During the summer, an awning can provide valuable shade and comfort so you can enjoy relaxing on your patio or deck. When the weather turns colder, you’ll be less likely to use your outdoor living area, which means you won’t need to keep the awning extended.
Before you retract your awning for the off-season, inspect it, clean it, and make any necessary repairs. A little routine care now can extend your awning’s lifespan and save you money in the long run.
How to Get Your Awning Ready for the Off-Season
Start by using a broom to remove any leaves, twigs, and pine needles from the awning. Once you’ve gotten rid of loose debris, hose down the awning to wash away dirt and grime.
The awning might have some stains or areas with caked-on dirt. Gently scrub the awning using a soft-bristled brush and a cleaner designed for that type of fabric. Then hose off the awning again and rinse it clean.
Before you retract the awning, it’s critical to let it dry out completely. If you retract your awning when it’s damp, mold will grow. That won’t just make the awning look unattractive. Mold can damage the fabric and create a health hazard for your family and guests.
As you clean the awning, inspect it for damage. If you discover small tears, you can probably fix them yourself with an awning repair kit.
Check the hardware. If necessary, tighten loose bolts and screws and lubricate moving parts.
If you discover serious damage or a problem that you can’t fix yourself, hire a professional to deal with it. It will be money well spent. Ignoring an issue or making a mistake with a DIY repair can cost you a lot more down the line.
Get an Estimate for a Retractable Awning
An awning can give you the freedom and flexibility to utilize your outdoor living space, even when the sun is blazing or rain is falling. If you don’t currently have a retractable awning, but you’re interested in getting one, Aladdin can help.
We install awnings made by Sunesta, a recognized leader in the industry. Our team can design a custom awning tailored to your home’s design. We install both motorized and hand-crank awnings and offer more than 100 fabric options. All of them are durable enough to handle Connecticut’s wide range of weather conditions. Contact us today to get a quote.