When buying a residential awning for the outside of your home or a commercial awning for your shop, it is important to consider the maintenance that comes along with it. While summer might seem to be here to stay, winter is quickly rolling around and knowing how to prepare and care for your awnings is a must. If you want it to stand the test of time, taking care of it properly is the best way to make sure your investment was worthwhile. Here, we are going to take a quick look at how caring for your awning in the winter can help it last longer in the best condition!
Cleaning
When looking to care for your awning during the winter months, it is important to ensure that you keep it clean as much as possible. This should be done with warm soapy water and a brush, as this will ensure that there is nothing that could fester or produce mould, especially if tucked away during this cooler months. Warm soapy water should be adequate when cleaning your canopy, however, this may vary depending on the type of material. Websites such as Regal Awnings offer you care guidelines for your high-quality awning.
Retracting During Storms
Additionally, it is important to ensure that you retract your awning (where possible) during storms or high winds, as this could cause the metal to warp and could mean permanent damage to your awning. However, if the awning is retracted, it will ensure that all the vital components such as the material and the mechanisms will not become damaged. It is also important to disconnect your awning from the mains when it is retracted in order to ensure that the motor does not become water damaged.
Do Not Use It During Winter Months
It is important that you do not use your awning during adverse weather conditions in the winter months, as the mechanisms could become frozen and cause unnecessary damage. If the weather moves away from icy and towards fairly mild, it is important to ensure that your awning has completely defrosted before using it as this can cause unnecessary strain on the fabric as well as other elements. Additionally, it may be beneficial to have a protective cover for the front of your canopy as this could further prevent it from weather damage and although this is an additional investment, it will help to make it last longer.
Keep Motor Clear
If you have particularly harsh weather conditions, it is important to ensure that the motor is clear of all water and snow as this can cause it to break or rust. This could lead to additional expenses during the summer months in order to fix it. The motor should also be kept clear of leaves and other debris as this will also pose a threat when it is then used within the summer months as it could cause the motor to become clogged and not work properly.
With all this in mind, it is imperative that you care for your awning during the winter months in order to avoid big repair costs during summer. If cared for properly, an awning is a more than worthwhile investment that can last a long time, however, it is something that should be cared for.