With the harsh winter winds already creeping up on us, it is time for awning owners to start thinking about preparing your awning for the winter. We have put together some top tips to help keep your awning in the best condition possible. This involves the best cleaning techniques and the most effective methods of storage, making sure you can continue to use your awning for years to come.
Clean It
Before you store your awning for the winter, ensure that it is free from any dirt or debris. You can remove any stubborn debris by washing down with a hose, gently applying soap and then brushing any excess remains away.
What’s more, once you have thoroughly cleaned your awning and there are no stains, excess debris, or leftover soap, you must make sure that you allow it to dry completely. If you store your awning away when it is entirely dry, you will avoid mould and mildew forming on your damp awning over the months it’s placed in storage.
Additionally, if you have a valance on your awning, you need to remove this and follow exactly the same steps as you did when cleaning and drying your awning. This means ensuring no debris, stains or soap remain in order to prevent long-term damage.
Retract It
Before you store your awning, you need to retract it and check for any loose fabric, which could get caught and tear during storage. Tie the fabric out of the way, fold it up and protect it with a winter cover. This means it will look good as new when summer rolls around.
Use It
If you are careful and take it down when the weather conditions get too harsh, you can use it in the winter to add appearance to your business or house, in addition to any space used to eat outside.
Although awnings are good for upholding some levels of rain and wind, if the weather conditions get too intense, you will need to take your awning down. This can have a hugely negative effect as dismantling is far more difficult during adverse weather settings. You will also have nowhere to dry your awning before placing it into storage.
Therefore, it is suggested that you don’t leave your awning up during winter, and you prepare it for storage before the winter months. What’s more, if you have a fabric awning that does not retract, you cannot use it during all four seasons.
Before you buy an awning, or head into the winter with one, be aware of the type you have and the weather conditions it can uphold.
Hopefully, these top tips will help you as an awning owner to prepare your awning for the winter and protect it in storage so you can use it year after year.