Just Sox

Retractable Awnings - The Long-Standing Question of Cotton and Solution-Dyed Acrylic

The Long-Standing Question of Cotton and Solution-Dyed Acrylic

The fabric is the first visual element in a retractable awning. It’s both the most dramatic and most fragile element in retractable awnings. Any wear, tearing, fading, or rot on the fabric immediately diminishes the overall suitability of a retractable awning, even if the frame and accessories of the awning are sound.

Because the fabric of the awning is so important, a lot of research and technology is geared toward improving retractable awning fabrics. There are basically two major camps for fabrics: natural cotton and solution-dyed acrylic. The key to understanding the best retractable awning fabrics lies in knowing both the history of awning fabrics and the technology of modern fabrics.

The Demand of Outdoor Fabrics

Fabrics on retractable awnings have to withstand a lot of environmental abuse. Outdoor fabrics of every type – cotton duck to vinyl to acrylic – face significant wear and demanding conditions.

Mechanical damage, such as tearing and fraying, can come from heavy winds or the weight from rain, snow, ice, or debris. (This is one advantage of retractable awnings; closing the awning protects it from those kinds of loads.)

The true grinding wear on awning fabrics, though, comes from standard weather:

• Sun and UV damage

• Heat and cool

• Moisture

• Mildew

• Debris and dust

This causes fading, tearing, and discoloring. Outdoor fabrics, then, have to find a way to resist these environmental factors.

Cotton and Early Awnings

Awnings are an old architectural convention, dating back to the Greeks and Egyptians. In the beginning, awnings were made with woven leaves, which segued into linen. In the 19th century, awnings had a bit of a renaissance in Europe as both a stylish and practical window dressing. At that time, awning fabrics were usually cotton duck, an oiled canvas that was heavy and somewhat water repellent and used for ships’ sails.

Cotton canvas remained popular well into the mid-20th century. Even now, canvas is still a common (though decreasingly popular) awning fabric. It has a few advantages as a retractable awning fabric, namely that it is breathable and has a pleasing visual texture. New scientific advances in the latter 20th century introduced additional treatments to both cotton plants and processed cotton to make it more durable and mildew-resistant.

Another advantage for cotton is piece dyeing. Piece-dyeing cotton – the most common method for outdoor uses – creates vibrant color, some of the most beautiful in fabrics. In piece-dyeing, the cotton is immersed in hot liquid dyes, then forced through rollers to even out the color and remove the excess.

Piece dyeing isn’t without drawbacks. It is done on full bolts of cloth, not individual threads, so it is only good for solid colors. To get stripes or other patterns, the contrasting colors have to be painted on, which is not particularly durable and creates a flat, one-sided visual effect. Piece-dyeing is also susceptible to environmental wear from sun, UV rays, and even humidity and salt water.

Despite the breeding enhancements, cotton has significant weaknesses for outdoor use. Despite the treatments, it is still prone to mildew and rot. According to one cotton mill site, after only two weeks in the sun, cotton is less than half as strong and increasingly brittle, losing its elasticity and becoming prone to tear or fray.

The Evolution to Solution-Dyed Acrylic

Acrylic fabric was born in 1944, as part of the flurry of research for World War II because of the military demand for quick, cheap, and highly durable materials. Acrylics are much better for outdoor uses than their manmade cousins like vinyl because acrylic is a fiber rather than a sheet; it can be woven, it’s lightweight, and it’s breathable. Acrylic fabrics dry quickly, have flexibility and elasticity, and have the pleasing texture and softness of natural fibers like cotton. Unlike cotton and linen, acrylics cannot support mildew growth, so they are innately mildew resistant.

From a color standpoint, acrylics have another advantage over natural fibers. Acrylics are made in a lab. All of the components to make the acrylic yarn is mixed in that lab – including the color. This is called solution-dyeing, which means that the pigments are added to the acrylic solution. The color is part of the fabric. This leads acrylic fabrics to have very long-lived colors, better pattern quality, and both stain and fade resistance.

