Awnings can last for over a decade; however, daily elements
such as dust and debris plus harsh conditions like storms, rain, and sunlight
can affect the lifespan of your awnings. To extend the life of your canopies,
you can implement a few strategies and incorporate them into a maintenance
routine.
Discover five strategies to use to help maintain your
retractable awnings.
Clean the Fabric
The first thing to do is to clean your awning fabric. Debris
and dirt can cause mold to develop, which eventually leads to staining and
damage to your awnings. To avoid that, you have to clean thoroughly every year
using soap and water with the appropriate methods. If your space has shrubbery
or is particularly dusty, you may rinse monthly using a water hose or brush off
the debris with a broom.
As you clean, ensure you use the right tools and soap to
avoid damaging your awnings. For example, you can use a car brush and dish soap
for all the metal works and a soft-bristled brush with a mild soap for your
fabrics. For stubborn stains, paint, oils, and grease, either hire a cleaning
service or inquire on the proper methods to spot clean.
Care for Your Fabric
The fabric is the lifeline of your awnings. So, besides
cleaning, you have to maintain its appearance constantly. First, trim shrubbery
and vines that may touch or rub on the fabric; this is to avoid the branches
poking the material and discoloration from regular contact between the two. Also,
regularly inspect the fabric for any tears and fix them immediately.
Lastly, avoid extended sun exposure because extreme heat can
cause significant damage to the fabric, such as discoloration, fading, and
brittleness. Also, avoid grilling under the awning because the smoke may stain
the underpart of the fabric.
Inspect the Framework
The frames are as essential as the fabric; therefore, check
the metal framing for corrosion since steel and aluminum may rust from exposure
to water. If you spot rust, scrape it off or get rid of it using a vinegar
bath. Also, check the bolts, screws, or other fasteners to ensure they are
secured tightly in place.
Lubricate the frames as needed. For your motorized awnings,
use a dry silicone spray instead of oils to lubricate the motor or gear as soon
as you hear creaking sounds.
Manage Mildew
Mildew is a prevalent concern to the life of your awnings;
therefore, regularly check for mold and mildew that may have grown in the folds
of the canopy. To start, never retract your awning while wet or damp; always
ensure it's dry and free from debris.
Next, ensure you store your awning properly during winter
since you will have increased moisture in the air, creating a conducive
environment for mildew. Store your awning in a cool and dry place and not in
plastic bags, which trap moisture.
Retract Your Awning Accordingly
The most significant damage to awnings occurs when they're
extended since that's when rainwater can overstretch the fabric. Winds of over
20 mph can damage the retractable arms, mildew can grow, and wet or frozen
material can damage the motor. Therefore, retract them when you don't need them
and when they're likely to get damaged, like during winter or snowstorms or
when you have high-speed winds.
Keep the awning retracted when there's rain because even
though the fabric may be water-resistant or - repellent, water can seep into
the motor or gear, damaging it, or could damage the metal frames through
corrosion.
For your investment into retractable awnings to pay off, you
have to properly care for and maintain them. Be sure to follow these tips
above, and if you need more information, don't hesitate to
contact us.
