The Difference Between Waterproof & Water-Repellent Awning Canvas

Whether you are a homeowner looking for a garden awning or a business owner looking for awnings for your patio or to add a touch of charm to draw attention to your location, awnings are an affordable asset to your property. There are many different types of awnings from which to choose, and making sure you are selecting the proper canvas for your awnings is important to ensure longer wear.

Here is the difference between waterproof and water-repellent canvasses to help you make the right choice for your home or business:

Waterproof Canvas

As the name implies, waterproof canvas is designed to not only protect against the rain but will provide a watertight option that does not allow for water penetration. If you are looking for a business option, this is often the best choice as your awnings will remain open if they are being used to advertise your company name or as a design detail for your store or restaurant front. They are also a must if you are using them over your patio area for restaurants, bars, and cafes, as they will allow you to provide service despite rainy weather. A waterproof canvas awning such as OmbraSole’s vinyl canvas (4 seasons) is 100% waterproof and will maintain their strength and integrity even when they are constantly rained on. They will also keep your outdoor space dry regardless of how often or strong the rainfall. Homeowners, therefore, can also benefit from waterproof canvas awnings as protection from the rain in their gardens. However, waterproof canvas is not a must for a decorative awning or awning providing protection from the sun on your home or business.

Water Repellent Canvas

In the case of water repellent canvas such as OmbraSole’s Sunbrella acrylic fabrics (3 seasons), the water-repellent material has been treated with a chemical finish that will repel water on contact. This is the best choice for awnings that will be exposed to light to moderate rain. If you have retractable awnings, this can be a good choice as you can retract your awning during inclement weather. However, if you want to use your awnings to protect against rain and allow you to enjoy your garden even in heavy rainfall, this would not be the right choice for you.

The performance of a fabric is determined by its protective qualities, its resistance to tearing and breaking, and waterproof capabilities. The IP rating is a good indicator of performance: as the density of the canvas increases, its performance increases as well.

The right fabric is an important deciding factor when choosing your awnings depending on their use and purpose. Talk to the experts at OmbraSole before making this decision.