Woven fabrics have a rich fabric appearance and offer a wide array of colors in solids, stripes and patterns. These products are typically treated with a water-repellent finish. Coated or laminated fabrics are much more water repellent. They are available in many solid colors and limited stripe patterns. Mesh fabrics offer outward visibility and aesthetic appeal and are typically available in solid colors. In residential applications not governed by local codes, the requirements to use a flame-retardant fabric become a personal preference. Flame-retardant fabrics are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Consult your local PAMA professional for more details.

Today’s fabrics come in more than 500 solid and striped colors! Remember, that most of the time that you are enjoying your awning, you are relaxing underneath it (not outside looking at it), so the underside color is probably the one you will see more often. For the temperature, while color choice has some slight impact, the type of fabric chosen and the overall ventilation of the installation will have a greater effect. The darker the color chosen, the darker the shade effect underneath will be. There are exceptions, however. Some fabrics have a lighter-colored underside than the top-side color, which gives a more pleasing shading effect.

Metal support frames are made from either galvanized steel or aluminum and could last a lifetime! Regular maintenance on a frame requires annual inspections of fasteners, connections and metal condition. Frames are also available with a painted finish for additional protection and attractiveness.

In many cases, awning fabrics are warrantied for a period of 5 years or more, in proportion (pro-rata) to the useful life of the fabric. Other warranties regarding the frame and workmanship may apply and vary by job and by the state. Contact a professional awning manufacturer for more details pertaining to your particular project.

Because canvas awnings are colorful, attractive, energy-saving design features, most homeowners’ associations are receptive to adding them to the exterior decor of a building. Typically, the association’s architectural committee reviews these questions. Many developments work with a local awning professional so that the awning styles and colors are consistent throughout the development. A building permit is not needed for most residential awnings and is required for most commercial uses.

Feel free to call O'Neal Awning Company at 330-788-6504 for more queries.