Awnings have long been used as an effective protection from the sun and method of cooling for business and residential buildings. Canvas duck was popular in the earlier half of the 1900s, but was replaced by vinyl after World War II. The 1960s saw production of many synthetic materials used in awning construction. Today, awnings on homes and recreational vehicles can be made from vinyl, canvas or acrylic-based fabrics. Most fabric repairs can be accomplished by using an appropriate patching material.
Step One
Repairing Rips - Measure the length and width of the rip, using a tape measure or ruler. Add 1 inch to each measurement to determine the patch size. Canvas awnings require fabric patches; for an acrylic or vinyl awning, use adhesive-backed vinyl repair patches or repair tape.
Step Two
Cut a patch of the appropriate material to the patch measurements, using scissors. Stretch the awning flat. Pour alcohol onto a rag and wipe it across the ripped area to it. Clean both sides of the area. Allow the alcohol to dry.
Step Three
Remove the patch backing. Centre the patch over the rip and press it into place. If using repair tape, centre the tape over the rip and press the tape to the awning. Cut off the excess tape.
Step Four
Turn the awning over. Repeat Step 3 to cover the back of the rip. If you have a canvas awning, proceed to Step 5.
Step Five
Lay the ripped area of a canvas awning over an ironing board. Centre the fabric patch over the rip and press it onto the fabric with an iron.
Repairing Small Holes in Acrylic Fabric - Heat an awl or a needle carefully over a flame or stove. Touch the hole in the awning fabric with the hot awl. The heat will melt the acrylic, causing the frays around the hole to fuse so it cannot grow larger.