Solar control awnings

Solution-dyed acrylic fabric (Sauleda, Dickson Orchestra, Sunbrella) is a dense, opaque cloth, ideal for classic folding-arm or cassette awnings because it gives full shade and a textile feel. Screen fabric (Serge Ferrari, and also Soltis in its micro-perforated range) is an open-weave technical fabric: it filters the sun and blocks much of the radiation, but lets light through and keeps the view outside. That's why screen fabric is more associated with vertical awnings and with shopfronts or offices.

A south-facing position gets strong sun for many hours, especially in summer. For that exposure, a heavyweight solution-dyed acrylic in a medium or dark colour is a good choice, as it stands up well to UV radiation without fading, or else a screen fabric with a low openness factor (around 3–5 %) if you want to keep the view. In parts of the Berguedà, Bages or Osona, where strong sun and summer storms go together, we also consider the wind resistance of the fabric and the whole awning.

A solution-dyed acrylic fabric from a reputable brand keeps its colour steadily for ten to fifteen years of normal outdoor use, because the fibre is dyed right through before it is spun. Coated polyester screen fabrics usually offer a similar lifespan in terms of structure, although their finish may age sooner in very salty or polluted environments. Commercial warranties are typically around five years, but the real lifespan is usually much longer.

Yes. If the awning's structure (arms, cassette, brackets, motor) is in good condition, replacing just the canvas is a common job and much cheaper than changing the whole unit. We assess each case individually: we measure, check the condition of the arms and the head rail, and suggest a fabric compatible with the model. It's very common with cassette awnings such as the Storbox 400 or Splenbox 400 that have been installed for ten years and only need new canvas.

Most acrylic awning fabrics are water-repellent: they shed the water from light rain, but they aren't waterproof and shouldn't be used as a watertight roof. That's why an awning is no substitute for a bioclimatic pergola with adjustable louvres. Screen fabrics, being open-weave, let water straight through. If you need a genuinely watertight cover against sustained rain, the right solution is a pergola with a louvred roof or a fixed roof, not a fabric awning.

Best avoided, especially at high pressure. The jet can damage the weave of the fabric, strip the factory water-repellent treatments and leave permanent marks. If you need a deeper clean, use a hose at normal pressure, a soft-bristled brush and pH-neutral soap. Rinse well and let the awning dry fully extended before retracting it; that way you'll avoid damp stains and possible mould.

First of all, don't force the controls or pull on the fabric. Check whether the remote responds and change the batteries if they're old. Also check the fuse box in case the circuit breaker has tripped. If the awning still won't move after these checks, give us a call. Many issues are solved in a single visit by adjusting the limit switches or replacing a specific motor component.

Yes. As part of our friendly after-sales service, we can schedule an annual or twice-yearly check of your pergola or awning. We inspect the motor, sensors, seals, fixings, drainage and the condition of the fabric, and we put any recommended work in writing. We cover the whole Berguedà, Bages, Osona and Cerdanya area. Book by phone or through the contact form and we'll arrange a no-obligation visit.