At Rocky Mount Awning & Tent Company, we are an in-house fabricator of custom awnings and canopies. Our goal is to make your storefront dreams a reality. We create, install, and service our signs, awnings, and canopies. Our awnings and outdoor canopies can improve the look of residential, storefront, or business buildings while adding protection from the sun, saving you money, and advertising all at the same time. We also make and repair custom tarps and covers.
If you’re in the market for a new awning for your business or home, you’ll have to decide whether you want an awning made of metal or canvas. There are advantages and disadvantages of both, but it comes down to cost, efficiency, and functionality of these different materials.
Weighing the Overall Cost
Aluminum awnings provide a cost-efficient alternative to canvas awnings for several reasons. For one, canvas comes in a variety of fabric choices, which can increase the cost of a standard installation depending on which fabric you choose. Secondly, if you combine expensive fabric with the framing structure, you pay even more than if you chose patio and window aluminum awnings.
Averaging the Lifespan
With proper maintenance, everything from canvas coverings to door aluminum awnings can last nearly 20 years or more. Though canvas awnings come with varying warranties, these awnings often need replacing after five years in some cases. Aluminum is almost a set-it-and-forget-it type of installation since it requires little maintenance on your part.
Judging the Maintenance
The aluminum awning has the advantage here because of its slick surface that allows water to flow easily to the ground. Rainwater collects easier on canvas awnings and also creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Aluminum patio and window awnings require less maintenance while canvas traps dirt, leaves, and other debris. You may also have to take down the canvas awning to wash it manually or protect it from high winds during a heavy storm.
Testing the Protection
Aluminum offers more protection in dangerous storms, as some awnings can fold down and cover the windows. Canvas awnings leave most of the window uncovered and provide no barrier against wind and flying debris. You also need to take down any canvas retractable awnings during heavy storms to prevent damage to the canvas and its frame.
Taking in the Shade
The canvas versus aluminum debate ends here with the amount of shade each one offers. Canvas and aluminum offer plenty of shade over patios and windows, and both aluminum and canvas window awnings prevent excess light from seeping into a room. Door aluminum awnings shelter you from the rain as you enter your home, and canvas keeps rain out of the pergola. If you go with canvas awnings, you have to pick a darker fabric to create more shade, and darker fabric may cost more and attracts the sun.
It’s up to you! Which will you choose: metal or canvas? When you partner with us, you’re not just buying an awning for your business. You’re creating a partnership, and we will make sure your products stay as beautiful as they were when they were first installed. Contact Rocky Mount Awning & Tent Company today for all your awning, tent, and sign needs!