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Can You Replace the Fabric on a Retractable Awning? Cost, Process & Benefits
Can you replace the fabric on a retractable awning, and when does it make sense?
Yes! You can replace the fabric on a retractable awning, and it’s easier than you think. Most retractable awnings use a replaceable cover that slides into tracks on the roller tube and front bar, or wraps onto the roller in a set way. A few designs use a more “one-piece” setup that’s harder to service, but fabric replacement is still common.
Fabric replacement makes sense when the “mechanical” parts still feel healthy:
- The awning extends and retracts smoothly.
- The arms look straight and hold the front bar level.
- The roller tube spins evenly, without wobble.
- Mounting brackets feel firm against the wall or fascia.
If the frame is in good shape, replacing fabric is often the most cost-friendly way to refresh the look and get reliable shade again.
Cases that may need more than fabric include bent arms, failing springs or a struggling motor, stripped mounting hardware, heavy rust, or broken pitch parts that won’t hold angle.
Signs it is time for new fabric (not a whole new awning)
Most homeowners notice the fabric aging long before the frame does. Watch for:
- Fading that makes the awning look “sun-bleached”
- Pinholes you can spot when sunlight shines through
- Seams separating or hems coming loose
- Fabric that flaps more because it has stretched
- Small tears that keep growing, even after patching
- Mildew stains that don’t clean up
- Water dripping through areas that used to shed rain
A quick tip: fabric can look fine from a distance but fail at the seams first. If the stitching is breaking or the edge hems are frayed, replacement is usually close.
Can You Replace Fabric on Motorized or Brand-Name Awnings?
Yes. Replacement fabric can be made for most major retractable awning brands, including:
• SunSetter • Eclipse • KE Durasol • Sunesta • Sunair • Aleko • Eastern • Aristocrat • Solair • Sunflexx
How to measure for replacement awning fabric
Most suppliers ask for a few core measurements, and they want them based on the awning itself, not the space on your wall. Measure the fabric on the awning, since frames can be wider than the finished cover.
What to measure: fabric width, projection, and valance
Fabric width is the finished edge-to-edge cover size, usually the part that sits between end caps. The fabric is slightly narrower than the full frame.
Projection is how far the awning extends out when fully open (from the wall to the front bar). Don’t estimate this from memory. Extend it all the way and measure, then add 8″-12″ for extra wraps that stay on the roller tube when fully extended.
Valance is the hanging flap at the front. This is the same width as your main fabric. You can choose a 6″, 7″ or 8″ drop/height. This is a personal preference.
How Retractable Awning Fabric Slides Into the Track Using the Spline
Retractable awning fabric is not simply stapled or glued into place. Instead, the fabric is engineered to slide into a built-in aluminum track on the roller tube and front bar using a flexible cord called a spline, which is sewn directly into the fabric hem.
The spline acts like a bead or rope edge that feeds into the channel and locks the fabric securely in position. As the awning extends and retracts, the spline keeps the fabric properly aligned, evenly tensioned, and smoothly guided along the track.
How the Fabric Is Installed Into the Track
During installation, the fabric is aligned with the roller tube or front bar track and carefully slid into place. The spline glides inside the channel while the fabric follows behind it, creating a secure mechanical connection without fasteners or adhesives.
Once installed:
The fabric remains locked into the track under tension
The awning rolls evenly onto the tube
Side-to-side tracking stays straight
Wind and operational loads are distributed evenly
This track-and-spline system allows the fabric to be replaced in the future without modifying the awning frame or hardware.
Standard ¼” Spline – Fits 99.9% of Retractable Awning Brands
PYC uses a durable ¼” spline sewn directly into every replacement cover. This size fits 99.9% of retractable awning track systems. We recommend confirming your existing spline or track size before ordering to ensure proper fit.
How Replacement Awning Fabric Is Installed
Fully retract the awning arms and securely tie or strap them in place before removing the old fabric. This prevents the spring-loaded arms from extending unexpectedly.
Unroll the old fabric while the arms remain retracted. The fabric will release from the roller tube and fall safely into a pile below for easy removal.
Remove the old spline and fabric from the track channels.
Align the new fabric with the track on the roller tube and front bar.
Slide the sewn-in spline into the aluminum channel, allowing the fabric to feed smoothly into place.
Keep the fabric straight and evenly tensioned as it slides to prevent wrinkles or tracking issues.
Secure the fabric ends once fully inserted according to your awning’s design.
Slowly extend and retract the awning to confirm smooth operation and proper alignment.
Two people are recommended for safer handling and easier installation.
Professional installation is advised for large or motorized awnings.
Measure your existing spline or track beforehand to confirm compatibility with the standard ¼” spline.
Important: Always secure the awning arms in the retracted position before removing old fabric. Awning arms are spring-loaded and can extend unexpectedly if not restrained.
What Makes Each Fabric Unique
🌟 Sunbrella – The Premium Standard
Sunbrella is widely regarded as the gold standard for outdoor shading fabrics — and for good reason:
Exceptional UV protection — resists sun fading far longer than most fabrics.
Superior color retention — stays vibrant for years.
Excellent mildew resistance — performs well in coastal, humid, and shaded climates.
Strong acrylic fibers — resist stretching, weakening, and breakdown.
Sunbrella is ideal for homeowners and businesses that want their awning to look great and perform for 10–15+ years with proper care. It’s more expensive up front, but the long lifespan and lower replacement frequency make it the top ROI choice. 10-Year Warranty
🌤 Solar Pro – Great Value Outdoor Fabric
Solar Pro is also a solution-dyed acrylic fabric designed for outdoor use. It offers many of the benefits of premium materials:
Good UV resistance
Solid water repellency
Strong, long-lasting fibers
Comfortable shade with excellent heat rejection
Solar Pro is a terrific choice if you want premium performance at a slightly lower price point than Sunbrella, without sacrificing long-term durability. 10-Year Warranty
⚠️ Cheap Polyester Fabric – Budget But Limited
Cheap polyester fabrics are sometimes found on low-cost awnings, discount covers, or poorly constructed replacements. While the price may be attractive, they come with significant drawbacks:
Poor UV resistance — fades quickly under sun exposure.
Weak fibers — stretch, weaken, or break sooner.
Low water resistance — prone to mildew and staining.
Uncomfortable shade quality — less effective at heat rejection.
Polyester fails well before acrylic fabrics, leading to more frequent replacements — which costs you more over time. Generally sold pre-made from big-box stores.
Simple Installation, Long-Lasting Results
Replacing your retractable awning fabric is simpler than you might think and can save you thousands compared to hiring an installer or replacing the entire awning. With a sewn-in spline design and basic tools, many homeowners can complete installation themselves while enjoying a custom-fit, long-lasting upgrade.
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Our home was built in 1900. Everything was easier than I thought to install. I measured the 4 areas of our porch. Everything came in exactly what I needed. Project looks great. Exceeded my expectations.
I had a few questions that were immediately answered via email. The new awning was as represented and fit perfectly. Highly recommend for their service and product.
I wish you would include a pull strap with the product.
Very nice quality product. Experienced difficulty installing due to the thickness of the seams. It took a lot of patience and time to thread the canvas into the tracks.
Our porch valances were exactly what we wanted. They are heavy duty and look great. We’ve had many comments.