RV Canopy VS RV Awning: What’s the difference?
When looking for a quick and easy solution to beat the heat, the obvious answer is a canopy or awning. A fabric overhead will keep you safe from sunburn, cool you down, and serve as an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home or RV. What is important to remember is that canopies and awnings are not the same things. Despite accomplishing a similar purpose, they use different methods. So what is the difference between canopies and awnings? Let’s find out!
Is a canopy the same as an awning?
Although many people use the two terms interchangeably, canopies and awnings each have their own distinct features in that their architectural traits are different. A canopy is a freestanding structure that uses supports to maintain its height and location.
On the other hand, awnings employ another structure to remain in their position. Because they are attached to the structure, they often come with a way to roll in and out, meaning they have a more straightforward storage method. Awnings also generally come at a more defined slant as opposed to canopies.
Durability
Although canopies tend to have a longer lifespan than awnings, this is not due to a difference in quality. The reason for this is that a canopy is going to see a lot less use than its counterpart. Awnings are harder to take down, so many homeowners choose to leave them up during the winter and thunderstorms. This causes them to wear out faster and gives the illusion that they are less durable than canopies.
Canopies VS Awnings
Despite being so similar, canopies and awnings are difficult to compare due to the fact that they accomplish different things. If you want a fabric over your head anytime and anyplace, then canopies are the way to go. They have far more portability than awnings and only take 5-10 minutes to set up if you know what you are doing.
Awnings are more suited to a backyard. Not only do they provide you and your family protection from the heat, but they also provide your home protection from the sun. The added shade over the windows prevents sun damage to your flooring, furniture, and art that occurs after prolonged exposure to UV rays.
Awnings are easier than canopies to set up and store. However, that comes at the cost of portability. That said, awnings can become portable should you choose to attach them to an RV. If you are into camping, investing in an RV with an awning is imperative!
Which one is right for you?
When you go camping, it is imperative that you bring some form of protection. Having a way to shade yourself from the sun and rain will improve your experience and keep you safe.
As mentioned before, you are comparing apples and oranges when it comes to canopies and awnings. Because of this, many people choose to take both forms of protection with them on their trips.
If you have to choose between the two, then it is recommended that you go with the RV awning. They may be less portable; however, they are more convenient than canopies. One of the hardest parts of camping is the hours of set up right when you get there. An awning is easy to set up and easy to put away, so it is one less thing to worry about. Taking down a canopy is not always convenient. For example, if it is storming, then braving the weather is going to be dangerous. Despite this, a canopy requires you to choose between risking it or yourself.
We Can Help You!
RV Awnings specializes in making awning fabric of the highest standard and offers a variety of options. If you have any further questions or would like to order replacement fabric for your awning, call us today.