A Few Tips For Homeowners
Have you recently had an awning installed over your garden patio? Great idea!
In the summer, awnings provide much-needed shade, as well as providing an area that is cooler for you and your family to enjoy your outside space. Of course, in order to keep them working as you need to, you will need to make sure that they are well-maintained. If you own your home, this will also help with the property value too!
So, how can you ensure that your awning works for many years to come? Read on to find out!
Keep It Clean
Not all awnings are waterproof, and as such, you will need to keep yours clean.
Even in the summer months, an awning can attract bits of foliage, may become wet during sudden downpours, and may also have a few spiders weaving their webs around it. So, to maintain it, you will need to keep it clean and debris free.
Simply ensure the awning is fully open, and then, using gentle soap and warm water, clean it. If the mark or stain is too deep to clean this way, even energy-efficient retractable patio awning solutions should have removable fabrics, which will allow you to take the awning off to give it a deeper clean. Just don’t use bleach!
Repair It
As they are designed to be outside, awnings are pretty hardy.
However, if awnings are not cared for correctly, they can succumb to mold, mildew, rust, and, of course, become torn, especially during bouts of very windy weather.
So, if you spot a tear or a hole in the fabric part of your awning, aim to repair it. This may require needing to take it down and do some sewing, but it will keep the awning intact for those long, warm summer evenings when you need shade. If you spot an issue with the parts of the awning that allow it to retract, it may be best to call the company that fitted it and have them assess what needs to be done to repair it.
Cover It
The awning is outside, come rain or shine, and even if it is retracted, you will need to cover it up to keep it safe and usable.
For many people, the best option is to get a waterproof and weatherproof awning cover which will not only protect the material but will also prevent the metal components of the awning from becoming damaged.
Retract It
It sounds so obvious, but when the awning is not in use, aim to retract it.
This will prevent the fabric or other material that it is made from becoming torn or water damaged, as well as help to protect the inner part of the awning, which will help it to retract easier.
Also, if you retract the awning regularly, you are more likely to be able to spot issues that may occur earlier, which can prevent costly repairs.
Oil It
If you have a retractable awning, there will be moving hinges that will need to be kept lubricated. This will not only help with reducing that awful creaking that many people have heard relating to retractable awnings, but it will also prevent them from becoming stuck!
So, in order to keep your awning working and retracting as and when you want it to, you will need to oil the awning hinges once a month when it is in use, make sure you have a suitable lubricant or oil, as using the wrong kind may cause more damage!
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