Three Simple Ways to Prepare Your Awning for Spring
Getting excited to spend some time outside this spring and summer? As the winter weather begins to recede in Houston, TX and you start cleaning up your outdoor space to prepare for the sunny days ahead, don’t forget to give your patio awning some attention. Here are three simple steps to prep an awning for spring.
Clear all dirt and debris
Whether you have a retractable or stationary awning, there’s always going to be a portion that’s exposed to the elements. Even if you’re coming out of a generally nice winter, there’s going to be some debris that collects on the awning itself or the mechanisms that keep it in place. When it comes to patio awning maintenance, clearing the awning of debris is the first step to take. Remove all leaves, twigs and anything else that may have collected over the winter by using a broom and a ladder—you should be able to reach out to clean the awning, instead of cleaning it from below. You’ll not only be able to tell that you’ve removed all the debris, but you’ll also keep yourself safe from any debris as it falls away from the awning.
Inspect the awning
Even the relatively pleasant winters in Houston, TX take a toll on awnings. Perform an inspection of your awning before spring gets in full swing, especially if you have an awning made of canvas or any other textile material. Start your inspection by checking for wind or weather damage and pay close attention to the condition of your retractable mechanism functions. Look at the bolts that attach the awning to your home, as they may show signs of rust or other damage. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to call your local awning specialists—they know how to prep your awning for spring and can make any required fixes you need.
Give it a good wash
One of the best ways to prep an awning for spring is by giving it a thorough cleaning. The material of your awning, as well as how dirty it is, will dictate how you should clean it. Use a pressure washer to clear built-up dirt and debris from metal awnings. If you have a fabric awning, you need to use a more delicate touch while cleaning. Use a soft brush or cloth, water and mild soap to manually scrub away the grime. If you spot mildew on a fabric awning, it’s best to use bleach to get rid of it and make sure it doesn’t come back. Scrub gently with the bleach and be sure to dilute it a bit with water so you don’t scrub the color from your awning.
As the weather gets warmer in Houston, TX, start preparing your outdoor space by completing some simple patio awning maintenance tasks. You can take care of any light cleaning yourself, but everything else, including all repairs, should be done by professionals. Contact ABC Awning Company today to help you get your awning in shape, allowing you to take full advantage of your outdoor space throughout the spring and summer seasons.
Categorised in: Awning Maintenance