Awning and Screen Fabric Comparison Table
Solution-dyed acrylic is the default for residential retractable awnings because it combines color-fastness, breathability and a soft hand. Coated polyester and vinyl win where waterproofing matters; PVC-coated meshes dominate solar screens. The table compares typical specifications so you can see the trade-offs at a glance.
Awning fabrics
| Property | Solution-dyed acrylic | Coated or solution-dyed polyester | Vinyl-laminated polyester | Acrylic-coated (water-resistant) acrylic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical weight | 8-10 oz/yd² (270-340 g/m²) | 6-9 oz/yd² | 13-18 oz/yd² | 9-11 oz/yd² |
| Color-fastness | Excellent; color is in the fiber | Good to very good with solution dyeing; piece-dyed fades faster | Good; printed or pigmented surface | Excellent |
| Water | Water repellent, not waterproof | Repellent to waterproof depending on coating | Waterproof | Highly water resistant |
| Breathability | High; heat escapes | Medium | None; traps heat underneath | Medium |
| Mildew behavior | Fiber resists mildew; dirt on it can grow mildew | Similar; coatings can trap moisture at seams | Surface mildew, wipes clean | Similar to acrylic |
| Rolling memory and creases | Can show "waffling" lines at seams; cosmetic | Less waffling, holds tension well | Stiff, can crack in cold if rolled often | Slightly stiffer than plain acrylic |
| Typical fabric life | 8-15 years | 6-12 years | 8-15 years | 8-12 years |
| Relative cost | Medium to high | Low to medium | Medium | High |
| Best for | Residential retractable awnings | Budget awnings, light shade, tensioned systems | Commercial and RV, where rain matters most | Retractables that must handle light rain |
Screen meshes and solar fabrics
| Material | Openness | Use | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass insect mesh 18x16 | About 60-70% | Standard doors and windows | Cheap, does not dent, good view | Tears with pets |
| Fiberglass 20x20 (no-see-um) | About 50-60% | Coastal and marsh areas | Blocks tiny insects | Less airflow |
| Aluminum mesh | About 60-70% | Fixed screens | Crisp look, durable | Dents and creases; poor for roll-up screens |
| Pet-resistant polyester | About 35-50% | Homes with pets and kids | Several times tougher | Thicker strands, darker view |
| PVC-coated polyester solar fabric | 1-14% | Zip and motorized screens | Blocks much of the sun's heat and glare | Reduced airflow; night privacy reverses |
Explanations of each property are in the awning fabric guide, and openness is covered in openness factor explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most durable awning fabric?
For residential retractable awnings, solution-dyed acrylic from an established mill typically gives the best mix of fade resistance and life. Vinyl laminates are tougher against rain but stiffer and hotter.
Which fabric is waterproof?
Vinyl-laminated or PVC-coated polyester. Standard acrylic is water repellent: it sheds light rain at a good pitch but is not designed to stay dry underneath in a downpour.
Does fabric weight matter?
Heavier fabrics are not automatically better. On retractable awnings, weight affects roll diameter and how well the fabric fits the cassette, so stay within the maker's specified range.