We've been given an awning which, apart from dirty skirts is quite nice condition. The roof seems a bit "crisp" though. Is this down to age do you think or can anything be done with it?
I would say it feels slightly brittle, almost as if it will crack. I guess its polyester - as it was a freebie I didn't ask any questions but the fabric is plain grey on the outside & light speckled grey on the inside. We've unfolded it & folded it a couple of times without damaging it so maybe thats how its meant to be. Our F/C had an all cotton canvas awning so this is different for us.
Awnings usually come in two different types of materials which are Acryllic or Polyester. There are different grades which the thicker grade is better quality which is what you pay for. However, many awnings now have a Ten Cate Polyester roof because it is waterproof but also reflects sunshine so that the material doesn't fade. The Polyester roof does have a crisp feel to it in comparison to walls made of Polyester so I think that what you are asking is quite the norm regarding the crisp feel. Due to it's age it may well have age hardened as it may well be an outdated material but all you can do really is try it a few times and see if the material does crack or not. If it does then I think that the answer is to either have a new Polyester roof sewn in or scrap it and purchase another awning.
Thank you, that makes sense. The walls of the awning are really soft & the roof does feel like its coated with something. The roof also has a small hole in it which has some sort of glue(looks like old fashioned yellow gum) on it - so hopefully hat will be waterproof too. We're trying it out this weekend and hoping to get a good years use out of it.