A small leak does not always mean you need a new awning. In many cases, awning leak repair is a job you can do yourself with a few basic supplies, whether the awning is aluminum or fabric. The method depends on the material and on how large the damaged area is.
Years of sun, rain and snow wear on any awning or canopy. Below is how to patch the most common leaks, and how to tell when the damage is too far gone to fix.
Awning Leak Repair for Aluminum Awnings
Leaks in an aluminum awning usually start at the screws or the seams. Old screws rust, and the rust leaves gaps that let water through.
What You Will Need
Gather a screwdriver, a wire brush, stainless steel screws that are slightly larger than the current ones, a liquid cleaner, a towel, aluminum sealing tape and a polyether sealant. The sealant should be UV-resistant, exterior grade and made for seams and metal.
Replace Rusted Screws
First, find exactly where the water is coming through. Remove the screws in that area and use the wire brush to clean any rust out of the holes. Then install the new, slightly larger stainless steel screws so they fill the holes tightly.
Clean and Seal the Area
Wash the area with the liquid cleaner and dry it with the towel. Sealing products only hold on a clean, dry surface. From here you have two options.
Aluminum sealing tape is the quick fix. Cover the leaking area with it and the leak should stop. Tape usually holds for a few months, so think of it as a short-term repair.
Polyether sealant is the longer-lasting choice. Applied correctly to a clean surface, it dries and fills the crack or seam so water can no longer get through.
If an aluminum awning or canopy over a door is leaking in several places, patching may not be worth the effort. Aladdin Inc installs new door canopies and window awnings for Connecticut homes.
How to Patch a Leak in a Fabric Awning
For a cloth awning you will need clear repair tape, a non-abrasive fabric cleaner, a towel, fabric scissors, outdoor glue and some extra awning material. Ask your supplier to match the fabric to your current awning.
Small Holes and Leaks
Clean the damaged area and let it dry. Lay the fabric on a flat surface and cover one side of the leak with several strips of repair tape. Overlap each strip over the edge of the one below it, the way shingles overlap on a roof, so there are no gaps. Then flip the material over and tape the other side the same way.
Larger Rips and Tears
A large rip should be patched with fabric instead of tape. Use the scissors to trim away the frayed threads around the tear. Apply outdoor glue to the edges of the tear, then position the extra fabric underneath so the pattern lines up and shows through the opening. Let it dry in place and add more glue if needed.
When a Patch Is Not Enough
Some damage cannot be repaired. Fabric that has become thin or brittle across a wide area, tears that keep spreading, and aluminum that is rusted through in many spots are all signs that the awning has reached the end of its life.
At that point, a replacement is usually the better use of your money. Options include a new retractable awning for your deck or patio, which rolls away when you do not need it, or a fixed aluminum or fabric patio cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I patch an awning leak myself?
Yes, if the leak is small. Rusted screws and narrow seam gaps on aluminum awnings, and small holes or tears in fabric awnings, can usually be patched with the supplies listed above.
How long does aluminum sealing tape last?
Tape is a short-term fix that usually works for a few months. For a longer-lasting repair, use an exterior-grade, UV-resistant polyether sealant on a clean, dry surface.
Is it better to tape or patch a torn fabric awning?
Use clear repair tape on both sides for small leaks. For a large rip, glue a matching piece of awning fabric behind the tear so the repair holds and the pattern lines up.
Talk to Aladdin About a Replacement Awning
If your awning is past the point of patching, Aladdin Inc can help you choose a new aluminum, fabric or retractable awning. We sell and install awnings, windows, railings and doors throughout Connecticut. Contact Aladdin or call (203) 776-9996 to talk about your home.