This is a good question and worth some discussion. Depending on how the fabric is attached can have an impact on the ease and cost of the replacement fabric, or if can be repaired, should something happen.
In our region of the USA, quality frames are constructed of aluminum or galvanized steel. They are almost always welded together. Some of the frames have extra bars welded interior that serve as points to “rope” or “lace” the awning covers on. We call this a lace bar frame. These are easy to recover and easy to service, should a cover get damaged. These types of frames usually require a full-service awning or fabric company as they require a number of different skills. Sewing machines, grommets, etc.
Some frames use a unique extrusion of aluminum that has a groove in the middle meant to provide a spot to staple the fabric to the frame. This groove is then covered with a PVC filler to cover the staples. We call this a staple frame. This method was developed so that a fabricator could provide a whole awning without the need to sew anything. This mainly applies to sign companies. The finished product is clean and tidy, but the PVC filler does tend to stand out. Some companies use a hybrid method of sewing and stapling to produce a very clean look. Once fabric is stapled to the frame, it is basically impossible to service it.
Yet another type of frame, one that isn’t welded, is a slip-fit pipe frame. These use a series of fittings and ends to join pipe together. These are usually much older and were made by fabricators that didn’t have the capacity to weld metal. We call these slip fit frames. These style frames are antiquated and are usually hard on the fabric, often many “hot spots” exist that can rub holes in the material. If you have this, it’s worth asking a reputable awning company to make a new more modern frame. These frames do allow for the covers to be removed for service.
The last kind of frame you will typically run across is just plain welded together tube or pipe. Fabric is attached with many screws, or even wrapped around thin strips of metal and then that is screwed to the inside of the frame. This is another common method used by sign companies or others that might not have the capability or time to finish the fabric in more detail. The covers can be removed for service, but they aren’t very clean looking to the discerning eye. When these come to our shop, we often retrofit them with lace bar so that the fabric can go on cleaner and get tensioned correctly.
