Roll up awnings, or retractable awnings as they’re also known, are a great option for homeowners, providing shade and protection from the rain when needed, but easily rolling up when not. There are two basic types of roll up awnings – motorized roll up awnings and manual roll up awnings. While the motorized models will require a bit more maintenance over the course of their lifespan, they will also provide additional conveniences as well, needing only the push of a button or flick of a switch to roll and unroll the awning quickly and easily.
Buying a roll up awning is a relatively expensive purchase, especially for motorized models, and therefore keeping it well maintained will protect your investment. Roll up awnings can be subject to problems from wind, rain, sun, and dirt, among other culprits, but with some routine care and maintenance, they can be kept looking and operating their best for many years.
Here are a few basic maintenance tips for roll up awnings that you can easily take care of yourself:
Cleaning the Awning Fabric
Most roll up awnings have a canvas awning canopy that has a weather-proof finish, although some cheaper roll up awnings may substitute vinyl canopies instead. Either way, it is important to keep the awning canopy clean to not only keep it looking good, but to keep it from forming mold and mildew, which can make the fabric deteriorate, smell, and even cause health issues. All that is needed to keep the fabric roll up awning clean is a bucket of water and some mild soap, along with a scrub brush and a hose. You should first hose off the awning to remove any loose debris or dirt (be sure to unroll it first so it is fully opened), then lightly scrub the material with the mild soap and water solution to remove any stuck on dirt, mold or mildew. Follow it off by hosing off the soapy water. Repeat if there are stubborn spots or stains on the awning canopy. It is important to make sure that the roll up awning fabric is completely dry prior to rolling it up, or mold and mildew are more likely to form.
Maintaining the Awning Frame
Most roll up awnings have aluminum frames which are lightweight and rust-proof. However, it is best to make sure that aluminum roll up awnings stay rust proof by keeping the frame clean and dry. Check along the length of the frames to make sure there is no dirt build-up and that there are no places where water can accumulate and sit, potentially leading to rust.
Check the Motor
If you have a motorized roll up awning, then you will rely on the motor to open and close the awning each time you use it. Therefore, it is important to keep the motor in good working order. This means you should ensure that there is nothing blocking the working parts of the motor and that it remains clean, well-oiled and dry. You should follow any manufacturer’s directions for roll up awning motor maintenance, but as a general rule of thumb, the cleaner, the drier, the smoother the motor and mechanisms that roll and unroll the awning are, the longer your motor will last.
Protect the Awning From the Weather
The biggest culprit in damaging a roll up awning is the very elements that the awning is meant to protect you from – wind, rain, snow and sun. Use good judgment when it comes to the weather to keep your awning looking and functioning at its best. If heavy winds are expected, do not open up your awning or leave it opened because the high winds can damage the frame or tear the canopy fabric. If you live in a climate with lots of hot sun beating down day after day, you should roll up your awning when not in use to avoid fading and cracking from the constant exposure to the sun. If it snows where you live, keep the awning rolled up when it snows because the weight of the snow sitting on top of the awning can damage the frame, as well as the fabric. If your awning has been open while it rains, wait for it to dry off before rolling it up to prevent mold, mildew and rust from forming due to trapped water in the rolled up awning. It is also a good idea not to roll up an awning in very cold weather, because this can damage the motor and can also cause the material to crack if it has been exposed to the cold air for long and is brittle.
Attend to Small Repairs
Roll up awning canopies are generally made from canvas or vinyl, and while quality models should include fabric that will hold up well to the elements, sometimes a small tear, rip or hole is unavoidable. If that happens, it is best to attend to the problem right away, rather than waiting until the problem gets worse, which usually leads to you having to replace the whole awning canopy. This can usually be done with a small patch of matching fabric, a few stitches of a needle, or a coating of a protective covering. The same holds true for the frame. If you find a loose screw or bolt, or a section of the frame is dented or damaged, fix it before the repair becomes extensive, and expensive.
By properly maintaining roll up awnings, you can get many years of use out of this outdoor accessory. The effort you put into periodic care and maintenance will be well worth the added life of the awning, and ultimately the cost savings of having to prematurely replace your roll up awning. It will also keep your awning, and your home, looking its best. If you have a property in Kent, or anywhere else for that matter, a roll up awning can add versatility and utility to your outdoor space.
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