Aluminum Extrusion – Structural tubing forced through a die to form various shapes.
Aluminum Frame – A non-rusting, long lasting, strong framework over which the awning material is stretched. An aluminum frame will never need painting.
Art Data – A color proof of the awning graphic layout prior to actual production.
Awning Information Form – Used to provide all pertinent information to us such as awning shape, sizes, color, etc.
Awning-Ready Surface – To make the building’s mounting surface ready to accept the awning, generally by installing boards to level the surface and provide a flat area.
Awnmax – A non-eradicable vinyl substrate with an acrylic top coat that provides excellent fade resistance, cleanability, mildew prevention and flame retardancy. 19.1 oz. per square yard.
Backing Rod – Foam sealing rod used to form a seal around the building and the back of the awning.
Back-lit Awning – Highly visible, round-the-clock identification used on storefronts, convenience stores, restaurants or any business which requires signage.
Beading - A vinyl welting hammered into the groove of the aluminum extrusion after the fabric is stapled in. It is designed to cover the staples and matches the color of the awning fabric. See also Vinyl Insert.
Binding – A decorative trim on the edge of a valance.
Blackout – An opaque film applied to the back of the vinyl substrate to prevent light from shining through the substrate when lit. The letters and logos which are desired to be lit are cut out of the opaque film to allow illumination.
Blowout – The separation of the substrate from the frame as a result of wind velocity.
Bow Spacing – The distance between aluminum awning members.
Breaking Strength – The measured load required to break a fabric under tension.
Bullnose – An awning style with a flat front and curved top.
Camera Ready Artwork – Graphic logos and text which are clean and ready to be scanned in to produce awning artwork.
Canopy – An awning style generally used to extend over sidewalks and entrances. Can be either a mansard shape or resembling a half-barrel.
Canvas – Cotton, linen or synthetic woven fabric. See Acrylic & Sunbrella
Clearance – The height above the sidewalk at which the awning will be installed.
Coated Fabrics – Fabrics coated, covered or treated with various substances to make them stronger and or more resistant to weathering elements.
Cooley Brite – A vinyl substrate engineered for high color brilliance and translucency in back-lit awnings. It accommodates numerous graphic opportunities. 20 oz per square yard. See Translucent & Coolthane.
Crazing – The condition of scratch marks on the surface of fabrics. These can occur as a result of abrasion or folding.
Daylight Area - The area on the awning which is made available for graphics. Generally the vertical face.
Delamination – The separation of individual plies in a laminate or the separation of the vinyl substrate from the scrim.
Diffusion Panels – Clear, acrylic solid panel used in the bottom of an awning frame to diffuse light and give a finished look to the awning. A 2’ x 4’ panel in a prism pattern. Often used in interior awnings over food serving areas. See Eggcrating.
Dimensional Stability – The state of a fabric whose stretching and shrinking have been controlled.
Dome – An awning style resembling a quarter of a sphere.
Duck – A closely woven, heavy fabric.
Eggcrating – White, polystyrene open panel used in the bottom of an awning frame to diffuse light and give a finished look to the awning.. 2’ x 4’ panel in a checkerboard design with ½" x 3/8" openings. See Diffusion Panels.
Eradication – Removing the top color on a specially dyed substrate to create bold white graphics on a solid color background. It also creates the possibility of adding pressure sensitive vinyls to provide numerous creative multi-colored design opportunities.
Final Measurements – Detailed building measurements from which the awning can be built.
Fire Proof – A fabric which has been treated so that it is absolutely impervious to flame.
Fire Retardant – A fabric which has been treated which will repel flame or which will prevent the spreading of flame.
Fluorescent Fixtures – U.L. Listed, high-output fixtures for exterior, damp locations. Each fixture uses two lamps. Stock sizes of 4’ 6’ and 8’.
Font – A set of lettering styles.
Frame Drawing – A line drawing of the awning framework which shows dimensions, frame style and other options such as lighting and eggcrating.
Graphic Area – The area on the awning which is made available for graphics. Generally the vertical face.
Hand – The feel of a fabric to the touch…its roughness, softness, etc.
Laminate – A fabric made up of two or more plies fused together under a combination heat, pressure and adhesive.
Mansard – An awning style which is triangular in shape and resembles a roof line.
Mask – Graphic film applied to an awning to be used as a stencil for eradicating graphics.
Mildew Resistant – A cloth treatment that discourages the growth of mold and fungi.
Plotter – A computerized piece of equipment used to lay out and cut graphic film prior to being applied on the awning.
Poles - Used to support canopies and larger awnings. Available in steel or steel with a brass sleeve. Steel poles are generally painted to prevent rusting. They can be mounted directly to the concrete or set into the ground.
Preliminary Measurements – Rough measurements of a building to be used for estimating purposes only.
Pressure Sensitive Graphics – Films cut by computerized plotter which are hand-applied to an awning surface.
Recessed Face – A graphic area which is inset into the frame to give definition and depth to the awning.
Reflections – A vinyl substrate which is a tough, yet soft and workable fabric for back-lit awnings and canopies. The acrylic topcoat enhances cleanability and life of the fabric. Highly resistant to ultraviolet rays, mildew and water. Excellent for all types of graphic applications. 15 oz. per square yard.
Rendering – A realistic computer enhanced photo of your building showing the awning size, placement, color and graphics.
Sample Cards – Cards which display actual awning substrate samples for color.
Screen Printing – A screen is made of a fine mesh onto which paste color is forced through the screen onto the receiving fabric.
Scrim – Polyester, low shrink knitted yarn manufactured into the vinyl substrate.
Sign Band – The graphic area of an awning.
Signtech – A flexible, reinforced vinyl substrate coated with a premium ink and FX protective coating. 22 oz. per square yard.
Staple-In Method – Awning material is attached directly and firmly to the frame without sewing. The fabric is inserted into the aluminum extrusion’s groove and stapled directly to the awning frame. This process assures a tight, wrinkle free fit. See diagram.
Sunbrella – A woven, solution dyed acrylic fabric offering excellent fade and weather resistance. Soft and easy to work. Sunbrella is breathable and does not trap heat or moisture. Water repellent. Available in over 100 solids and stripe patterns. 9.25 oz. per square yard. Accepts painted on or screen printed graphics.
Tear Strength – The amount of pressure, in pounds, necessary to tear material.
Underwriter’s Laboratories – An independent, impartial, and not-for-profit organization that has devoted itself to testing for public safety. They are the leading third-party product safety certification organization in the United States and the largest in North America. Our products are regularly evaluated to nationally recognized safety standards with regard to fire, electric shock and related safety hazards.
UV Resistance – Ability to withstand decay due to the damaging effect of the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Valance – A short (approx 6"-12") decorative, loose edging around the bottom of the awning.
Vinyl Insert – A vinyl welting hammered into the groove of the aluminum extrusion after the fabric is stapled in. It is designed to cover the staples and matches the color of the awning fabric. See also Beading.
Water Repellent Finish – A finish applied to cloth which makes it relatively impervious to the effects of water.
Waterfall – An awning style with a curved top and flat graphic area.
Waterproof – The ability of materials able to resist water penetration and leakage.
Wicking – The absorption of moisture containing dirt or pollutants into the substrate fibers.
Woven Fabric – Fabric composed of at least two sets of yarns laced at right angles to each other.
Z-Bracket – 1" steel bracket for the mounting of awnings.
