How to Maintain Your Retractable Awnings

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.