Blog Post

5 Most Common Awning Problems

  • By Admin
  • 03 May, 2023
Awnings can protect your business or home from sun rays and provide a comfortable environment. You can also use the awning to promote your business through customized branding. However, the awning can have some problems. Here are some of those problems and how to solve them.

1. Mold
An awning can prevent rain and moisture from penetrating into your home or business premises. Over time, the moisture will accumulate on the inside and outside surfaces of the awning. This creates the ideal conditions for mold to grow and thrive. Some types of awnings are more susceptible to mold damage than other types.
To prevent mold growth on your awnings, always ensure that the awning is dry after precipitation. If you have a retractable awning, dry it before storing it.

2. Sagging
Awnings are made from materials that can stretch and provide a tight surface over your deck, patio, or store. Gradually, the awning may start to droop or sag, even when you stretch it all the way. Usually, sagging is an indication of an overextended awning. Accumulation of water and debris on the awning can also cause sagging and drooping.
This issue is minor since you only turn the awning handle to tighten your fabric. If the tightening doesn't prevent the sagging and drooping, consider getting a stabilizer to improve the functionality of the awning. Stabilizers tighten the awning so that water can flow smoothly and not accumulate on the awning.

3. Mechanical Problems
Mechanical issues can prevent proper awning retraction. Here are some of those issues:
  • Motor. The awning will jam or jerk if the motor malfunctions or is damaged. A professional will inspect the motor and determine the correct repairs or replacements for your motor.
  • Tracks. If the awning fabric is loose and comes off its tracks, the problem might be dirt or debris clogging the tracks. Simply lubricating the tracks can prevent looseness.
  • Sensors. Glitches or power outages can cause the electric sensor to fail. Manually operate the awning as you wait for the power to be restored.
If you're unsure about the cause of mechanical failures of your awning, ask an awning professional to repair, recalibrate, or replace the awning.

4. Fabric Damage
The first thing people see when looking at your awning is the fabric. Manufacturers use various materials to create awning fabrics, such as acrylic, polyester, vinyl, or canvas. Some awnings consist of one type of material, but most blend several materials.
Continued snow, rain, and sunshine exposure can cause the fabric to tear and wear. A fading awning is undesirable and can make your home or business less attractive. The awning's lifespan will also reduce, particularly if the awning uses certain types of materials, such as canvas.
The solution is to hire a professional to determine the weather in your area and advise on the best material that can resist wear and tear. If the rest of the awning is in great shape and the tears are only in a few places, ask an awning professional to repair it. However, if the tears are extensive and you want to protect your image, a complete awning replacement might be necessary.

5. Cracking or Knocking Sounds
If the awning brackets become loose, the awning fabric will start to sway from side to side. Consequently, the awning will start to produce cracking and knocking noises. Fortunately, loose brackets are not a major malfunction. All you have to do is ensure the square or torsion bar is sitting tightly inside the mounting brackets. Also, tighten the mounting bolt and confirm the locking lip entirely covers the bar.
Retractable awnings are the best way to provide shade for your patio or deck. You can also use the awnings on your business premises. Sunstate Awning provides affordable and high-quality awnings. Contact us to place your order.

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