Awning fabric...vinyl fabric or acrylic fabric?

Empty Nest, Soon wrote:

Gjac wrote:
I have seen the newer vinyl awnings separate and pockets of water get in between the material. My friends awning must have had 2 gals of water in between the laminates. Mine is 18 years old and not delaminated. But if I were to replace it I would go with the woven Acrylic material.

On the TT in my signature, I had the experience of the vinyl awning delaminating and collecting water inside. That was after about 3 years. It is an A&E brand, made by Dometic.

At this point, it is such a mess that I haven't used it in years. It is so delaminated that it has lost its shape to some extent and it's very difficult to get it to roll up without getting all cockeyed. If I want shade, I set up a 30-some year old dining fly. Low tech, but still works fine.

My next RV will have an acrylic awning, with a protective cover for when it is rolled up.

Wayne

You are right. I have been trying to find just the cover but have not found a place that sells just the Aluminum cover. Has anyone found where the cover can be purchased?

Gjac wrote:
I have seen the newer vinyl awnings separate and pockets of water get in between the material. My friends awning must have had 2 gals of water in between the laminates. Mine is 18 years old and not delaminated. But if I were to replace it I would go with the woven Acrylic material.

On the TT in my signature, I had the experience of the vinyl awning delaminating and collecting water inside. That was after about 3 years. It is an A&E brand, made by Dometic.

At this point, it is such a mess that I haven't used it in years. It is so delaminated that it has lost its shape to some extent and it's very difficult to get it to roll up without getting all cockeyed. If I want shade, I set up a 30-some year old dining fly. Low tech, but still works fine.

My next RV will have an acrylic awning, with a protective cover for when it is rolled up.

Wayne

Don't think CW would know.

JaycoRickJoan wrote:
Hard to determine what brands the fabric is. Looks like the awnings are Dometic with fabric choices in the power awnings being 9100, and Weatherpro. The Weatherpro is the premium awning with the wind sensor and wireless remote.

I would be more concerned with the mfg process over the brand. Some are made in layers and pressed together(hot or cold) some are woven together with in my mine is better. Ask the Mfg how they are made.

Hard to determine what brands the fabric is. Looks like the awnings are Dometic with fabric choices in the power awnings being 9100, and Weatherpro. The Weatherpro is the premium awning with the wind sensor and wireless remote.

I have seen the newer vinyl awnings separate and pockets of water get in between the material. My friends awning must have had 2 gals of water in between the laminates. Mine is 18 years old and not delaminated. But if I were to replace it I would go with the woven Acrylic material.

In all probability both fabrics are woven but treated w/ 2 different types of coatings; can't say w/ certainty since I don't see the specs(denier/wght/fabric content/etc) for either fabric . Agreeing w/ Old Biscuit that Sunbrella is a superior product from it's look, texture and oftimes has a longer manufacturer's warranty than vinyl coated. I would ask for a sample of the 2 fabrics since it's difficult to ....see differences in fabrics on the 'net. HTH.

Acrylic is woven so it breathes and is cooler to sit under but being woven it has a treatment applied to repel water and resist stains. Over time that repellant needs to be reapplied or weave will begin to hold moisture and can be stained.

Vinyl is waterproof, easier to clean but hotter under the sun.

If the acrylic is 'Sunbrella' I would go with that. Sunbrella is top quality in acrylic

Good question. I'm in the market for one as well and was wondering the same thing.