Your awning can be seen as an essential part of your home. On hot summer days you wind it out and enjoy the protection it offers from the powerful rays of the sun. In the evenings the awning, along with some suitable nets, can help to protect you from mosquitoes.
On the right day, you can even unwind your awning in the winter and enjoy the cold air, providing you are suitably wrapped up. The key is in choosing the highest-quality awnings.
However, when winter starts you won’t know if you’ll be using the awning or not. That means it is important to undertake awning maintenance before you wind it in for the last time.
Visual Inspection
The first step is to visually inspect your awning to verify that there is no damage. You’ll need to check the material and all the supporting structures. If there are any issues you will need to deal with them promptly.
You should note damaged valances tend to flap and place additional strain on the rest of the awning, it may be better to simply replace the valance.
If you do find any issues in the structure or the material then now is the time to repair it. You can undertake the repair yourself. But, you may prefer to get the professionals to look at it. This will ensure it is warrantied.
Don’t forget, a small tear can easily stretch in bad weather, changing a simple repair into a replacement awning.
Clean It
You may not realize it but your awning takes a lot of abuse during the summer months. It collects dust, air pollutants, bird droppings, and a variety of other contaminants.
You’ll want to wind the awning out fully and then, with the aid of a good ladder, scrub all the material. You shouldn’t need a special detergent, soap and warm water are generally effective.
If it needs anything extra then a soft-bristled brush should do.
Remove Sections
Some awnings have sections that can be removed, such as the valance. If this is the case you can remove it and store it separately for the winter. You will need to follow the instructions when removing it, this will help to ensure you don’t damage it in the process.
Covering It
You may have got an awning cover with your awning. If you haven’t you can purchase one from your local awning specialist. This wraps over the rolled in awning giving it additional protection against the weather and pests for the winter.
Storage
In most cases rolling the awning in is sufficient to protect it for the winter. However, if you are concerned about it then you can remove the awning completely. You don’t need to remove the mounting brackets, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take the awning out of the holder. You can then store it in your garage or another suitable location.
Taking a few moments to prepare your awning for winter means it will last much longer, that’s better for your wallet.
