| About Awning Fabrics |
563-513-7660 sales@awningsbyace.com Jeff Walker
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
SUNBRELLA AWNING FABRICS:
Q: Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
A: Because Sunbrella fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but
not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303
High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Q: Will Sunbrella fabric mildew?
A: Mildew will not grow on Sunbrella unless there is food, dirt or other organic matter on
the fabric. Keeping Sunbrella clean is the best defense against mildew. Bleach and other
mildew removers do not affect Sunbrella, so cleaning mildew is easy if it becomes
necessary.
Q: Can I hose down Sunbrella fabric?
A: One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay the need for
deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This
practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate
the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough
cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Remember after hosing down the fabric
to allow the fabric to air dry.
SUNBRELLA AWNING FABRICS:
Q: Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
A: Because Sunbrella fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but
not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303
High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Q: Will Sunbrella fabric mildew?
A: Mildew will not grow on Sunbrella unless there is food, dirt or other organic matter on
the fabric. Keeping Sunbrella clean is the best defense against mildew. Bleach and other
mildew removers do not affect Sunbrella, so cleaning mildew is easy if it becomes
necessary.
Q: Can I hose down Sunbrella fabric?
A: One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay the need for
deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This
practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate
the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough
cleaning will be needed every two to three years. Remember after hosing down the fabric
to allow the fabric to air dry.
Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc. Copyright © 2008. All Rights Reserved. Somfy® is a registered trademark of Somfy. |
WARRANTY
This limited warranty is valid only if a copy of the invoice for the item purchased is submitted showing date of original
purchase.
What Is Covered?
This limited warranty covers the fabric becoming unserviceable because of loss of color or strength from normal
usage and exposure conditions, including sunlight, mildew and atmospheric chemicals. Consumer is responsible for
normal care and cleaning of the fabric. This warranty covers fabric only. Glen Raven's liability is expressly limited to
this warranty.
How Long Is The Coverage Period?
For Sunbrella®, Sunbrella Plus® and Sunbrella Firesist® this limited warranty coverage runs for five years from the
date of original installation.
What Will Glen Raven Do?
Glen Raven will supply new fabric free to replace the fabric that becomes unserviceable.
How Can You Get Service?
Call the dealer or retailer from whom you purchased the product, to inspect the claim. They, in turn, will contact the
manufacturer of the item purchased. The manufacturer will then contact Glen Raven and secure replacement fabric for
you.
This limited warranty is valid only if a copy of the invoice for the item purchased is submitted showing date of original
purchase.
What Is Covered?
This limited warranty covers the fabric becoming unserviceable because of loss of color or strength from normal
usage and exposure conditions, including sunlight, mildew and atmospheric chemicals. Consumer is responsible for
normal care and cleaning of the fabric. This warranty covers fabric only. Glen Raven's liability is expressly limited to
this warranty.
How Long Is The Coverage Period?
For Sunbrella®, Sunbrella Plus® and Sunbrella Firesist® this limited warranty coverage runs for five years from the
date of original installation.
What Will Glen Raven Do?
Glen Raven will supply new fabric free to replace the fabric that becomes unserviceable.
How Can You Get Service?
Call the dealer or retailer from whom you purchased the product, to inspect the claim. They, in turn, will contact the
manufacturer of the item purchased. The manufacturer will then contact Glen Raven and secure replacement fabric for
you.
CARE AND CLEANING:
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is
to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough
cleaning will be needed every two to three years.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or, size
permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
* Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
* Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100°F.
* Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on an awning frame, follow these simple steps:
* Brush off loose dirt.
* Hose down.
* Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
* Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
* Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
* Rinse thoroughly.
* Air dry.
* May not require retreatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off
or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances
that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
* Eight ounces (1 cup) of chlorine bleach.
* Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
* One gallon of water.
* Clean with soft bristle brush.
* Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 20 minutes.
* Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 20 minutes.
* Rinse thoroughly.
* Air dry.
* Repeat if necessary.
* Retreatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not
Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.
If an awning is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
* Use mild soap and/or detergent.
* For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
* Wash and rinse in cold water.
* Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
* Retreatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
Retreating the Fabric
As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water
repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based
on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred retreatment product for
Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. For more information
on retreatment products, please visit www.303products.com.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and
reduces the fabric's water repellency.
* Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
* Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
* Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
* Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
* Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance
than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)
For more information please see www.303products.com.
Professional Awning Cleaners
You may have access to professional awning cleaning firms. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you
should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment
requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.
Helpful Hints
* Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella
fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
* Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
* If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the
recommended 100°F temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
* DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
* Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and
other non-Sunbrella components.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F.
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is
to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough
cleaning will be needed every two to three years.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or, size
permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
* Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
* Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100°F.
* Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on an awning frame, follow these simple steps:
* Brush off loose dirt.
* Hose down.
* Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
* Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
* Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
* Rinse thoroughly.
* Air dry.
* May not require retreatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off
or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances
that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
* Eight ounces (1 cup) of chlorine bleach.
* Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
* One gallon of water.
* Clean with soft bristle brush.
* Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 20 minutes.
* Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 20 minutes.
* Rinse thoroughly.
* Air dry.
* Repeat if necessary.
* Retreatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not
Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.
If an awning is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
* Use mild soap and/or detergent.
* For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
* Wash and rinse in cold water.
* Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
* Retreatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
Retreating the Fabric
As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water
repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based
on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred retreatment product for
Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. For more information
on retreatment products, please visit www.303products.com.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and
reduces the fabric's water repellency.
* Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
* Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
* Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
* Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
* Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance
than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)
For more information please see www.303products.com.
Professional Awning Cleaners
You may have access to professional awning cleaning firms. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you
should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment
requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.
Helpful Hints
* Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella
fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
* Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
* If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the
recommended 100°F temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
* DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
* Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and
other non-Sunbrella components.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F.
- Frequently asked questions
about Sunbrella awning
fabrics. - Care and cleaning of fabrics
- Sunbrella's warranty
information
We use. . . .
Q: How can I clean bird droppings on my awning?
A: For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off,
acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest the following products: an off-the-shelf product
such as Goo Gone Grease Cutter (a hand cleaner), Greased Lightning, Clean Rite Purple Power (available at Wal-Mart,
K-Mart, etc.) or Release (available through Awning Rejuvenation Systems International in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida;
800.776.5664). Rub product into fabric, allowing penetration. Brush with a soft brush, rinse THOROUGHLY and repeat
if necessary.
Q: In your cleaning instructions, you use the term "Mild" or "Natural Soap". What is "Mild" or "Natural" soap?
A: By "Natural" or "Mild" soap we mean Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. These gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not
diminish the water-repellent "finish" applied to the fabric.
Regular laundry detergent will not harm the fabric, but the water-repellent "finish" will be removed sooner (laundry
detergents do not affect the stain and UV resistance). BE SURE to use cold water and to air dry the fabric when using
laundry detergent. In addition, after several cleanings you will need to retreat the fabric with a water repellent
product, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Q: Do Sunbrella fabrics provide UV protection?
A: Sunbrella awning fabrics have been tested and proven to prevent up to 98% of the sun's radiation UV protection
from passing through the fabric when used in shade applications. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends
Sunbrella(r) as an aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin.
Certain styles of Sunbrella, including Sheers and Shadow, are engineered to allow some light transmission, and
should not be used in shading applications where UV exposure is a concern.
Shade products such as umbrellas may not provide protection from sunlight reflected from surfaces such as water
or concrete. Please use shading products featuring Sunbrella as a part of your complete sun protection regimen,
including regular use of sunscreen.
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