Winter Care for Your Retractable Awning

Of the many benefits of retractable awnings, perhaps the biggest is how easy they are to maintain. After all, if you’re going to purchase a retractable awning, you’re going to want to keep it in good condition for many years to get the most for your money.

This care and maintenance becomes more important in the winter months, when harsh weather is more likely to occur. If you don’t take proper care of your awning during the winter, chances are you’ll significantly reduce its lifespan.

With this in mind, here are some tips for retractable awning maintenance in Houston, TX for you to follow this winter:

• Regularly inspect for damage: One of the simplest maintenance steps you can take on a regular basis throughout the winter is inspecting the awning and making sure it is in good condition. Be sure to check the awning in its entirety. While the edges and seams are generally the first parts of an awning to show wear and tear, there are other sections that can also be damaged. If you catch signs of wear early, you can make some simple repairs with a kit you can get from your awning provider, which will help you avoid unnecessarily expensive maintenance fees while also extending your awning’s lifespan. You should keep an eye on the condition of your awning throughout the winter, and perform thorough inspections at least once a month.
• Keep it clean: You should make it a point to clean your awning regularly, especially if you intend to take it down and store it over the winter. The best method of cleaning will depend on the kind of fabric your awning is made of—there should be care and usage instructions that came with your awning, but you can ask your awning provider if you have any questions. Once you’ve removed the awning, lay it out and clean it using the manufacturer-recommended methods.
• Keep it safe from mold: When storing your awning away for the winter, make sure it is completely dry before you pack it up. If there is dampness that remains in the awning after you’ve cleaned it, it could attract mold or mildew, which at the very least will cause an unpleasant smell, but could also cause water damage and a deteriorated appearance that could result in your needing to replace it sooner than expected.
• Use proper storage methods: Storing your awning away during winter isn’t necessarily required, depending on where you live, but it can be helpful to avoid some of the winter elements. Always store the awning in a dry place, and if possible, keep it in a waterproof bag or wrapped in a tarp to prevent moisture from getting in. It can be helpful to roll it up instead of folding it as well to prevent unsightly creases from forming that will affect its appearance when you bring it out for the spring.

For more information about retractable awning maintenance in Houston, TX, contact the team at ABC Awning Company today.

Categorised in: Awning Maintenance