Theaddition of an awning to your windows or patio can help you controlthe amount of sunlight streaming into your home. This control reducesheat during the summer months. Most homeowners want as much sunlightas they can get during the winter months, however, so awnings may getin the way.

Tosolve this problem, homeowners can put their awnings into winterstorage, but before that, awnings must be properly winterized toprevent any serious damage while the awnings are tucked away.

Usethese three tips as a guide to help you properly winterize yourresidential awnings this year.

1.Clean the Awning Fabric

Anawning consists of a PVC or metal frame that is covered withspecialized fabric. This fabric is designed to be durable enough towithstand exposure to the elements. It is because of this durabilitythat homeowners can often avoid regular maintenance of awning fabric.

Thefirst step in any winterization routine should be to thoroughly cleanthe fabric on all of your awnings. Begin by using a soft-bristledbrush to remove any loose dirt and debris from the surface of theawning fabric. It helps to have a brush with an extendable handle,but you can always use a shorter brush and stand on a ladder toaccess your awnings.

Onceall loose debris has been removed, you want to wash your awningfabric with a gentle solution made from warm water and a mild dishsoap.

Someawnings come into contact with roof runoff and other contaminantsthat can cause staining. A small amount of diluted bleach or aspecialized degreasing cleanser can be used to eliminate any stainsfrom your awning fabric.

2.Let the Awning Dry

Whenyou winterize your residential awnings, select the right day tothoroughly clean and air dry them. The fabric on each awning willneed ample time to dry before it can be stored away for the winter.

Checkthe local weather forecast to ensure you will have warm temperatures,no precipitation, and plenty of sun on the day you clean yourawnings. If weather conditions don't allow for the complete drying ofthe awning fabric, you could face a mold and mildew problem when youreinstall your awnings the following spring.

Mostawnings can be rolled up to make storage easier. Any dampness left inthe fabric when it is rolled up will contribute to the growth of moldor mildew on the awning fabric. You will end up having to fullyreplace the damaged fabric before you can install the awnings on yourhome in the spring. If you need to expedite the drying process, youcan always rent an industrial fan from a home improvement store.

3.Invest in Professional Removal

Ifyou have multiple awnings on your home, you may want to work with aprofessional to remove each awning and store it away for the winter.Awnings can be found over doors, windows, and patios, so depending onhow many awnings you have, there is the potential for hours of workinvolved in the removal of these awnings.

Aprofessional will have the tools and experience needed to carefullytake down each of your awnings without causing damage to the awningor your home. Many professionals will even be able to return to yourhome in the spring to safely and easily put your awnings back intoplace.

Harshwinter weather can wreak havoc on your awnings. At Lexington Tent &Awning, we care about the condition of your residentialawnings. Contact us today to learn more about proper winterization techniques.