Awnings are used a lot in commercial building to not only decorate the outside but help block sun.   A good quality awning can be  made of polyester, acrylic, or vinyl with a dye and coating for longer life.  Regular cleaning with a quality soap will keep your awning looking and functioning its best for years to come, but if not taken care of mold and lichen can grow and fester on the surface making it look green and dirty.  Most of the time a good quality awning can be restored to its original shape and kept looking good with regular maintenance cleaning.