Awning Fabric Repair & Replacement Guide (2026)

Opting for an awning fabric replacement is a highly advised and cost-effective investment, especially when compared to a full-awning replacement further down the line.

If it’s been 10-15 years since you first had yours installed, it may be time to replace your awning fabric - especially if it’s starting to look far beyond its sell-by date. 

However, knowing how to replace awning fabric correctly is prone to costly errors. While it can be a DIY job, we advise you to take care to read our guide or to consider hiring the pros here at Rollac. 

In this guide to awning fabric replacement, we’ll explain all and help you get started:

Signs Your Awning Needs Fabric Repair

Visible Thinning

Even when you give regular maintenance to your awning, the fabric will eventually begin to succumb to the elements and the usual wear and tear that comes with aging. If your awning is subject to high wind gusts year after year, the metal structure may hold up well, but the constant stress of the wind on the fabric will eventually take its toll. When you begin to notice you can see through the awning fabric a bit too much, repairs may be needed.

Color Fading

Along with the wind, UV rays from the sun can be very hard on awning fabric. Over time, the fabric will begin to lose its once-vibrant color. When it gets to the point of being noticeable, you may want to consider awning fabric repair.

Small Rips and Punctures

If you have trees near your awning, even smaller limbs that you assume won't cause any damage can fall and leave small tears or punctures in the fabric. Once these issues are noticed, you should take care of them right away. Otherwise, small holes will become big ones before too long.

Signs Your Awning Fabric Needs to be Replaced

Large Holes

Whether you have ignored what was once only a small hole in your awning or have a very large tree limb or other object fall onto the awning's fabric, a large hole or multiple holes in your awning's fabric likely means you will need to replace your entire awning. Since it is likely structural damage has also taken place with your awning, failing to replace it could put you and others at risk of being injured.

Mold and Mildew

Should you live in an area where heavy rain occurs on a regular basis, you may want to consider installing a waterproof retractable awning at your home or business. If you don't, mold and mildew may become a problem that results in the need for a new awning. While you can clean your awning to prevent mold and mildew, letting too much of it build up over time may prove to be too much.

Sagging

When you have a retractable awning and want to keep it in good condition, don't let vegetation or debris accumulate on it. When this is allowed to happen, the fabric can start sagging. If it stretches too much, it will be beyond repair.

Rust

When you are looking at your drop arm awning and notice rust on its metal parts, don't let that rust linger any longer than necessary. Once rust forms on metal, it greatly accelerates the metal's aging process. This could mean part of the metal structure could snap when you least expect it, leaving you and anyone else nearby surprised and injured.

Awning Fabric Replacement Cost 

The cost of repairing your awning varies depending on your approach. While the DIY route is ‘cheap’, it’s also prone to costly errors. We’ve heard countless nightmare stories of poorly measured and installed fabrics, which then later caused the entire roller mechanism to fail. And, you guessed it, that meant the owner had to pay out significantly on an entirely new awning. 

For that reason, we recommend professional replacement, which can cost between $280 to $1,300 depending on the size and complexity. If you’d like a quote from us, we welcome you to contact us today. 

Your choice of fabric also makes a big difference to the cost. Budget fabrics cost far less, but are prone to UV damage and tear. Whereas premium, UV-resistant, solution-dyed acrylics cost more but look great, perform great, and last far longer. 

How To Replace Awning Fabric

Can You Replace Awning Fabric Yourself?

Yes, an awning fabric replacement is possible as a DIY project, though we advise against it as misalignments and unbalanced fabrics can cause a whole heap of problems later on. 

But, if you want to take that approach, here’s a look at how it’s done: 

Remove the Old Fabric

To do this, remove the screws from the awning bar, then remove the end cap. Loosen the bar, slide out the valance, then take out the fabric roller and fabric.

Measure the Old Fabric

If you don’t measure the old fabric once it’s removed, you won’t know the correct size of the new fabric you will need. Measure the fabric’s length and width twice, just to make sure your measurements are accurate.

