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A Guide to Maintaining Awnings

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Awnings are an excellent investment, especially during summer or winter as they make the outdoors bearable. However, due to their expensive set-up costs, you should maintain them to ensure functionality and durability. Some simple tips for maintaining awnings include the following:

Cleaning

Cleaning your awning may seem like a job that requires a lot of effort, but it is a simple task. You can remove your awning and lay it on the lawn for cleaning with a garden hose. If it has any stains, you can use water, mild soap and a cloth. Hand-washing the awning is better than spraying from a distance as you can inspect the awning for any damages. At the end of every season, ensure you hire a professional to wash the canopy. This is because the professional waterproofs the awning after the cleaning, which increases the lifespan of the awning.

Ensure the awning dries completely before retracting it.

Retract it

It is advisable to safeguard your awning against rain or dew. If an awning is exposed to moisture for long periods, it can get discoloured, and the fabric may stretch. The wet weather can also create a conducive environment for the growth of mould and insects. Awnings are also not strong enough to withstand strong winds.

To ensure a longer lifespan, buy a retractable awning that can be retracted during bad weather. Note that the positioning of the awnings can reduce the need for maintenance. If installed at the proper slope, water will not pool on the awning.

Location

Where you position the awnings may affect their lifespan. If your awnings are located near trees, the acid contained in leaves and shrubs may damage the awning's fabric. Note that the awning's warranty does not cover such defects. Creeping vines can also affect the operation of the canopies.

Inspect the awning

To allow for proper maintenance, you should inspect parts of the canopy such as fabric, joints, cables and fasteners. During the inspection, you should look for signs of corrosion and wear and tear. Signs of corrosion indicate the need for recoating the metal parts. You can also scrape off the rust gently to avoid damaging the parts. You should also inspect the operating mechanism to check for signs of jamming and if it works properly. Lastly, any tears in the awning should be patched to prevent the spread of the crack. Note that damaged awnings should never be retracted.


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