Awnings protect your or business, but it’s up to you to protect your awnings. When they’re well cared for, your awnings will last for years to come and maintain their neat appearance. Today we’ll cover some of the easiest ways to keep your awnings looking great and maintaining their integrity.
1. Keep Debris Off Your Awnings
One of the easiest things you can do is to make sure that leaves, twigs, and other debris don’t accumulate on your awnings. Organic matter, such as bird droppings or clumps of decaying leaves, can lead to mildew that will stain your awnings. So don’t any of it sit! Use a soft brush to sweep away any sort of debris, and gently spray your awnings down with a hose, preferably on a sunny day where you can count on the sunlight to dry your awnings quickly.
2. Spot Clean Your Awnings
Use a bit of warm, soapy water (with a mild detergent like Dawn dishwashing detergent or even Woolite) and a soft bristle brush to scrub at the awning and then rinse it clean with the hose to get all of the soap out, and allow it to air dry. Don’t use hot water or apply heat to the awning.
3. Inspect Your Awnings
As durable as our awnings are, nothing is completely immune to the ravages of the elements. Check your awnings regularly for signs of rust dripping from leaky gutters or pipes, small punctures or tears, and signs of mildew, all of which require action.
4. Call the Professionals
When you see a problem, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger one. Call us to handle your awnings repairs. Depending on the materials you choose for your awnings, they may even need a reapplication of special protectants, which can prolong their life.
5. Know How to Store Your Awnings
Retractable awnings aren’t meant to withstand high winds and inclement weather. While stationary awnings are better able to withstand the elements, they’re not impervious, either. When severe storms are coming, you should take them down and put them in storage.
Make sure first that the awning is completely dry. Never store a wet awning, which can lead to mildew growth. You should avoid dragging the awning across abrasive surfaces such as a stone or concrete patio. Instead, carry them or roll them on a cart and put them into storage.
When you look after your awnings properly, they’ll last you for years to come. If you have any questions about how to care for your awnings, call us at 305-283-3434 or send an email to felixarbucias@dadebrowardawnings.com.
