Canopies are architectural designs that offer protection from harsh weather conditions including sun and rain. They also enhance an areas identity and look. These covering are usually installed to a main faade or elevation of a building.

During early times, front part of the shops is fixed with sloping canvas that covers the foods from sunlight to avoid their spoilage. It started in Ireland as part of the permanent fixture of shops. However they are rigid and commonly not retractable. They are said to alter the architectural form and uniformity of the streetscape style.

Another type of traditional cover is a Dutch canopy that is similar to the shape of the pram hood, which is covered with fabric or plastic material and can be plain or designed with graphics. They can be folded but cannot be hidden.

Earlier, the use of cotton canvas is the only material that fits an awning. Thanks to technology, now more variations are out and more choices of materials are available that cater to a larger residential and commercial market.

Today synthetic fabrics are on the rise. And fabric choice for Awnings Canopies depends on its application:

1.Interior/ exterior

2.standard residential/ commercial project or illuminated

Based from Awning Division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), Seven Primary Fabrics are used for the manufacturing:

1.Vinyl- coated polyester

2.Vinyl- laminated polyester

3.Acrylic-coated polyester

4.Vinyl- coated polyester/ cotton

5.painted polyester/cotton

6.solution-dyed acrylic

7.solution-dyed modacrylic

Outdoor awnings such as Shade Sails have fabrics that are finished with clear topcoating that add strength and protection from dirt. The foremost topcoat used is Acrylic and is then followed by Urethane. They are also credited for improving the lifespan of fabrics that can extend up to five years.

Topcoatings are extra layer of protection that is applied to laminated or coated fabric. They avoid migration of plasticizer and improve the surface graphics and neatness. Solar shading material becomes in-demand too as a form of material. They are proven to lessen the heat and glare that are useful for buildings, greenhouses and solariums having large glass portions. Apart from that, casual furniture fabric comes into mainstream offering more choices for colors and texture. This fabric is suited for casual furniture, awnings and umbrellas.

There are stripes, solid and pattern designs that are woven using dobby and jacquard methods. Today, there are also mixture of fiber compositions that are used for making canopies including PVC/acrylic and PVC/olefin that are available in a more affordable range and offers greater performance and durability.