Many Connecticut homeowners have awnings installed outside the windows on their homes. Awnings can keep a home cooler in the summer by preventing the hot sun from shining in the windows. They can also help in the winter by protecting entryways, walkways, and porches from snow.
How Snow Can Affect Awnings
Connecticut is known for large snowstorms in the winter. Fabric or aluminum awnings can become damaged if too much snow and ice is allowed to accumulate on them. They can sag or even fall down if the weight is too much to bear. You should clear the snow off your awnings after each winter storm to prevent damage.
Use the Right Tools to Clear Snow from Your Awnings
It is important to use the right tools to remove snow from your awnings. Although awnings are durable, the wrong tools can scratch an aluminum awning or tear a fabric one. You should not remove snow from awnings with a snow shovel, broom, or any other tool that is not designed for that purpose. These are some tools that you can safely use to remove snow from the awnings at your Connecticut home.
Snow Broom
A snow broom is safe to use to remove snow from awnings. A snow broom is similar to a push broom, but it has an extendable handle. It has soft bristles that will not rip or damage a fabric awning. You can use a snow broom to push or brush snow off your awnings. When you are not using the broom, you should store it indoors so the bristles do not freeze or get covered with buildup. If that happens, they can become too hard and cause damage to the awnings.
Leaf Blower
If you have a leaf blower, you can use it to remove snow from your awnings. A leaf blower can remove snow from a distance and can easily clean an entire awning. A leaf blower may be less effective with wet or heavy snow. It can also blow snow off the awnings in several directions, which may make cleanup more difficult.
Roof Rake
If you have aluminum awnings on your Connecticut home, you can remove snow with a roof rake. Do not use a roof rake on fabric awnings because the flat aluminum piece at the end can cause damage. Do not touch the awning when you are clearing snow because the roof rake can gouge the surface.
Get an Estimate for New Awnings for Your CT Home
Awnings can keep your home comfortable in the summer and can keep snow away in the winter. They are easy to clean after a snowstorm with the right tools. Aladdin has been providing Connecticut homeowners with home improvements since 1949.