The different characteristics of awning fabrics or fabric pergolas will allow you to make an informed choice of the fabric you want. The choice of pattern or color is considered, but you should not be guided only by aesthetics. In this article we give you complete information on awning fabrics or fabric pergola. We offer several collections of fabrics in our catalogs. These are the Telya 2 and Tibelly collections as well as the Orchestra, Orchestra Max and Sunworker Open collections from Dickson.
Acrylic fabrics dyed in the mass
The fabrics that we offer in our catalogs are acrylic fabrics known as dyed in the mass. The color of your canvas thus lasts much longer than a conventional acrylic fabric. Remember to check this criterion when choosing your awning for outdoor use.
Bulk dyed or dyed in the mass means that the acrylic fiber is dyed by color pigments directly incorporated into the acrylic yarn. The color fastness is therefore considerably better over time than a fabric whose thread is colored after its confection by soaking.
The weight of the awning fabric
You will not find cotton, polypropylene or polyester awning fabrics in our catalogs. However, specific fabrics can be requested on quotation from professionals. The weights of the acrylic fabrics from the Telya 2, Tibelly, Dickson collections that we offer vary between 240g / m² and 360g / m² (plus or minus 5%). This is a perfectly correct weight in acrylic tinted in the mass fabric for good stability for the awning over time as well as a controlled retraction.
High-tech fabrics
An awning fabric is a highly technical product. Just like a quality technical garment, our material for awning fabrics develop a high performance against UV rays, traction and bad weather. However, the requirements for environmental protection do not allow for complete perfection. Our suppliers for the Telya and Tibelly brands make compromises to guarantee high performance while respecting the eco-rules in force. Our commitment to the environment cannot be called into question for an increase in perfection to the detriment of our planet.
Some normal and unpredictable phenomena on a fabric
Be aware that certain phenomena which sometimes give rise to complaints from consumers are inevitable. These phenomena appear even though the production lines of these brands of fabrics are efficient and their preparation is elaborate. These folds, white marks or embossing do not in any way reduce the effectiveness of the awning or the pergola.
The folds
They appear during the making and folding of awning fabric. Marbling effects may appear. These darker backlit mottles, similar to dirt, occur mainly on light colors. These folds in no way reduce the quality or effectiveness of the awning fabric.
Chalk Marks
These clear traces appear during handling of the confectioned fabric. Unfortunately, they cannot always be avoided even when all precautions are taken. Their presence is therefore not a valid ground for complaint.
Waffling
The presence of several layers of fabric on the roller tube can cause tensions leading to undulations also called embossing. This phenomenon occurs mainly at the hems, seams and strips.
UV resistance and tensile strength
For each fabric reference we indicate its UV resistance. For non-solid color fabrics, this coefficient does not correspond to that of the majority color, it is different. The fabrics of the Tibelly collection block U.V. depending on the tone from 60 to 80%.
In addition, our fabric suppliers assure us tensile strength coefficients of Warp 140 daN / 5 cm and Weft 45 daN / 5 cm. With a dynamometer, the tensile strength before breaking the threads (warp and weft) is measured. Thus, the fabric manufacturer ensures that the resistance of the material subjected to a tensile force corresponds to the intended use (here an awning).
Go further with the Gtot
The Gtot of a fabric is the solar factor (energy transmission) of the latter. The lower the Gtot, the less solar radiation passes and therefore the stronger the thermal protection. This coefficient depends on the color of the fabric, as well as its weight. It is linked to the NF EN 14501 standard of December 2005. It is expressed by an index from 0 to 1. For example, a Gtot of 0.13 indicates a heat blockage of 87%.
The value of the total solar factor gtot takes into account the performance of the textile but also that of the glazing with which it is associated.
Total solar factor classes Gtot (according to EN 14501)
| Classe | Gtot1< | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Gtot < 0,10 | Very good effect |
| 3 | 0,10 <= Gtot < 0,15 | Good effect |
| 2 | 0,15 <= Gtot < 0,35 | Moderate effect |
| 1 | 0,35 <= Gtot < 0,50 | Little effect |
| 0 | Gtot >= 0,50 | Very little effect |
Colors, weight and warmth, the theory
The darker it is, the cooler it is. A dark awning positioned close to the window will absorb more heat than a light-colored fabric. For an awning that is not positioned directly above a bay window, you can indulge yourself by letting yourself be guided more by the aesthetic side of the ensemble. Regarding the grammage of the fabric, the higher it is, the more it will protect from the heat by absorbing it.
And in the event of fire, what will be behavior of my fabric?
For public establishments, it is essential to meet the fire-resistant standard for their curtains, drapes and blinds. Fabrics meeting the M1 standard are often called flame resistant, fire rated or flame-retardant fabrics. The lower the number after the M, the less combustible and flammable the fabric. From M0 which is non-combustible and non-flammable to M6 which is combustible and very easily flammable.
Maintenance for your awning fabric.
Plus vous prendrez soin de la toile, plus vous en profiterez. Nous vous donnons ci-dessous quelques conseils de base pour entretenir la toile de votre store :
Regularly remove dirt by brushing or lightly vacuuming the fabric
- Clean regularly with a low water pressure. Above all, do not use a pressure washer.
- Regularly use a mixture of water and a little neutral soap (maximum temperature 30°C).
- Never apply a strong heat source.
- Rinse the water + neutral soap solution with plenty of water.
- Let dry completely before rolling up the awning again.
- Never use solvents or even abrasive detergents.
Over time the fabric will inevitably lose its splendor but you will enjoy it for many years. We are committed to the repairability of our awnings. Moreover, it is not uncommon for customers to ask us for information about replacing the fabric on a 20 or 30-year-old Mitjavila awning.
Finally, you will understand that the collections from Dickson and the Tibelly and Telya 2 collections are very good choices for your patio awning or fabric pergola. It is these fabrics that we recommend for our products. They are made to measure to be best adjusted to the dimensions of the awning or fabric pergola manufactured. We hope to have given you the most important keys for the choice of your fabric.
