Canopy materials

[tico]

Any thoughts on which is better material for canopies
PVC or Acrylic Canvas ???
Is it OK to use washing-up liquid to clean the canvas type or does it remove the waterproofing??

 

[MedMan]

We have used Acrylic for our bimini and our extending sun screen that rolls out from the bimini to the mast. We scrub it at the end of every season using liquid detergent. No problems in 5 years, but I should say that the canopies are not, and never have been, water tight. They are there to keep the sun off, not water!

In my experience PVC goes sticky and manky after a year or so in the sun. I would steer clear of it.

David

 

[Col]

It depends on what you want, for me it's Acrylic for sure. Pvc sweats, unlike Acrylic, which breaths. My covers are waterproof too.

 

[ccscott49]

I'd go for acrylic, you can buy it treated, and then its completely waterproof, apart from the stitching holes!, which also swell later and stop, almost leaking. You can scrub it with anything, the proofing is on the inside.

 

[chippie]

Sunbrella is the tradename for a good quality synthetic canvas which comes in a range of colours.

 

[bernard_foster]

I sewed up a new canopy last september and used navy grade heavy canvas, then gave a very generous coating with mesawax, sadly, i overlooked the fact that there, was a flat part to the top of the canopy, where water lay when it rains, consequently when the sun comes out, algae forms... nothing rots canvas quicker than algae. I have now invested in heavy pvc sheet to start again. with alterations to the frame, to make each panel sloping.

 

[Guest]

Go for Acrylic, much better to handle, looks great and lasts if you choose a good product like Sunbrella. Darker colours are better as they don't tend to show the marks. Once a year I wash them thoroughly with car shampoo then spray the outside with Fabsil. After 5 years they look as good as new with no leaks.

 

[ccscott49]

Sunbrella is but a trade name, they also charge you extra for the name, when it is only acrylic canvas, go for the waterproof treated stuff, you will; be pleased with it, I promise, soft to handle easy to fold away, long lasting and nice looking. The proofing, makes the indide look a little darker than the oputside, but not a problem IMHO.