Different Awning Materials

In addition to the models, there are several types of materials available. Each one of them comes with some pros and cons. Understanding the features of each material will help you decide on the most suitable one for your RV. 

Acrylic Awnings

These are the most popular types of RV awnings. Acrylic awnings are made of synthetic materials that are highly resistant to weather conditions. They’re more durable than natural cotton blends and are incredibly versatile. 

Pros

•     Reasonably priced
•     Provides good air circulation and breathability in hot weather
•     Resistant to bugs
•     Can handle sun, rain, snow, ice, dirt, and dust
•     In wet weather, they repel most of the water and dry quickly, keeping the awning in good condition   

Cons

•      With time, the fabric stretches, and the awning starts to move in the wind. This affects its ability to provide shade and protection, and can also cause an annoying sound that deprives you of sleep when the wind hit the awning. 

Vinyl Awnings

Just like acrylic awnings, these ones are made of an affordable synthetic fabric that handles different weather conditions. 

Pros

•     Vinyl is fade, scratch, and puncture-resistant
•     Can slow down the spread of fire
•     These awnings are waterproof
•     The fabric stays taut on the frame
•     Highly resistant to pollution, grime, bugs, and sun rays, and provide better protection than the acrylic awnings

Cons

•      The water pools on top of the vinyl awning, so it can increase the risk of mold and mildew growth
•      Vinyl attracts dust and requires regular cleaning

Metal Awnings

If you’re planning to keep your RV parked for a long time, you might need to think about something more durable. Metal awnings are usually made of aluminum, which is usually used in fixed awnings. 

Pros

•        They’re highly durable
•      Resistant to extreme weather conditions
•      Looks more elegant than fabric awning
•      More expensive than other materials
•      100% waterproof

Cons

• They’re more expensive than other materials
• The sound of rain and hail falling on a metal awning can deprive you of sleep
• They require a lot of maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion
• Metals attract heat and will be extremely uncomfortable in hot weather

Wood

If you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly option, then you need to think about installing a wood awning. 

Pros

•     Less expensive than metal
•     You can make your own awning if you have the right tools 

Cons

• Not Waterproof
• Can easily get damaged
• Needs to be replaced more often