How to Maintain Your Retractable Awning in the Winter

Posted on Friday, December 14th, 2018 at 2:59 pm.

Although you might be using your patio and deck less in the winter, your retractable awning will still require some attention and maintenance. Without such care, you may find when spring comes back around that it has irreparable damage. Make maintaining your retractable awning part of your winter routine.

Watch for Mildew

With the excess moisture that snow and ice can bring, keep an eye on mildew building up on your retractable awning. Fabric surfaces attract mildew like a moth to a flame. Be sure to keep an eye out for any mildew stains or discoloration and try your best to allow the awning to dry between periods of precipitation.      

Use the Right Cleaners

Not all fabric cleaners are made the same. Therefore, when choosing your cleaner make sure that you find a solution that is specifically designed for outdoor use. Clean the interior and exterior of the awning. Completely roll it out so that you have full access to the fabric for full and even distribution. Follow all directions on the bottle and allow the awning to dry before rolling it up. Depending on the style of your awning, don’t scrub the fabric as you might compromise the water-resistant finish.   

Watch for Tears

Check the edges and seams of your awning for any tears or rips. If you find any, quickly purchase a repair kit or have a professional service make repairs as quickly as possible. Tears and rips can quickly spread and turn into a much bigger problem, ruining your awning or severely compromising its structural integrity.

Winter Storage

If you have no use for your retractable awning in the winter, consider temporarily removing it from your home and storing it away. If you have space in your basement or garage, you can keep your awning there during the winter months. It’s important that space remains dry as the fabric could still attract mildew even indoors. You’ll also be protecting your awning from rips caused by the weight of ice or tears from falling tree limbs.   

CONTACT CARROLL ARCHITECTURAL SHADE TODAY FOR YOUR AWNING NEEDS!

Ready to get the perfect shade structure for your apartment building, business, or home? Carroll Architectural Shade (formerly known as Carroll Awning) has the expertise and equipment to make and install the perfect residential or commercial shade structure to give your home or business an even cooler exterior. We can design, create, and install custom canopies and awnings all year long. For a free estimate and to get started designing your dream awning, give us a call at 1-800-999-5617 or visit us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.