I frequently receive the same questions, about Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi. So I am copying and pasting the answers, from my business Facebook page, and compiling them into one Post. Maybe this will be helpful to you. You might have had some of the same questions yourself, but were afraid to ask!
Answer to a commonly asked question:
"Do I need to spray water repellent or UV protection on Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric awnings?"
No! Do not spray anything on marine grade awning fabric. It is 100%
solution dyed acrylic fibers, intended to be out in the sun, wind and
rain, providing protection for many years. Picture of my awning during a
heavy rain storm that blew in unexpectedly last year. My awning is over 10 years old now. Expected 10 years before showing signs of fading, or leaking. A breathable fabric, for comfortable air-flow. Has a high UV rating to protect you from the harmful effects of the sun. Is also mildew resistant, cleans up with a weak bleach solution, and will not crack on fold lines like vinyl does.
Since commercial awnings and boat covers are exposed to the elements constantly. After years in the pelting rain, and vigorous deep cleanings, the water repellent quality may be reduced. So, I did find out that there is a product, for awnings over 10 years old, that no longer adequately bead up water.
However, since our vintage trailer awnings are only used occasionally, and usually just receive spot cleanings, expect 10 years of protection from the original fluorocarbon water repellent treatment. The recommended routine cleaning is to remove any obvious debris and hose down the awning and let it air dry. I carry a small broom to sweep off storm debris before hosing off my awning.
I
looked up the definition of inherent, since UV protection is an
inherent part of Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric. It also means
intrinsic, existing as an essential constituent, a permanent inseparable
element, or a basic part of something. So, my understanding is that the UV protection is part of each fiber,
incorporated into the solution dying process. Color and UV protection
to the core of each fiber. UV protection against the harmful effects of
the sun, and to keep the awning from fading. Color to the core of each fiber. It is not a screen printed pattern on a white background. It is equally vibrant on both sides of the fabric.
Answer to another commonly asked question:
" I need my awning by such-n-such a date, will I have my awning by then?" I do my best to meet deadlines, however------
Because I never know: If an when my sewing machine will breakdown, if
and when I will have an illness, if and when a deep freeze will make the
basement too cold to work, if and when the power will go out, and on
and on. Thank you for understanding that I am not in control of every
situation that might happen, or the postal service delivery. For
example: Right now I am waiting for Sunbrella Braid Trim and shock poles
to arrive in the mail, for me to be able to complete several orders.
Answer to another commonly asked question:
"What size awning do I need for ____ brand of trailer, that is ___'
long?" I need the length of the most level section of your own,
installed, c-channel, awning rail, not the length of your trailer.
Awnings are made to fit the installed awning rail. Do not include in
your measurement where the rail curves downward on the ends. Awning
rails may be installed along the roof-line, or they might be on the
flat, front facing, surface of the trailer. For example: An Airstream
trailer might be 16' over-all length, but their awning rail is only 6'
long.
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| If a heavy rain storm rolls in unexpectedly,quickly tilt your tent poles. If you expect rain, graduate your tent poles, or Tee-Pee them, and adjust the tie-down lines accordingly. |
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| We camp in high wind and heavy rain, so this is the set-up we use on our tie-down lines. |
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We clamp these on the ends of the awning, to keep the wind from sliding the awning along the awning rail. |
"What type of tent poles should I use?"
After many years of using Coleman, and TexSport, adjustable height tent poles, which are steel tent poles, we graduated last year to aluminum, 8', Eureka, tent poles. Since we camp in extreme weather conditions, we always had extra poles in our trailer, just in case we needed one. Didn't want to worry about the poles, just wanted to enjoy a good rainstorm. However the telescoping, steel, adjustable height tent poles needed maintenance. In humid or rainy conditions, the sections needed to be separated, dried off, surface rust removed and stored in a dry place.
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| Here you can see the wind starting to puff up the awning. |
Answer to a commonly asked question:
"How much are your awnings?"
There is not enough information in this question to give an informative answer. Awnings are not "One-Size-Fits All".
Of course a small awning takes less fabric, thread, edge binding, vinyl
welt, shipping cost and insurance, than a large awning. An awning with
fringe, pockets for shock poles, plus the shock poles, adds to the
price as well, plus shipping/insurance cost. The more information you
provide me when inquiring about an awning, the closer an estimate I can
provide for you.
"What are the advantages of an arched awning?"
There are several advantages to an arched awning:
1) The awning can be set up in the traditional Rope And Pole style or
Arched up with shock poles. The pockets are hidden in the facings, so it
looks fine either way.
2) Shock poles provide lift for extra height underneath.
3) Shock poles provide incline for rain run-off.
4) The tension on the shock poles makes the awning taut.
So even when
the ground is too soft, or saturated to hold tent stakes with tie-down
lines in, the tie down lines can just be anchored with weights and the
awning will still be taut. Sometimes vendors need to set up on
hard-packed soil, or on concrete. Again, with weights on the tie -down
lines, to keep the wind from catching the awning, the taut appearance is
provided by the shock poles.
Answer to another commonly asked question: "How long does it take to make an awning?"
It generally takes about a week, to make a medium sized awning, plus
2-3 days more for priority mail shipping in the USA. Large awnings, plus
awnings with shock poles, take longer to make.