Because solution-dyed acrylics are so good in rough conditions – like tangy salt air and water and prolonged sun exposure – acrylics were quickly adopted for maritime fabrics like sails. From there, it was a smooth transition for acrylics to be used for retractable awnings and other outdoor applications.

Contemporary Choices

Most retractable awning lines now depend exclusively on solution-dyed acrylics for five reasons:

• Simple care (just an occasional rinse with the hose)

• Durability(with some manufacturers offering a 10-year warranty)

• Amazing color and pattern selection

• Effective fade resistance

• Innate mildew resistance

Natural fabrics like heavy cotton duck and chunky linens have a nostalgic panache for awnings. The technology behind solution-dyed acrylics enables acrylic fabrics to have the best virtues of natural fibers – softness, texture, breathability – combined with the durability, vibrancy, and resistance of manmade materials.

About the Author

Retractable Awnings offers quality awnings and patio covers, which are both reliable and easy to use .http://www.retractableawnings.com

theme Cotton Stretch Roll Tab Pants

6 Foot Fitted Polyester Tablecloth A new and economical alternative to using table skirting is to cover your table with a fitted tablecloth. Fitted tablecloths fully drape most standard rectangular banquet tables, and can be combined with other table linen accents such as overlays or table runners to take your presentation to the next level of elegance. These durable, machine-washable tablecloths are made of a heavier fabric than m...

Rotisserie Elastic Food Ties EFT-50 $12.99 Chicken Ties are a necessity for every rotisserie lover. These extremely popular elastic chicken ties make tying up your chickens, roasts, and turkeys a cinch! They're so easy to use, and hold the meat together as it cooks. You won't have any legs or wings flopping around. You can never have too many chicken ties; we go through these so fast! Since the chicken ties are not available in stores, bu...

Coverflex Reusable Food Covers This amazing food cover is a great alternative to traditional throwaway products like plastic wrap, plastic bags and aluminum foil, which all present inconveniences beyond just being wasteful. Plastic wrap constantly twists and sticks together and like plastic bags can not be used in a microwave or oven. Aluminum foil is not airtight, deteriorates when touching acidic foods like tomato sauce and i...

Frederick Fennell Conducts $30.98 ...

The Common/Broke Elastic/Rotten Cotton/Hound Dog/Snoopin'/Ankle Droopin'/Funky Fuzzy /White Sock Blues #2/High Steppin' Mama Rca 74-0569: The Common/Broke Elastic/Rotten Cotton/Hound Dog/Snoopin'/Ankle Droopin'/Funky Fuzzy /White Sock Blues #2/High Steppin' Mama by Dallas Frazier...

West Chester 708SK Cotton/Polyester Glove, One-Sided PVC Dots, Elastic Wrist Cuff, 9.5 Length, Men's (Pack of 12 Pairs) $6.00 A comfortable medium weight cotton/polyester knit glove with PVC dots on one side provides general-duty protection and enhanced gripping ability. Premium natural white string knit. PVC dots on one side. Knit wrist. 70% Cotton & 30% Polyester w/PVC dots...

Welders 23 Sleeves - Navy Blue - Cotton-Elastic Cuffs Large - Yellowjacket $21.94 Cool Flame Retardant 9 Oz. Clothing Conforms To Astm D6413-99 Flame Retardant And Washability Test Methods Dielectric Snaps, Reinforced By The Spatter Guard Flap Located Behind The Flame Retardant Closure Conforms To Astm D6413-99 Flame Retardant And Washability Test Methods. Washable Flame Retardant 9 Oz. Cotton Garments Specially Designed Under Arm Sport Cut For Increased Mobility Welding Sleeve...

Welders 23 Sleeves - Navy Blue - Cotton-Elastic Cuffs Large - Yellowjacket $21.94 Cool Flame Retardant 9 Oz. Clothing Conforms To Astm D6413-99 Flame Retardant And Washability Test Methods Dielectric Snaps, Reinforced By The Spatter Guard Flap Located Behind The Flame Retardant Closure Conforms To Astm D6413-99 Flame Retardant And Washability Test Methods. Washable Flame Retardant 9 Oz. Cotton Garments Specially Designed Under Arm Sport Cut For Increased Mobility Welding Sleeve...

