Awnings are incredible additions to your home that make outdoor spaces comfortable, enhance your home's appeal and value, and reduce energy costs. Over time, your awning's appearance and performance deteriorate due to dirt, harsh weather, and wear and tear.

Fortunately, proper care and maintenance can help to prevent premature wear and tear and increase your awning's life span. Learn six awning maintenance tips to keep your investment looking stunning.

Clean Regularly

Dirt, leaves, dust, and minerals can accumulate on your awning, cause foul odors and compromise its appearance. Therefore, you should create a cleaning schedule to get rid of these build-ups. Consider cleaning the awning's surface and framing monthly, depending on the type of awning you have and its material. Hosing down the fabric and frame with water is sufficient for most awnings.

Also, you should perform in-depth cleanings every few years to get rid of rust, mold, bird droppings, and stubborn stains. In addition to the awning's top, clean the underside since it also accumulates dust and dirt with time. You can use a regular smooth broom to do this.

Retract During Severe Weather

While awnings provide excellent protection against the sun, inclement weather such as storms, snow, and heavy rains can damage them. Heavy winds, for instance, can damage the awning or even rip it away. As such, you should consider retracting your awning during severe weather. This way, you keep your awning out of harm's way until the sun is shining again.

Protect from Trees

One great way of maintaining your awning is trimming nearby branches and trees. You wouldn't want a branch falling on your awning during a storm, damaging it and costing you hundreds of dollars in repair. Notably, some trees contain sap that may ruin your awning's fabric.

Dry Before Storing

Improper drying practices can cause mold issues, fabric damage, and rust on mechanical components. Consequently, you should not roll up wet awnings. Whether you just washed your awning or left it open on a rainy day, give it time to dry before retracting or storing it. This is particularly important for homeowners or businesses that do not use their awnings frequently.

Lubrication

If your awning is retractable, it would be best if you lubricate the moving parts annually. A dry silicone spray lubricant is ideal and ensures that your awning's moving parts function correctly, as well as preventing corrosion build-up. Nevertheless, apply the lubricant cautiously to prevent staining your fabric.

Inspect Your Awning

Among the best ways to lengthen the life of your awning is to inspect it regularly. This way, you detect potential issues before they cause irreversible damage and expensive repairs.

Start by opening your awning slowly and looking out for any loud noises or resistance. Once the awning is open, check the mechanical parts, awning arms, mounting hardware, and awning end caps for signs of damage.

Then, examine the awning fabric for any tears, strains, and signs of wear. Lastly, retract the awning and pay attention to the movement and any unusual sounds. Do not forget to inspect the safety locking mechanism. If you notice something wrong with the awning, do not ignore it. Have a technician check it to prevent further damage.

Since your awning is exposed to elements such as direct sunlight, moisture, dirt, and dust, it would help if you perform routine maintenance on your awning. From cleaning it regularly to retracting it during severe weather and regular inspections, maintenance keeps your awning in pristine condition and prolongs its lifespan.

Contact Lexington Tent and Awning Co. for all your residential and commercial awning needs. We offer high-quality and custom-made products to protect you from the elements.