How to Maintain Your Awnings

Maintaining your awnings is the key to keeping them looking great for many years to come. Just a few minor tasks will keep your awnings fresh, functional and vibrant. 

In this article, we take a look at some of the most important maintenance requirements for all types of awnings.

Keep it clean

We recommend giving your awning a thorough clean at least once a month. This will ensure that dirt and debris doesn’t build up to a point where it could potentially damage the awning. 

Cleaning extends to all the dirt, debris and stains on the surface of your awning. A soft bristle brush and light cleaning solution can be used to remove stubborn particles without damaging the fabric. Then, use a garden hose to rinse the fabric, ensuring you let it dry completely before retracting.

You may also wish to treat your awning with a waterproof spray to enhance its resistance to moisture and prevent water damage.

Keep it dry

Try to prevent your awning from pooling up with rainwater, as this can discolour, stretch or damage the fabric. If heavy rain has been forecast and you will not be using your awning, we recommend retracting it until the rain stops. If heavy rain has already occurred and your awning hasn’t been retracted, make sure you drain the collected water as soon as possible.

Inspect it for corrosion

The components most vulnerable to corrosion include the frames, bolts and screws. These metal parts can start to rust over time if not properly cared for. Gently scrape off any rust that you can see to prevent it from further corroding the metal. We also recommend tightening any bolts and screws that may have loosened over time.

Fix any tears

Inspect your awning for tears at least once a month. The earlier you spot a tear, the easier it will be to fix. You can patch up any small tears to prevent them from becoming larger and more problematic. One of the biggest causes of tears is nearby plants or shrubbery scratching the fabric. You can reduce the risk of tears by trimming back your plants and shrubberies.

Check for mildew

A quick glance at your awnings — especially when folded up — might not catch any signs of mildew, but the fungus may be lurking in the folds. In fact, an awning that is stored away in the moist winter air can become the perfect breeding ground for mildew. Don’t assume that your awning is perfectly safe because it is stored away for the season — check your awning regularly and remove all the mildew to keep your awning in great shape for when the weather warms up again.

Horizons is a leading provider of high-quality awnings for customers in Warwick, Leamington Spa, Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Each and every one of our awning must pass a number of rigorous tests to ensure it is up to the high standards we demand from our products. By purchasing through Horizons, you can be sure of receiving a long-lasting product that meets all relevant industry regulations and is fitted by certified installers.

Contact our team today to find out more.