Your awning protects you, come rain or shine, but what protects your awning? Your awning stands alone against the relentless sun and heavy storms, keeping you sheltered come what may, so… don’t you feel a little guilty not doing anything for it? Jokes aside, in order for your awning to do its job, you need to equip it with the necessary tools, and in this case, that means waterproof coating. But first, let’s clear up a common misconception. Many people actually believe that all fabric awnings are waterproof, because they don’t see water seeping through during rain. But in reality, many fabric awnings are merely water-resistant, not waterproof. The reason why rain doesn’t seep through is because of the water-resistant coating that repels rain. As long as it’s sloped and allows water to keep flowing off, this water-resistant coating is usually enough for water to not penetrate the water-resistant fabric. The problem is, during extended periods of heavy rain, water will slowly start to get past the water-resistant coating. It’s not waterproof, only water-resistant, so given enough rain, water will get through this coating and the fabric will absorb this moisture, or even start dripping water. People just don’t realise this happens because long, extended periods of heavy rain are rare in Singapore, and when they do come, most people will eventually head indoors. Seldom do people stay outdoors long enough that they start to see water seeping through, and many homeowners also retract their awning during storms. But even if you don’t need your awning to be completely waterproof to shelter you, it’s still a good idea to waterproof it. If not, each time it rains, water will work its way into your fabric awning, causing your fabric to stretch and shrink with these moisture level changes. This wears out your awning quicker over time, and also increases the likelihood of mould and mildew forming. That’s why waterproofing isn’t just essential for shelter against the rain — it’s a vital step to preserve the longevity of your fabric awning. But wait! Before you begin waterproofing your awning, you need to make sure that your awning actually needs that waterproofing. What we mean by this is that certain fabrics are already waterproof, so don’t do double work and apply another layer of waterproofing. To ensure you know whether or not you need to waterproof your fabric awning, we’ll be starting with a section breaking down which awning materials need waterproofing, and which ones don’t. Let’s begin! Which Fabric Awning Materials Need Waterproofing?
There’s something deeply satisfying about an outdoor kitchen that actually works. And we’re not just talking one that looks the part… We’re talking one that handles the hustle. Searing steaks under open skies… Pouring drinks beneath string lights… Hosting dinner without scanning the clouds every five minutes… If you want the lifestyle, the bottom line is that you have to invest in it. Because for all that promise and curb-appeal glory, one thing that separates a truly usable space from a short-season novelty is the shelter. Not the collapsible kind that wilts in the wind or sours after a week of rain. We’re talking real, integrated shade — sharp enough to handle heat, rain, and breeze, while still being subtle enough to lift the whole setup. Awnings are precisely that investment. Done right, they don’t just block sun: they shape your space. They expand your comfort zone, stretch your season, and keep the BBQ vibes alive even when the weather’s picking a fight. So let’s explore how to invest in an awning the right way. Do You Really Need An Outdoor Awning? Outdoor kitchens are all about extending the indoors outside. You’re turning open-air into something just as liveable, practical, and comfortable as the space inside. But the second you take off the roof, you’re inviting in the elements, and rain doesn’t RSVP to your neighborhood BBQ. Awnings resolve this tension. They bring overhead coverage without boxing you in. Unlike pergolas or permanent structures, they adapt — retracting when you want the light, rolling out when you need the cover. However, unlike less impressive solutions such as umbrellas or pop-ups, they’re also built to last. Proper awnings are anchored, engineered for wind, and ready for years of sun and storm. But invisibly, they also do something quieter: they define the space. A thoughtfully placed awning says, “This is the kitchen.” Or, “This is where you sip chardonnay while I char the brinjal.” It’s architectural punctuation — the line between lounging and grilling. The subtext between background chatter and BBQ mastery where a memorable gathering exists. Fixed vs Retractable Awnings
