Difference Between Acrylic And Vinyl Awnings

Manufacturers use only a few different fabrics for awnings.

Difference between acrylic and vinyl awnings.

A nice motorhome we looked at yesterday had vinyl awnings with aluminum weatherguards. Acrylic coated polyester and cotton polyester blends are typically used to make boat and car protectors but may also be used as patio umbrellas and awnings. Awnings come with two types of fabric acrylic a cloth type fabric or vinyl. When you search the internet for rv awning replacement fabrics you will soon discover you have 2 basic choices acrylic or vinyl with acrylics getting most of the attention.

Vinyl is after all plastic. This material is pretty easy to place on a flat surface especially windows and smooth walls. Much more forgiving and durable. Vinyl letters are made of a thin sticker like material.

While the acrylic is woven fabric. Sunbrella fabric with weatherguards or laminated vinyl with no weatherguards. You ll also find many acrylic manufacturers marketing their fabrics this is not true for vinyls which will lead you to the conclusion acrylics are it and vinyl is no. Acrylic also performs a little differently than vinyl in wet weather.

Many of the differences are the treatment that the fabric is given. Since woven acrylic is very breathable the air constantly moving through the fabric means that the temperature under the canopy will stay cooler than under vinyl awning fabric. It s a matter of taste and preference. Not every situation calls for dimensional lettering.

I know from experience that vinyl with nothing to protect it from the sun has a short life. Acrylic awnings acrylic awnings are made of a woven breathable fabric that allows air to circulate. Other fabric types include cotton canvas and acrylic fabric. A benefit to using acrylic for dimensional signs is the durability and lifetime guarantee.

An example of this is the different choices of polyester which is one of the most popular fabric choices the polyester material is available with an acrylic coating vinyl laminate or pvc coating. I had not seen this before. The cost difference is really minimal it s much easier to handle and looks great when compared to any vinyl ymmv. Many vinyl fabrics come with a five eight or 10 year warranty.

Cons of vinyl awnings must be dried completely before storage strong possibility of mold and mildew if not properly maintained. Acrylic awnings have the color woven right into the fabric. There is a wide variety of choices available in this fabric from including 100 percent acrylic polyester coated acrylic and cotton polyester blends that are coated with acrylic. Is one better than the other.

I don t do any replacement vinyl only sunbrella acrylics. This fabric is extremely durable and repels water effectively. Vinyl coated synthetic fiber mesh.