With spring here and summer right around the corner, you may be looking forward to relaxing meals and conversations on your patio under the shade of a retractable awning. If you have a fixed awning above a door or window, you may be counting on it to shield the inside of your home or business from intense sunlight and keep your utility bills down. Routine maintenance is essential to keep your awning in good condition. Here are some simple, but important steps to take once a year.
How to Care for a Retractable Awning
Use a broom to get rid of any leaves, sticks, and other debris on the awning itself and on the moving parts so the awning will be able to open and close easily when you want it to. Then mix water and dish soap in a bucket. Add some bleach if there is mold or mildew on the awning.
Scrub the fabric with a brush or cloth to get rid of any stains. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Rinse the awning thoroughly with a hose and let it dry completely before you retract it.
As you’re cleaning, inspect the retractable awning carefully for signs of damage. You may be able to repair a small tear yourself, but you may need to hire a professional for a bigger fix. If the material is ripped, you may have to replace it.
Make sure that the awning can open and retract smoothly. If it doesn’t seem to be working correctly or is making a squeaking sound, it may just need to be lubricated. If you try that and it doesn’t solve the problem, contact a professional to schedule an inspection and have the awning repaired in time for summer.
How to Maintain a Fixed Awning
If you have a fixed awning above a door or window, use a broom to remove any debris. Make sure that you aren’t standing in a place where you can get struck by falling objects. If you have a fabric awning, clean it using the methods described above. For a metal awning, you can use a pressure washer. Check the awning for any damage and have it repaired, if necessary.
Get an Estimate for a New Awning
If you discover that your awning is damaged and needs to be replaced, Aladdin can help. We serve homeowners and businesses across Connecticut. We can install a new awning that will have your home or business ready for summer.