Awning Materials

All of the awning fabrics we use at Samson Awnings are from top quality solution dyed acrylics from brand name European manufacturers.

Dickson® fabrics are solution dyed acrylic fabrics and are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns.

Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. Colour goes all the way through the fabric not just on the surface (like canvas for example) so it looks beautiful year after year.

This is the main characteristic of solution dyed fabrics and is the key to locking in colour, easy cleaning and long life. Because they are solution-dyed, these high performance fabrics also resist fading and cracking from exposure to sun, chlorine, atmospheric chemicals and moisture.

Since solution dyed acrylic fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure.

This breathable fabric also allows air to circulate which significantly improves energy efficiency. It’s also important to know that all our solution dyed acrylic fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon or Dupont Teflon (or similar) finish, which allows for water repellency so water “beads off” the front of the retractable awning (assuming enough pitch on the arms to allow for rain runoff)

An inherent characteristic of solution dyed acrylic fibre is that it will not support the growth of mildew or fabric rot, as a natural fibre such as canvas (cotton) or even vinyl will.

All of our solution dyed acrylic fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun depending on depth of colour.

Whites and lighter coloured fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of colour. This protective factor is inherent to the fabric and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun. In addition lighter fabrics will always repel slightly more heat than darker fabrics similar to white versus black paint on a vehicle.

With our complete selection of over 400 solution dyed acrylic fabrics, the outside of your home can be just as beautiful as the inside. Solution dyed retractable awning fabrics are the perfect way to enhance the exterior facade of your home. And with our vibrant gallery of distinctive colours, styles and patterns, it won’t be hard to find a shade that’s right for you.

Our solution dyed acrylic fabrics fit every conceivable awning style on offer. Whether you want to extend your living space, add shade to your patio or deck, or complement the exterior aesthetics of your home, our solution dyed acrylic fabrics give you a worry-free solution. All of our solution dyed acrylic fabrics are tough enough to handle the sun, the wind and the rain. And with a wide array of colors to choose from, it won’t be hard to find one that complements your home.

General information on awning covers

Protective awning covers are technical fabrics that are intended to be decorative along with their functional task. Awning covers are high performance products that meet with strict technical requirements.

Each production undergoes extensive laboratory tests.

Certain appearances in the cover are sometimes subjects of complaint but even by today’s standards they cannot be completely excluded:

Bending folds

Occur during manufacture and when the cover is folded. A dark line can become visible in back light particularly in the case of light colours.

Waviness in the seam and length area

can occur in the side seams, in the vicinity of the seams and in the centre of the lengths. The cover is laid double on the seams. This results in different rolling diameters.

The tension that arises due to the folding arms and the drooping of the roller tube and/or the front profile can promote these effects. Waviness can form if a water pocket forms during strong rain. Requirements such as waterproofness, rigidity, dirt and water repellent properties, tearing and breaking strength, colour fastness and many other properties are determined, measured and guaranteed for each cover by the weaver. Although only first class examined cloth is used in manufacture, perfection has limits.

Waterproofness/resistance to rain

Polyacrylic sun protection fabric is impregnated with a water-resistant finish and remains resistant to rain during a short, light shower of rain with good care and a pitch angle of at least 14°. During longer periods and/or heavy rainfall the awning must remain closed or rolled up in order to avoid damage. Should the cover have become wet the awning must be extended for drying at a later time.

Stretching of the side lengths

The cover is usually kept permanently taut using an active spring system. Seams and hems have a reinforcing effect but must also take the most strain. When the cover is rolled up the hems and seams lay on top of one another, this increases the pressure and tension even more. Seams and hems are pressed flat and increase in length. When the awning is moved out this can lead to the side seams hanging down slightly.