The following are frequently asked questions and troubleshooting procedures regarding Advaning products. For any questions or an apparent issue that cannot be resolved, please feel free to contact Advaning’s Customer Service team via email with your specific question; service@advaning.com
General Questions
- Q1. : Who is Advaning?
- Advaning is a US-based company that is headquartered in sunny southern California. We are dedicated to quality design & manufacturing of a wide array of awning and shade solutions for both residential and commercial applications.
- Q.2 : What is a polycarbonate awning?
- A polycarbonate awning is a stationary awning product with brackets that is permanently attached to your home, business or other structure. It provides protection from rain, snow, and hail. These products can also provide protection from the sun and UV rays.
Typically, a polycarbonate awning is smalller in projected size and may be available in a variety of widths and, depending on the style, can be connected to allow for customers to customize width coverage, if needed.
Follow Up Questions
1. What is polycarbonate? Answer: Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates when used in engineering materials are proven to be stronger and more break resistant than most other plastics. Polycarbonates can range in thickness, density (hollow or solid), clarity and textures depending on the individual manufacturing process.
2. What makes polycarbonate better? We use a solid polycarbonate sheet as apposed to many of our competittors who use hollow sheets. A solid sheet is thin and flexable whereas hollow polycarnonate sheets are rigid, they distort the light and accumate dirt, moisture and mold within their cavaties. - Q.3 : What differentiates Advanings polycarbonate awnings from its competitors?
- Advanings polycarbonate awning series collections; PN, PA, & PS feature a 1/8″ solid sheet of virgin material polycarbonate. This polycarbonate sheet when combined with the quality components included makes for a superior product that outperforms and outlasts similar competitors on the market today.
•Polycarbonate Strength: When compared to others polycarbonate awnings, one major difference is the polycarbonate strength and quality. As most competitors offer low-cost hollow polycarbonate typically made of lesser-grade materials containing impurities that are weak to impact stresses and heavy loads. Advaning’s solid sheets are virtually unbreakable and have been tested to withstand from 200 lbs. up to 550 lbs. (depending on size and series).
Click through for individual weight limit tests:
PA Series Weight Capacity Test Report
PN Series Weight Capacity Test Report
PS Series Weight Capacity Test Report
• Polycarbonate Structure:
Hollow sheets are prone to dust, moisture, and mold collection within the cavities. Due to the structure design of the cavities, they are difficult to clean and will need special equipment or replacement when dirty. Advaning polycarbonate sheets are solid, crystal clear, and require minimal maintenance.
• Polycarbonate Seams:
In order to save money on shipping, competitors offer connectable polycarbonate sheets that require a plastic connection piece that connects two or more smaller sheets together. On top of being unsightly, this plastic connection piece is typically made of cheap non-UV-rated plastic which tends to break or crack easily when exposed to the elements. Advaning’s polycarbonate awnings are seamless solid sheets of polycarbonate with zero obstructions.
• Brackets
Competitors offer plastic brackets that like the connection pieces they offer are typically never UV rated and will not last long when exposed to the sun’s rays. Advaning offers two styles of brackets that are made of materials proven to last in the elements; the PA series includes die-cut solid aluminum brackets powder coated and finished in metallic silver. PN series includes an injection mold nylon with a fiberglass reinforced bracket in either Black or White – The unique design allows users to connect multiple units side by side to achieve custom widths.
• Assembly Components:
Most competitors offer lower-grade rubber seals and installation hardware. Advaning offers EPDM-rated rubber seals, top-quality aluminum front / rear bar caps, and SS304-rated installation hardware
• Warranty and Service:
Most competitors do not offer a warranty beyond the return or grace 30-day period.
Advaning is proud to include a 1-year warranty along with lifetime customer support from our Orange County California-based service center. - Q.4 : Where can I purchase Advaning Products?
- Advaning awning products can be purchased online via most major online retailers and directly from www.advaningshop.com. or from our growing list of regional distributors/installers. For a list of regional distributors/installers please send an email to service@advaning.com along with your zip code or complete address.
Follow Up Questions:
How long does a polycarbonate awning take to arrive at my location once an order is placed?
Answer: Advaning does not control the shipper, shipping speed, or service level of our distributors, installers, or our marketplace dealers. We encourage you (the customer) to contact your point of sale for specifics about delivery or order details. When an order is placed via our shop site: www.advaningshop.com, you can expect to receive tracking information typically within 48 hrs and delivery completion within 7-14 business days after the order is received.