Wii Fit Pair of Socks $5.99 CTA DIGITAL Wi-WFS Pair of Socks for Wii Fit. Designed for the Wii fit Balance Board, these padded sole socks provide grip on many surfaces for ideal control and balance. Made from elastic cotton to insure flexibility and breathability, to keep you comfortable and secure during your Wii fit workouts!...

Wii 5-in-1 Active Sports Kit $16.99 Embark on a healthy fitness regimen with the 5 in 1 pack for the EA Active game from CTA Digital. With this basic yet handy bundle you’ll be able to exercise using the EA Active game, and refresh yourself while you stay in shape. The kit contains the following to start a new way of enjoying your EA Active: Leg Strap - Insert your Wii Nunchuk movements tracked on-screen with the specially-des...

Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask $10.00 New Lewis N Clark Comfort Eye Mask In Black! This award winning travel collection is made out of cushioned material that blocks light. Get the rest and relaxation that you are looking for. Great item when traveling or relaxing in a massage session. The pillow soft velour, cotton and padding soothe tired eyes. Blocks light and stays in place with adjustable elastic straps....

Casabella Premium Water Stop Gloves, Medium 1pr $2.50 Casabella 46010 Medium Water Stop Gloves, PinkCasabella 46010 Medium Water Stop Gloves, Pink Features:; Latex with cotton flocking lining; Safe grip; Extra long cuff turns up to catch liquid; Pink; Medium...

GT 4 Cotton Elastic Bandage with Velcro Closure on both ends, 4 inches wide x (13 to 15 ft. when stretched) $4.95 4 Inch Premium Elastic Bandage, 4 inches wide x (13 to 15 feet when stretched). Latex Free ~ To be used when even compression is required ~ Secured with Velcro-style self closure sewn on both ends. Also look for (search) our 2", 3" and 6" GT Cotton Elastic Bandages. Questions call 800-527-1995...

Happy Owl The Clutch for iPad 2 (IPAD2-CL-BLCK) $79.99 Happy Owl Studio has created a fine quality accessory for holding the iPad 2 and everything the modern women needs to get through the day... Ladies, it's time to ditch to your purse and clutch onto this chic leather portfolio case! Like a chic designer purse, "The Clutch" is a leather portfolio case for holding a cell phone, cash and coins, business and credit cards, pens, keys, lip-gloss, sungl...

Cosmos ® Red Bag/Sleeve for New Macbook Pro 15 15.4 Inch and Dell Toshiba HP laptop + Cosmos cable tie $14.99 High quality Soft material. Protect your laptop from scratching, dust and fall off Easy to place laptop into and take it out from the case Ideal for carry alone or put into a large bag Surface is very smooth, touch is very comfortable....

Cover-Up Sony Tablet S (9.4-Inch) Version Stand Natural Hemp Cover Case - Sahara Brown $36.99 A stylish, earth friendly Cover-Up Version Stand case made from soft and durable hemp to protect your Sony Tablet S (9.4-Inch) Tablet. The lightweight case is contoured to perfectly fit the Sony's smooth, rounded edges. Unsnap the elastic closure, flip the case over, and the built in multi-angle stand offers you three settings, allowing you to choose the perfect viewing angle. Each fantastic na...

180 Elastic Cotton MMA Handwraps (Pair) - Black $2.99 NEED WRAPS WITH GOOD PROTECTION? HERE THEY ARE. Meister MMA's 180" MMA and boxing handwraps. These handwraps are made of high-quality cotton and spandex. They also feature a thumb loop to keep the wraps snug. These wraps come in pairs. Meister MMA handwraps also feature velcro on one end to secure the wraps from sliding. These handwraps are a must for any MMA fighter or boxer. And this is the best...

Harrisville Designs a-Lotta Loops - Makes 8 Potholders $14.95 Lotta Loops Replacement Set contains enough cotton loops to create 8 additional potholders. Made in the USA....

Squirrel Underpants - Unisex $4.03 Squirrel Briefs For squirrely lawyers? No, that would be stupid. These are genuine squirrel underpants. Nothing salacious, just your standard white cotton jockey-type drawers with an elastic waist. These are XXXXS, with a 9" waist, but for squirrels they're pretty much one-size-fits-all. (Will also fit most guinea pigs but are probably over-sized for the average gerbil.)...

Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics $6.99 Written both for beginners as well as the sewers who are ready to design their own wearables. The perfect blend of expert instruction and wonderful inspiration. This spiral- bound book lays flat for easy reference and features full- color photographs of sample skirts. HARDCOVER Storey Publishing...

Historical Directory of Trade Unions: Cotton, Wool and Worsted, Linen and Jute, Silk, Elastic Web, Lace and Net, Hosiery and Knitwear, Textile Finis $97.90 Volume 4 in a historical directory of trade unions. It is concerned with unions in the following trades: cotton, wool and worsted, linen and jute, silk, elastic web, lace and net, hosiery and knitwear, textile finishing, tailors and garment workers, hat and cap, and carpets and textile engineering....

Specification for elastic flat braids containing natural rubber with cotton, rayon or nylon (BS 1850) ...

Vagden Diabetic Men's Casual Cotton Non-elastic Socks (2 Pairs) Vagden Diabetic socks are a perfect alternative to more expensive diabetic socks without sacrificing quality. These socks come in four colors, are sold in 2 pair packs and offer amazing value for the cost conscious consumer. A non-binding top which does not restrict circulation and non-irritating toe seam means relief from sore swollen feet! We are so confident you will like our socks they all com...

Mens 100% Cotton Diabetic Cushion Sole Socks (2 Pair) These are premium diabetic socks for men made from cotton. They are very soft and feature a cushion sole, suitable for everyday use or even sports. All the features of much more expensive diabetic socks at half the cost!...

Florsheim Mens 2-pack Non Elastic Comfort Top Socks $10.00 2 pack non elastic comfort top anklet...

KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Theraeputic Tape - 20 Pre-Cut I/Y 10 Strips $15.99 KT Precut Tape is perfect for athletes, weekend warriors, and everyone with sore muscles! KT Tape provides muscle pain relief, increased mobility, and enhanced recovery. Can be worn for up to 4 days per application. ...

180 Elastic Cotton MMA Handwraps (Pair) $5.99 NEED WRAPS WITH GOOD PROTECTION? HERE THEY ARE. Meister MMA's 180" MMA and boxing handwraps. These handwraps are made of high-quality cotton and spandex. They also feature a thumb loop to keep the wraps snug. These wraps come in pairs. Meister MMA handwraps also feature velcro on one end to secure the wraps from sliding. These handwraps are a must for any MMA fighter or boxer. And this is the best...

Russell Athletic Men's Cotton Performance Baseline Short $15.00 From workout to weekend, this comfy pocketed short will be a go-to favorite....

Kitestrings Boys 2-7 Toddler Elastic Waist Cargo Pocket Short Boys cotton plaid shorts. Side cargo pockets with velcro closures. Full elastic waistband with decorative draw cord....

Jones New York Women's Sleeveless Shirt With Elastic Drawstring Shirt $64.00 Sleeveless with elastic drawstring shirt...

Wes and Willy Boys 8-20 Elastic Waist Plaid Seersucker Short Full elastic waist royal seersucker plaid short with 2 front quarter turn pockets, 2 back welt pockets and a fake fly...

Premium Stay-On Cotton Terry Cloth Polishing Bonnet for 7 & 8 Polisher - Wide Elastic $2.59 ...

4 Pack 6 Inch Terry Cloth Bonnets $12.99 These four bonnets are all made of 100% cotton terry cloth bound with durable elastic. They fit snugly over a 6" lambswool leveling pad. Use this pad on a 5" or 6" backing plate on a dual action polisher only, such as the Porter Cable 7424. When applying or removing a product, reverse the bonnet when it becomes heavily saturated. Do not use the same pad to remove wax and polish. Applying waxes and...

M Tronic Heated Auto Seat Cushion Foam Filling Elastic Fastener Hooks Straps DC Power Plug $26.99 M Tronic Heated Auto Seat Cushion Foam Filling Elastic Fastener Hooks Straps DC Power Plug...