With the rains coming down heavily, varying awning shade covers are being considered to identify the option that’ll effectively shield you from the elements of the weather. As previously mentioned in FACTORS WHEN SETTING UP AN INDOOR-OUTDOOR SPACE, these covers can either be rigid or flexible in form. Today we’ll delve into the varying awning shade covers readily available in the market, their characteristics and factors to consider when sourcing one.

When it comes to the rigid forms, four major types exist, namely roofing sheets, glass panes, perspex sheets plus polycarbonate sheets. Delving into each of these, we see

#1 Roofing Sheets

Roofing Sheets can either be plastic or metallic, translucent or opaque, and come in a wide array of profile styles. Also, depending on the general purpose of the area being covered, any of these options can apply. Another point to consider, is that of the various rigid options readily available, roofing sheets come at the best price point and their durability is extremely high. Only the occasional maintenance is needed to ensure that all is well.

#2 Glass Panes

Glass Panes are another effective rigid awning cover type available for consideration. They come in various shades or tints with varying degrees of clarity from clear to translucent (frosted) and opaque (one-way). Due to their fragile nature, these glass panes are either toughened or laminated to guarantee durability and ensure one’s safety. As a result, their price point tends to be on the higher side, but when properly maintained, their durability cannot be rivalled.

#3 Perspex Sheets

Perspex Sheets bear a striking resemblance to glass panes without the added fragility as they are plastic in nature. They can be clear, frosted or opaque and come in a wide array of colours making them the ideal choice for creative or child-friendly spaces. They have a solid core and their thickness varies in size with thinner options being less sturdy than the thicker ones. From a price perspective, thinner perspex sheets tend to be more affordable than laminated or toughened glass panes though the prices even out when sourcing the thicker ones.

#4 Polycarbonate Sheets

Finally comes the Polycarbonate Sheets that, similar to perspex sheets, are also plastic in nature, come in a wide array of colour and can either be clear or frosted. One differentiating factor is that, like cardboard sheets, they have a grooved hollow core and are thus twin walled. Their price point is also very friendly with it amounting to, the same, if not less than, what it’d cost you to purchase roofing sheets. The major drawback is they have a greenhouse effect resulting in a lot of heat being trapped underneath its shade. Also, the grooves tend to trap dust and cleaning the grooves is akin to pulling apart the connecting profiles.

Next, in looking at the flexible forms of awning cover types readily available, the four major types to consider include shadenet, PVC canvas, ripstop canvas and serge ferrari sails.

#1 Shadenet

Shadenet is a breathable relatively waterproof material that can be stretched to cover various awning structures including car shades, terraces, side-walk pavements, storefronts and balconies, to name but a few. They come in a wide array of colours and varying membrane seals depending on the functionality of the space. They are also very cost effective and a quick fix awning solution, with their major drawback being the fact that they aren’t 100% waterproof. They can easily tear and/or discolour when exposed to harsh weather conditions over a long period of time, and tend to trap a lot of dirt in between its membranes.

#2 PVC Canvas

PVC Canvas on the other hand is 100% waterproof, can also be stitched and stretched to fit into any form, structure or mould, and come in a wide array of glossy colours and patterns. They are a very cost-effective solution and maintenance is a no-brainer, however, they are not breathable and are often regarded as being a bit dated.

#3 Ripstop Canvas

Ripstop Canvas is however, 100% breathable, 100% waterproof, and comes in a wide array of matt colours. Maintenance is also easy and durability a guarantee hence why they are the most sought-after solution for truck, trailer and cargo covers. The major drawback though is its price point, as its cost is higher than both shadenet and PVC canvas combined. More information on ripstop canvas can be found here.

#4 Serge Ferrari Sails

Finally, you have the Serge Ferrari Sails which are not only 100% breathable and 100% waterproof, but also come in a wide array of matt colours, textures and patterns. Similar to the aforementioned flexible awning cover forms, they can also be moulded to fit any form and are very easy to maintain. In addition, they are hard-wearing, can endure adverse weather conditions, and are the preferred material choice for camping gear and luxury outdoor tent makers. As you can imagine, the price point is the only limiting factor as it normally retails at upwards of twice the price of ripstop canvas. More information on serge ferrari sails can be found here.

That said, you are now armed with enough information to help you in selecting the most ideal solution based on the varying awning shade covers mentioned. Should you require more resources, feel free to visit the website links provided or reach out and we’ll gladly be of assistance.

Till next time…Baraka Tele