How to Keep Your Awnings Looking their Best

Awnings are more than functional; they also give your home a beautiful, custom appearance.  The elements can be brutal on your home’s exterior, including your awnings.  Even the best quality awnings can struggle if not taken care of.  Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do to keep your awnings looking their best and increase their lifespan.

Start with High-Quality Awnings

You get what you pay for.  The first step to keep your awnings looking their best is to start with high-quality products that will fit your home perfectly and are made with frames and fabrics that resist wear and tear.  Investing time and money in professionally designed and installed awnings will pay off in the long term.  

Easy Tips for Awning Maintenance

1. Clean your awnings before the worst weather hits.  Give your awnings a proper cleaning each Fall or early Winter.  Sweep loose debris from the fabric, and use a gentle cleaning solution to remove mold, algae, or other stains.  Rinse them well and allow them to dry completely. See our previous post for full details about cleaning your awnings.
2. Remove snow or pooling water when possible.  Not all awnings are easily accessible, but if you can reach the awnings, try to keep the awnings clear of snow or water.  Both of these can stretch the fabric and promote mold growth.  If you find water collecting on your awnings regularly, contact the pros at Deluxe Awning Company to inspect them for repair or replacement.
3. Allow them to dry before retracting them.  If your retractable awning is wet, allow it to dry before rolling it up.  Wet fabric will encourage mold and mildew growth and could rust the unit’s mechanics.  If that’s not feasible, remember to open it on the next sunny day to dry it well.
4. Inspect the structure and mechanics at least annually.  Examine your awnings and look for any signs of rust, dents, bends, missing screws, or any other damage.  Also, take some time to listen to the unit while opening and closing.  If you hear any screeching or grinding noises, contact Deluxe Awning Company immediately to have it inspected for possible repairs or replacement.
5. Trim trees and plants away from your awnings.  Tree branches can tear awning canvas.  Plants growing up towards awnings will give pests a pathway to reach the structures.  By keeping plant life away from them, your awnings will last longer.

Adding High-Quality Awnings to Your Home is Easy!

To learn how simple it is to add a permanent or retractable awning to your home, give Deluxe Awning Company a call today.  We’re a small family business that’s been serving Southern Oregon for 39 years.  We specialize in quality custom canvas awnings for homes and businesses, and we’re confident you’ll be wildly satisfied with the workmanship behind your new Deluxe Awning.  Contact us today to learn how easy it is to add an awning to your doors and windows.