Are you looking for ways to extend your outdoor living space & protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun?
Retractable awnings are becoming an increasingly popular solution for providing instant removable shade, regardless of where you live or what kind of climate you experience. Not only do landscapers turn to them for easy installation, but homeowners realise how handy these structures can be!
In this blog post, we will delve into everything you need to know about caring for your retractable awning so that you can enjoy it season after season. From tips on cleaning & maintenance to ensure your warranty remains intact.
So keep reading to get all the insight needed in order to make sure your outdoor sanctuary looks just as good ten years down the road.
Keep Your Sunshades Looking Fresh & New With Our Expert Cleaning Tips
- An annual clean is a rule of thumb when it comes to routine maintenance.
- To preserve the fabric’s freshener, start by hosing down to remove any dirt or debris.
- To get rid of those pesky stains, use a soft brush along with natural soap like Ivory Flakes or Woolite in lukewarm water (no hotter than 100 degrees F) to carefully & gently scrub away dirt & debris.
- Do not use any form of detergent! Be sure to rinse the fabric multiple times so that all traces of soap are completely eliminated.
- If soap is left on the fabric, it will cause unsightly marks & leave a chalky residue.
- Before retracting, make sure the fabric is completely air-dried to avoid any water accumulation.
Here are some more tips on how to clean a retractable fabric awning:
- Before cleaning the fabric, sweep away any loose dirt or debris with a broom.
- Start from the bottom & gradually work your way up as you clean the fabric.
- Ensure your awning is thoroughly washed because any skipped spots will be immensely noticeable once the fabric dries.
- For optimal performance, give your awning a rinse with the garden hose every month & keep it clean by using an ordinary broom to brush away dirt from its undersurface.
- Maintain shrubbery & vines away from the awning, as their acid can damage its fabric. Moreover, check for rust on your frames; even though it is rare, if present, it will compromise the frame & lead to marks on the fabric.
Gear Operation & Opening Your Awning – Learn How Here
- Utilizing the supplied crank handle, rotate it in a single direction to extend your awning or lower shades. To retract them, simply turn the crank handle in an opposite manner & hold it at the same angle as its eyelet when operating for the best results.
- While extending your gears, you may notice that their lateral arms flex but remain locked out at their elbows; this is entirely normal—the arms will never fully straighten out, so don’t attempt doing so, as it might damage your awning!
- Additionally, be cautious not to roll up fabric beyond where its gear stops & elbowed lockouts are located since sagging/drooping of material could occur afterwards.
To rectify this situation, roll the awning up until it regains its tautness.
Tips To Follow While Retracting The Awning
- Retractable awnings offer you respite from the sun; however, they are not designed to be used in extreme conditions such as strong wind, rain, hail or snow.
- For optimal protection, your patio awning should be retracted when the wind speed reaches 20 mph or higher.
- To ensure the longevity & performance of your awning, please refrain from rolling up twigs, leaves or any other solid debris within its fabric.
- When winding back, be sure not to push the front bar forcefully onto the folded material.
- For the best results, always ensure that your fabric is unrolling from the top of the roller tube, not from underneath.
Maximize Frameworks Performance & Lifespan With Ease
- Boasting a long-lasting finish & self-lubricating joints, the aluminium components are designed to withstand wear & tear.
- For optimal performance & longevity, your product is designed to be virtually maintenance-free. However, it’s still a great idea to hose down the framework at the beginning of each outdoor season & wipe it with a soft cloth for added protection against dirt & debris.
- It is recommended to lubricate the shifting components of your machine with a silicone spray yearly. If you experience any creaking or groaning while using this product, try lubing before contacting customer service.
- Lubrication is most essential at the end of the roller tube, on its far side from the motor or gear.
- A spritz of spray lubricant on the axle & bushing will reduce, if not completely eliminate, any unwanted squeaking noises. Just make sure to keep it away from fabrics!
Don’t Forget To Winterize Your Canopy
- To keep your awning or canopy in peak condition during the colder months, make sure to retract it. Additionally, if you have a hanging valance connected to the front bar of your awning, remove it by gently sliding it out.
- Store it in a well-ventilated & dry room that is not frequented by rodents.
- Store your belongings away from moisture & avoid plastic bags, as this could cause mildew.
30 Years in Business: Proven Results with Affordable Motorized Retractable Awnings
To protect your retractable awning & get your money’s worth out of it, you should be aware of proper cleaning techniques, gear operation, unwinding & retracting tips & winterization. All are essential to preserving the framework’s performance life cycle.
Following these steps can save you time, frustration & money. Now that you understand the importance of properly maintaining a retractable awning with attention to detail, why not reward yourself with Motorized Retractable Awnings from Sunshades of Pennsylvania?
With over 30 years in business, we bring confidence & assurance for effortless purchase & installation. Our motorized awnings come with sleek design options to fit any decor aesthetic. We include an array of robust fabrics as well as protective coatings in clear or bronze tint so your sunshades stay modern & luxurious for years to come!
Get started on your journey to outdoor bliss by learning how to care for your retractable awning today!
