Can You Make Your Awnings Waterproof?

When you invest in an awning for your home or business, you intend to use it on sunny (and sometimes rainy) Arizona days. Fabric awnings and valences are made of high-quality, durable fabrics that are designed to last for years. However, years of exposure to various weather conditions and the sun’s harsh UV rays can weaken the canvas or acrylic fabric.

Fluctuating weather and temperatures can cause the fabric to stretch and contract, which creates gaps in the threads. While this is a completely normal occurrence within an awning's lifespan, it becomes frustrating once it compromises an awning’s ability to provide protection.

At Arizona Awnings, we use weather-resistant awning and shade fabrics that are designed to protect against sun and moisture. Customers across the Valley can enjoy these benefits for many years without the need to waterproof their awnings. Unfortunately, even the most durable fabrics cannot be resilient forever. Water can eventually begin to seep through the awning fabric’s threads or seams.

If you’re not ready to upgrade your current residential or commercial awning, you may be able to waterproof the fabric and extend the life of the awning.

Four Steps for Waterproofing Your Awning

1. Clean the awning

Before the actual waterproofing process can begin, it is very important that you take the time to thoroughly clean your awning. If you skip this step, you will likely trap dust, stains or debris under the waterproofing treatment — making it nearly impossible to clean later down the road.

To properly clean your awning, grab a bucket of water and add a mild detergent or soap (i.e., laundry detergent or dish soap). Using a soft bristle brush, sweep the soapy water across the fabric in a gentle, circular motion. This will help loosen up any dirt or stains trapped in the fabric.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, take a garden hose or bucket of water and rinse the awning completely. Allow the fabric to dry before applying the waterproofing treatment.

    2.   Protect surrounding walls, windows and furniture

While the awning dries, you can prep your work area. Using plastic and/or painter’s tape, cover any surrounding surfaces like windows, walkways and even the awning’s non-fabric components. Move or cover furniture using drop cloths and tuck patio plants safely away.

    3.   Apply the waterproofing solution

Once the awning is clean and completely dry and your work area is protected, it’s time to apply the waterproofing solution. When choosing the type of waterproof solution, look for a manufacturer-recommended product that is safe on all outdoor fabrics like the 303 Fabric Guard recommended by one of our top fabric suppliers, Sunbrella.

Using a spray bottle on the mist setting, apply the first coat of the solution onto the fabric. The initial coat doesn’t have to be perfect (meaning some gaps are okay) because you can apply up to three coats. Allow four hours between each coat to give the solution time to dry. With each new coat, pay attention to gaps and be sure to apply the solution evenly.

Do your best to avoid over spraying because it can cause the solution to run.

    4.   Test the waterproof barrier

After you’ve waited four hours for the final coat to dry, you can test the awning for any gaps. Taking a garden hose or bucket, pour water across the awning. If the water beads up and rolls off the awning, you have successfully created a waterproof seal.

Do not try this step until the waterproofing solution is completely dry.

Phoenix’s Destination for Residential and Commercial Awnings

For the past 90 years, Arizona Awnings has served our Phoenix communities by providing a quality product at a fair price. If you are looking to upgrade your current retractable awning or invest in a shade sail for your business, we’ve got you covered.

Our collection of colorful, weather-resistant fabrics can be customized to fit your awning’s specifications.

Give us a call at 602-252-3430 for a free on-site consultation and personalized estimate.