Choose Replacement Fabric

Next, choose your replacement fabric. Remember, you will probably have to cut it some to get an exact fit on your awning. Note the specific shape of your awning, then use specialized fabric-cutting scissors to get a clean cut. 

Install the New Fabric

To install the new fabric, first place it on the fabric roller and tighten all necessary screws. Then replace the end cap, making sure it too is screwed into place. Finally, put the awning bar back in place, making sure it is secured and that the fabric looks and lines up as you expected. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Awning Fabric

Over-Tightening the Fabric

Do not pull the fabric too tight. Excessive tension places constant stress on the roller tubes, seams, and stitching. 

So, while it may look good upon installation, fabric tearing and strain on the awning arms and motor will occur over time. 

Forgetting to Clean The Track and Roller 

Never install new fabric on a dirty roller. You’ll impact its lifespan immediately. All that dirt and old adhesive residue will seep into the new fabric, cause stains, wrinkles, fraying, and uneven retraction. 

Using Low-Quality Fabrics

Awnings are not one-size or one-material fits all things. You need to use fabric that is designed for the tension load and weather resistance of your awning. If not, you’ll soon see fading, stretching, and even tears within a short period of time. 

Incorrect Measurements

Finally, you have to be very precise with your fabric measurements. There must be a balance in dimensions, as otherwise, the awning will not retract, roll, or extend correctly, causing significant problems over time. 

You will also see the fabric wrinkle or bind, which never looks pretty. 

Not Having The Correct Tools

Don’t try to complete the job without the right tools; it’s a recipe for disaster. Ensure you have: 

• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Fabric-cutting scissors
• Ladder
• And a helper!

Choosing the Best Awning Replacement Fabric

When making an awning fabric replacement, take some time to select the right awning fabric. Each one has a big impact on appearance, durability, and long-term lifespan. Here are your choices:

Solution-Dyed Acrylic (Sunbrella, Sattler): 

Solution-dyed acrylic is the industry standard and our recommended best option. It’s extremely resistant to fading and UV damage, as the color is added at the fiber level before the yarn is even woven. 

It’s also good at reducing heat buildup, thanks to its breathable fibres, unlike polyester, which can get hot fast. With Rollac, our Acrylic awnings have a 10-year warranty. 

Polyester: 

Polyester is the budget-friendly alternative, which makes it very popular but certainly not better than solution-dyed acrylic. 

As color is applied after weaving, it fades faster than the alternative, but it is an attractive alternative for those looking to save some cash. 

Vinyl/Laminated: 

If water resistance is your primary concern, then know that vinyl and laminated fabrics provide the best water resistance. They block moisture entirely and are very easy to clean, but as a result trap heat underneath the awning. When used in drier climates, cracking is inevitable. 

Canvas/Cotton: 

Canvas and cotton offer a classic, traditional look that many people love. But, they’re far from the most durable, with poor UV resistance and high moisture absorption. As a result, they have a short lifespan and are not a recommended replacement fabric for retractable awnings. 

DIY vs. Hiring an Awning Pro

While it is not hard to replace awning fabric, it is also a project where you could potentially make plenty of mistakes along the way. For example, if you measure incorrectly and then start cutting on your new awning fabric, you may ruin it and find yourself spending money yet again for more fabric. 

Also, if you find it hard to stand on a ladder to perform certain tasks, you may not want to try replacing your awning fabric on your own. If all goes well with your DIY project, you can save substantially on labor costs. However, should you have any concerns about your ability to complete the job successfully, we suggest you hire an awning pro to ensure you get great results.

Know When to Call the Pros

If you want to avoid damaging your awning and roller system, then make sure the job is done right the first time by hiring the pros. 

Our team here at Rollac knows how to replace awning fabric better than anyone and can measure and install your awning fabric to perfection, ensuring problem-free use for years to come.