What kind of carrier does Advaning use to ship the polycarbonate awnings?
Answer: Advaning does not control the shipper, shipping speed or service level of our distributors, installers, or our marketplace dealers. We encourage you (the customer) to contact your point of sale for specifics about delivery or order details. When an order is placed via our shop site: www.advaningshop.com you can expect your polycarbonate awning order to ship via a select Freight Carrier, FedEx or UPS – depending on the size and qty of units ordered. Freight carriers require a delivery signature confirmation and direct communication with the buyers to coordinate and schedule the delivery of our product.
Product Questions
- PQ.1 : What are the differences between Advaning’s polycarbonate awning series?
- Advaning offers three similar, but distinct polycarbonate awnings options.
PA SERIES
• Solid polycarbonate panel with UV protection, *available in Clear, Gray, or Frosted
• Door awning sheet is made from 100% virgin raw material
• Aluminum brackets: 1061 grade
• Bracket Color: Metallic Siver Finish (powder coat)
• Aluminum bars: 6061-T3 grade
• Rubber seal: Top industry EPDM grade
• Hardware: Stainless steel 304 grade
• Available Sizes: 47″x 35″, 59″x35″, 79″x35″, 94″x35″ – *Polycarbonate Color/Finish Options Available in Select Sizes Only. Click here for PA Series Dimensions
PN SERIES
• Solid clear polycarbonate panel with UV protection
• Door awning sheet is made from 100% virgin raw material
• Fiberglass reinforced nylon brackets
• Bracket Color: White or Black
• Aluminum bars: 6061-T3 grade
• Rubber seal: Top industry EPDM grade
• Hardware: Stainless steel 304 grade
• Available Sizes: 47″x 31.5″, 55″x31.5 – Connectable for custom width. Click here for PN Series Dimensions
PS SERIES
• Solid tinted polycarbonate panel with UV protection
• Door awning sheet is made from 100% virgin raw material
• Galvanized steel brackets
• Bracket Color: Charcoal Gray
• Aluminum frame: 6061-T3 grade
• Rubber seal: Top industry EPDM grade
• Hardware: Stainless steel 304 grade
• Available Sizes: 79″x 35″, 94″x35″ – Connectable for custom width. Click here for PS Series Dimensions
They are distinctive in look and features; PA, PN, and PS series’ awnings all include top-quality materials, installation hardware, and solid polycarbonate sheets.
The main differences include:
Bracket Design and Material
Overall Finish/Color Option
Size Options
Polycarbonate Options (Clear, Tinted, or Frosted)
Connectability Options for Custom Widths - PQ.2 : What is the wind rating limits on Advaning’s polycarbonate door awnings?
- Due to variables such as awning size, installation type, weather conditions, and general care/maintenance, Advaning does not have a wind rating that can be generally applied. Our polycarbonate awnings are manufactured to the highest of standards, and with top-quality materials, they are made to last for many years when properly installed and maintained.
Advaning recommends that potential customers review the PA, PN, or PS series owner’s manual and the independent stress test from Intertek and ATS testing labs; see PQ.3 - PQ.3. : What is the weight capacity for an Advaning’s polycarbonate awnings?
- Advaning’s polycarbonate awnings boast superior strength with impact and heavy loads. Our solid, virtually unbreakable polycarbonate sheets have been tested to withstand weights from 200 to 550 lbs. (depending on size and series).
Click through the following links for Intertek and ATS testing lab testing results;
PA Series Weight Capacity Test Report
PN Series Weight Capacity Test Report
PS Series Weight Capacity Test Report - PQ.4 : How do you care for an Advaning polycarbonate awning?
- Advaning’s polycarbonate awnings require minimal care when properly installed. Owners can perform periodic inspections to ensure that all the screws are properly tightened and that the silicone seals are in good condition. Re-tighten all screws and reapply silicone as needed to prevent water leakage.
Snow Loads – Advaning recommends clearing excess snow from collecting on the polycarbonate sheet.
Cleaning – Keep the look and beauty of your polycarbonate awning free from excessive dirt and dust by practicing an annual cleaning. Use a mixture of warm water and mild soap with a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface, avoiding harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbing, and excessive pressure to avoid scratching the surface. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a chamois cloth to avoid water spots. Never use acetone, or other harsh detergents to clean the awning’s polycarbonate. - PQ.5 : How do the polycarbonate awnings withstand weather and corrosion?
