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In the fabric awning industry, the quality of the finished product depends on much more than the materials being used. From selecting the appropriate fabric to fabrication and final installation, every step requires knowledge, experience and proper training. When one part of that process is overlooked, even the best materials can fail to deliver the results the customer expects.
Proper training begins with understanding the application and choosing the right fabric for the job. Not every fabric performs the same way in every environment or application. Factors such as UV exposure, wind, rain, snow, climate, color retention, water resistance, geographic location and the span of the awning all need to be considered. An awning installed in Florida may face very different conditions than one installed in Michigan, just as a fabric that performs well across a smaller span may not be the best choice for a much larger one. Understanding where the awning will be installed and the demands that will be placed on the fabric is an important part of making the right selection.
There are also questions that go beyond simply choosing a color or fabric type. Is the awning going to be backlit? Will there be graphics? Will the fabric need to be digitally printed? What kind of application is it being used for? Does the location or application require a fire retardant fabric? Is it a traditional storefront awning, a large canopy or another specialty application? Is the customer looking for specific colors, branding, or a particular visual effect?
A fabric that works perfectly for one application may not provide the light transmission, printability, strength, fire performance or finish needed for another. Understanding these differences and knowing the requirements of the project allows fabricators to recommend materials based on the entire application, not simply appearance or price.
Accurate measuring and fabrication are equally important. A small mistake early in the process can become a much larger problem when the awning reaches the jobsite. Employees need to understand proper measuring techniques, patterning, fabric tension, seam placement, attachment methods and how the fabric will interact with the frame. Consistency in these areas produces a better-looking product while reducing waste, remakes and costly field corrections.
Installation is where all of that preparation comes together. Installers must understand the structure they are attaching to, appropriate fastening methods, proper fabric tension, water drainage, clearances, and the effects of wind and other environmental loads. They also need to recognize when field conditions differ from the original plans and know when to stop and ask questions rather than improvise a solution that could create a problem later.
Safety must also remain a major part of training. Awning installation can involve ladders, lifts, power tools, heavy frames and working at height. Proper procedures protect employees, customers, property, and the reputation of our industry.
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) also recognizes the importance of continuing education and developing the next generation of awning professionals. Stay tuned for upcoming PAMA certification courses designed to strengthen industry knowledge and help establish consistent best practices throughout the fabric awning industry. Training such as The Foundations of Awnings is an important step toward giving both new and experienced professionals the knowledge and resources they need to continue improving their craft.
Training should never end after an employee learns the basics. Materials change, equipment improves, building requirements evolve, and new fabrication and installation methods are introduced. Just as importantly, experienced employees possess valuable knowledge that needs to be passed along to the next generation.
As an industry, investing in training benefits all of us. Better trained employees create higher quality products, safer installations, fewer callbacks and more satisfied customers.
From the first fabric selection to the final fastener, quality is not an accident. It is the result of people who understand their craft, take pride in their work and have been given the training necessary to do the job correctly.
Josh Noecker is National Sales Manager for Awning and Sign Contractors. He is a member of the advisory board for the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, a member group of the Advanced Textiles Association.