Be Prepared: The Effects of the Elements on Your Awnings

Installing an outdoor awning over your deck or patio area can provide you with a cool space to sit and relax. These canvas coverings are highly durable and are a great way to block the sun’s UV rays and shade an area. However, retractable awnings are far from indestructible, as many homeowners have had the misfortune of finding out the hard way. If not cared for properly and stored during inclement weather, the material will be prone to tearing. High winds can destroy a perfectly stable awning if the conditions are bad enough, but continual sunlight can as well.

Though they are effective at blocking the light, over time fading, discoloration, and surface erosion can occur if the fabric if an awning is not prepped correctly. There are a few helpful tips every awning owner, especially every Arizona awning owner, needs to be aware of. These devices are definitely a sound investment for the summer months, as they add protection for any outdoor living area or plants, but you will need to take some precautionary measures in order to ensure their longevity.

4 Tips How You Can Protect Your Awning From Mother Nature:

Roll the retractable awning up when winter approaches; Arizona awnings can be left up all year-round most of the time, but there are still instances in which retracting the awning is recommended. If you live in an area where snow and ice are a possibility, you don’t want to leave the awning exposed. The weight alone from accumulating precipitation can cause the canvas to collapse.

Wind it up when it is windy outside; you don’t have to fret over mild gusts, but gusty conditions are a problem. The force of the wind can cause the covering to tear at the seams. Unless repaired as soon as possible, the rip will only become more extensive. Rather than having to shell out money for a new covering, keep a watchful eye on the forecast (especially for sandstorms or Monsoon gusts in Arizona) and roll up your retractable awning until the wind subsides.

Clean your awning thoroughly at least once a month; this means wiping away any dirt from the frame and cleaning the canvas with mild soap and a scrub brush. Rinse it down with clean water to prevent debris buildup from wearing away at the surface. Once you have completed doing this, you should apply a protective coating. There are many products that have the ability to make your awning water and UV-ray proof at the same time, so you can knock out two birds with one stone. It is definitely a worthwhile investment.

Perform routine maintenance and repairs when needed; if your awning has been damaged by the wind or needs some maintenance and repair due to wear and tear, your best form of recourse is to contact a professional awning company, such as our experts at Mesa Awning Company. An expert technician can make any necessary repairs, as well as reinforce your awning to prevent future tears, in addition to consulting you on the newest retractable awning models available.