- Advaning awnings are manufactured using the best materials/components in the industry and have been tested for superior performance, strength, and longevity. Certain care and extra maintenance are required when installing an Advaning awning, especially where salt-laden air is present. For these cases; to prolong the integrity and performance of your awning, owners should practice the same care as would be given to any marine equipment to prevent accelerated salt corrosion. Advaning recommends that the owner follow the below maintenance practices:
(Bi-Annually) Maintain the awning free from excessive salt deposits by washing the brackets and aluminum parts with a marine cleaner such as Simple Green Marine All-Purpose Boat Cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire awning with clean water and dry with a chamois cloth to avoid water spots. - PQ.6 : Can I customize the size of the polycarbonate sheet?
- Advaning strongly discourages cutting the polycarbonate as doing so can damage the sheet, and when not cut properly can weaken the integrity of sheet posing a danger when snow loads are accumulated. Also note that cutting/customizing any portion of the product voids the product warranty.
Advaning’s PN and PS series’ unique design allows users to connect multiple units together to achieve a custom length coverage.
Installation and Operation Questions
- IOQ.1 : What are the mounting requirements for a polycarbonate awning?
- Depending on the series Advaning recommends a minimum wall clearance as well as a 2-inch clearance from eaves or overhangs to best install our polycarbonate awnings. The polycarbonate awning should ALWAYS be installed onto solid structure supports (studs), brick, or header.
Installation will require:
1. Stud Finder
2. Pencil/Marker
3. Wrench
4. Level
5. Scissors
6. Mallet
7. Small Wood Block
8. Outdoor Rated Silicone Sealant
9. Ladders
10. Drill and Drill Bits
11. Tape Measure
12. Laser Level or Chalk Line
*(Wood Install: 15/64 inch drill bit / Solid Masonry: 3/8 inch drill bit). A typical installation will require 2+ persons to complete. Specialty hardware for siding, cinder blocks, or solid concrete/brick can be found at a local hardware specialty store – Advaning always recommends consulting with a professional installer, contractor, or handyman to best determine any additional requirements based on your specific installation site.
Please review Advaning’s Polycarbonate Awning Guides for more in-depth information:
PA Series Owner’s Manual/User Guide
PA Series Pre-Installation Guide
PN Series Owner’s Manual/User Guide
PN Series Pre-Installation Guide
PS Series Owner’s Manual/User Guide
PS Series Pre-Installation Guide
*Solid Masonry Installation will require the expansion bolt (Part# ZDA-WEB-R2) – SOLD SEPERATELY with 3/8 inch drill bit. - IOQ.2 : Does the polycarbonate awning have a gutter?
- Advaning’s polycarbonate awnings are designed without a typical U or O-shaped gutter to help with unnecessary clogging and cleaning. The front bar framed design naturally diverts water towards the front and sides of the awning, keeping your doors and windows as dry as possible.
Warranty Service Questions
- WSQ.1 : What is the warranty?
- To view and download a copy of Advanings polycarbonate awning 1-Year Limited Warranty, click on the specific series’ Owner’s Manual – you will find the complete warranty details on the last pages.
• PA Series Owner’s Manual
• PN Series Owner’s Manual
• PS Series Owner’s Manual - WSQ.2 : How do I claim my warranty?
- Advaning warranty and support is designed to provide our customers with streamlined, simple, and efficient resolutions whenever a product claim is submitted.
To submit a warranty claim, please click on the link below:
Advaning Product Warranty Claim Form
If for any reason the form is not available via the link provided above, please send an email to service@advaning.com with the following information;
Subject Line: Warranty Claim
1. Complete Name
2. Shipping Address
3. Phone Number
4. Awnings Model#
5. Detail of the issue Please also include as attachements:
6. Photo 2: Any visible issue
7. File 1: Purchase Receipt/Invoice.
Once a warranty support form or email is received, you should expect a follow-up from our service team typically within 72 business hours. - WSQ.3 Will modifying my polycarbonate awning affect the warranty?
- Modifying any portion, part, or installation process (other than what is explicitly used in the product user guide) will void warranty. Modifications including, but not limited to, 3rd party accessories, cutting, customizing any part of the awning as this can cause permanent damage to the product, property, and can become a hazard for potential injury.