How To Protect Your Awnings | RetractableAwnings.com

Awnings are a great addition to any home or business. Keeping them looking their best requires very little effort, yet there are some simple steps an awning owner can follow. To ensure that awnings provide these benefits time and time again, in this blog we will cover the following steps:

• Awning cleaning

• Taking care of the frames

• Avoiding temporary canopies

• Making sure an awning is anchored properly

We will show you how to accomplish all these steps quickly and easily. If you are a current awning owner, following these steps will help you get the longest life and greatest utility out of your awnings.

If you have ever wondered “how do I protect window awnings” or “how do I maintain my retractable awning”, this post will cover the answers you need.

The key to getting that extra value from the awnings you buy is to follow just a few simple steps. If you or your client currently have a retractable awning installed on a home or business, this post will walk you through all the steps on how to protect awnings, show how you can get long life and the best possible functionality and use from an awning. When looking for a solution to provide rain, snow and sun protection, awnings, retractable patio and deck pergola covers and retractable and rotating louver roofs are a great solution for a home or commercial building.

Awning Cleaning

When an awning is first installed, the expectation is that it will be subjected to the elements. While that is true, it does not mean that the awning is indestructible. All of those elements can slowly erode the awning and its components without regular preventative measures being taken.

One simple step any awning owner can take is to regularly clean their awnings. This can be as simple as hosing off dirt and debris from the awning on a regular basis. Some awnings may require a different approach, but this is generally based on what type of material/fabric the awning is made from.

Awning manufacturers cleaning tips should be followed in regards to regular cleaning. If a regular cycle of cleaning is followed, this will ensure the longest possible useful life of the awning.

Take Care Of The Frames

Awning frames are the skeleton of the awning body. The awnings protection capabilities may be hearty and robust, but if the frames break down the awning will lose all of its function. On at least an annual basis it is a good idea to give the frames of an awning a good once over.

Wipe them down completely with a soft cloth to remove any debris buildup. This is even more important if your awning is installed in a humid or salty environment like on an oceanfront home.

 Make sure that no parts of the frame are bent, corroded or damaged in any way. Pay special attention to joints and connections at the side and front of the awning as these are areas that are especially susceptible to breakdowns. If any issues are found as part of the regular check of the awning, make sure to contact an awning professional immediately to address the problem.

Don't Use Temporary Canopies

A temporary or pop-up style canopy might be great for a day at the beach but it is by no means a permanent solution for you or your client’s house or business.

For starters, these types of awnings are built for calm, sunny days. When hit with any gust of wind or strong rain, these canopies can be whisked away or substantially damaged.

Even though these types of awnings are going to cost less than a permanently installed awning solution, your money will quickly go down the drain if the canopy is blown away or damaged by the elements. In addition, retractable pergolas, retractable or rotating louver roofs and retractable awnings rain protection is going to be far superior to a temporary solution.

Beyond these practical issues, aesthetically temporary canopies are most likely not going to perform the function you will most likely want. If the desire is long-term protection from the elements at a home or a business, a more permanent retractable awning, retractable pergola, retractable or rotating louver roof solution is a better choice.

Make Sure the Awning Is Well Anchored

Even when installing a more permanent awning solution, it is paramount to consider how the awning will be anchored to the structure. To assure the retractable awnings protection, it is always best to retract it in poor weather such as medium to high wind, heavy rain and hail to ensure it is not damaged.

Make sure that you attach the frame securely to the structure in case of an extra, sudden gust that may stress the awning.

Beyond that, make sure to properly anchor the area that extends away from the structure.

Things like temporarily tying an extra rope from the awning to a deck or patio can help to minimize the risk of damage. A windbreak created by planting trees is also a great way to protect an awning from strong wind.

Protecting Your Awning

*Cleaning depends on the frequency of use, and environmental issues. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

Conclusion

When properly selected, installed, and maintained, awnings provide tremendous value and utility to their owners. While they can provide a long life of low maintenance, following a few simple and regular steps will ensure maximum life, use, and value from an awning. Remember to:

• Keep the awning and hardware clean

• Never use a temporary awning or canopy solution in you or your client’s home or business

• Regularly inspect for any frame or fabric damage and address any issues promptly

• Always make sure that all parts of the awnings are well anchored to protect from damage in poor weather

When these four simple steps are followed, awning owners are on the road to a long life of satisfied and dependable use. If you are a current awning owner or are currently thinking of getting a high-quality awning for your home or business, take a look at our page of quality products to get started on your awning project.