Does the Fabric on an Awning Affect Its Cooling or Energy Efficiency Benefits?

Potentially. Certain colors will have an impact on the amount of heat that’s absorbed into the awning fabric. Lighter colors are better at reflecting heat, while darker colors tend to absorb heat. Both a black awning and a white awning will provide shade and drop the temperature of a patio, but the white awning will reflect more heat while the black awning might radiate more heat down.

However, color is not the only factor in temperature regulation – or even the most important factor. The fabric itself can play a significant role in heat transference and cooling potential. At Arizona Awnings we understand that people invest in awnings to help keep patios, homes and businesses cool, so we install fabrics that best accomplish that goal. We also don’t want our clients to feel as if they must choose a light-colored fabric to maximize the cooling potential of their awning.

That’s why we utilize fabric brands like Sunbrella™ and Synthesis Commercial 95 (Coolaroo).

Solid colors also aren’t the only option you have when it comes to awnings. If you want to balance out the heat absorption of your awning you can always get an awning with a striped pattern.

There are also ways to offset the potential radiant heat drawbacks of a darker awning fabric. If you install an awning higher on your home or business, there will be added space below the awning fabric to better dissipate the radiated heat. Awnings with openings on three sides also allows for far greater heat dissipation, which might negate any added heat absorption from a darker colored awning fabric.

Will the color of your awning or shade sail fabric affect the temperature underneath your shade structure? Potentially, but the difference in degrees might be negligible or even non-existent depending on factors like awning height and airflow.

Should you get a fabric color you don’t like just to get a fractional improvement in cooling? No – probably not.

Before you make your color or pattern choice based on reflectivity, talk to our Arizona Awnings experts. They may tell you that for your particular awning or shade sail project the darker color won’t make a perceptible difference in shade comfort.

Fabric Materials, Manufacturing Quality and Technology Might Make a Bigger Difference Than Color

Engineered fabrics, specialized pigments and protective finishes can maximize not only the protective features of awnings and shade sails but also their longevity and ease of maintenance.

The Sunbrella fabrics we install on our Phoenix awnings excel in everything from UV protection and fade resistance to water resistance.

• Fibers in Sunbrella fabrics are saturated with special UV-stabilized pigments to prevent fading
• The special solution dying method results in truly vibrant awning fabrics that maintain their brilliance for the long-term, even when exposed to Arizona’s harsh sunshine
• Through unique fabric and pigment engineering these fabrics provide exceptional stain resistance and can be easily and safely cleaned
• If you have an awning installed by Arizona Awnings and want to know what types of soaps or diluted bleach solutions are safe to use on your awning, give us a call at 602-252-3430.

Commercial 95 Coolaroo Shade Cloth

The material used in the construction of shade sails needs to be especially tough due to the nature of these shade structures. Free-standing shade sails are often exposed to harsh annual monsoon windstorms and dust storms. It takes a special kind of fabric to not only withstand those winds but look great while it’s doing it.

Shade sail fabrics also need to excel at their primary purpose – providing shade, reflecting UV rays and minimizing heat transference.

• Coolaroo shade cloth is engineered to be breathable, with millions of microscopic holes that allow for optimal airflow without compromising UV protection
• The shade provided by the fabric can reduce the sun’s heat by 32 percent
• You can expect between 91 and 95 percent UVR protection when you’re under an Arizona Awnings shade sail made from Commercial 95 Coolaroo shade cloth
• Coolaroo is available in a variety of vibrant colors that will complement the style of your yard or property

Ready to Learn About Your Awning or Shade Sail Options in Phoenix?

If you want to protect your family from damaging UV rays while maximizing the usefulness of your backyard patio or pool, call Arizona Awnings at 602-252-3430. We would be happy to come out and provide a free on-site estimate.