​So, you’ve owned your awning for some time. You’ve inspected it, you’ve cleaned it, and you’ve admired it. But, are you using the right solution and materials to clean your awning? Did you know you can damage your awning’s fabric by using the wrong products?

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​When cleaning your awning, you’ve probably been using a light solution of a mild liquid dish soap or something similar and some water. While this might be okay, it’s important to remember that your solution proportions should be balanced. Don’t put so much soap that your solution is thick and not easy to wash off. Be sure your solution is loose and easily comes off by spraying water and brushing with a soft bristle brush. 

​Now, if you’re not sure, or if you don’t want to make your own solution, you can purchase an awning cleaning solution. However, we highly recommend you research and do your due diligence before purchasing an awning cleaner. Here’s why:

• Some solutions are not meant for your fabric or awning. Some fabrics are made from canvas, polyvinyl, vinyl, and other materials. So, look at the bottles instructions and intended uses, you don’t want to spray your canvas with a cleaner that’s meant for an acrylic textile.
• Some solutions are designed to restore your awning. Don’t automatically think that getting an awning restoring solution is the best thing to do. If you’re awning is relatively new, don’t worry about adding an extra layer of this stuff, you don’t need it yet. You want to make sure you’re cleaning the awning properly and getting rid of dirt and debris.

• Chemical solutions: Most of the cleaning solutions will have some kind of chemical as part of the ingredients. But, be weary of the chemicals and always check with your awning installer to see which ones you should avoid. Some chemicals can actually damage your awning fabric, especially cleaners that are designed for textiles that are not the one you have.
  
• Concentrates: Some solutions come as concentrates. Being sure you know this before you start spraying your awning with it is important. You don’t want to bombard your awning with a concentrate because you might be damaging it.

 
Using an awning cleaning product is a good idea, but finding the right one is the proper thing to do. Also, always remember to consult your installer to see which cleaner is best for your shade structure; not all awnings are created the same or equally. 

​For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next awning fabric project, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Saving money on a big purchase is always satisfying. But, sometimes saving in the moment, costs you a whole lot more. When it comes to buying a quality, professionally installed awning, knowing what you get for your buck is important. 

Cheap Awnings:
Fabric: The options are limited and come with cheaply made textiles that are often not resistant to mold or mildew, and likely don’t have tear and rip resistance. This means you will replace your awning fabric far more often which costs you a whole lot more than buying a quality piece in the first place. 
Structure: With a cheap awning option, the frame might be made with metals that are not durable, or if they are made with aluminum or steel, the quality of the material is low and thus, your structure can scratch, bend, or break faster.  Cheaper awnings, like the kind you get delivered to you, typically won’t offer these. And if you do get them, installation can be tedious, and you risk damaging your awning before you even install it yourself. 
​Color: Cheaper awnings tend to limit the color palette you can choose from and may not offer a warranty. 

Design: You’re pretty much limited to fixed or retractable and if you’re offered a different design like a shade-sail, the quality of the materials may not be up to par, and your awning won’t last. 
​Installation/Service: If you’ve bought an awning online and are looking for an installer, many professional services won’t accommodate your request. They don’t want to install something that won’t last. And, if you do need service for your awning – for a rip or tear – you will have to still call a professional and replace your fabric which will cost you more. 

Quality Awnings:
Fabric: Options include top-of-the line products like Sunbrella, Serge Ferari, and more. The fabric of your awning is what will cost you the most in the long run. Without the right, uv ray, mold-mildew resistant, tear and rip resistance, your awning won’t last. 
Structure: Awning frames/structure are made with sturdy, durable materials like aluminum, steel, or other metals and sometimes wood. The frame of a quality awning stands the test of time and won’t break or bend like a cheaper one might. 
Finial and Spear Options: Quality awnings typically offer you these decorative additions for your awning. The filial decorates the end of an awning pole and a spear juts out from the awning, adding a level of aesthetic you wouldn’t normally get from a cheap awning. 
​Color: Quality awnings offer a variety of colors and even color matching to your building. Also, colorfast textiles are used in higher quality awnings: this means your color won’t fade as quickly. Often, your fabric comes with a warranty guaranteeing color for a period of time. 

Design: Quality awnings offer you a level of design that surpasses a do-it-yourself piece. Design includes the shape, style, and type. You can get a shade-sail, a free-standing piece, or slide-on-wire option.
​Installation/Service: Quality awnings are installed with guarantees and backed by warranties and the confidence that you can rely on the service of the professional you hired. Professional, quality awning services include rendering services, permitting help, and more. 

​As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to installing a quality or cheap awning. Just keep in mind, replacing an awning can cost thousands, especially when it comes to a business. So, when considering an awning for your restaurant, business, building, or home, remember, it pays to spend now because you’ll save so much more in the long run.
 
For more about what we do, or how we can help you with your next awning fabric project, feel free to contact us. For more information about awnings and other shade structures, visit us online at American Awning & Blind Co. at http://www.americanawningabc.com. (Our California Contractors License is #999050). Or give us a call at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.