Awnings make any outdoor area more enjoyable and accessible. A good awning can mean afternoons or evenings outdoors in the fresh air when the temperature is nice but the rain maybe isn't. You can also use them to block direct sunlight and enjoy long summer days, but get up to a 40 degree difference in the surface heat by blocking out the sun.
Retractable awnings are often the best kind of awning because you can store them or deploy them as you need, based on the circumstances. Putting them away in the winter can let direct sunlight into the home, but rolling one out in the spring or wet season can keep your patio dry. Still, for being so convenient, you need to take care of your retractable awning. There are five simple steps to accomplishing this.
The first thing you want to always have on hand is a commercial awning cleaner. Awning material is a world unto itself, so don't trust regular cleaners to get the job done. Some will, but others could hurt the fabric.
Most commercial awning cleaners need to be applied to both sides of the surface where any mildew is. Allow them to soak in and roll it up. After a while, open it back up and rinse the area with a hose.
The second habit you need is inspecting your awning visually when you open it up, especially after long periods of storage. Keep an eye out for stains and mildew. Also regularly rinse your awning with a hose to prevent dirt from rolling up into the storage and risking mildew. Never scrub your awning as this can wear down any water-resistance the material might have.
The third habit you need to develop is keeping an eye out for tears. This applies all the time. There are patches and repair kits available. Depending on the style and color of your awning and the exact nature of the tear or repair kit, these fixes might be visible, but it can save you the cost of a full awning replacement.
The fourth thing you should always do is avoid storing your awning when it is wet. It needs to be dry on both sides too, not just underneath. If you roll it up wet, you might find in the future that mildew has rotted the awning out.
The last thing you should do to protect your awning is to keep in stored away safely when you are not on-site. You never want to come back after a trip and discover a huge tear and have no idea what caused it.
Follow these five tips for protecting your retractable awning and you'll get to enjoy the outdoors without excess sun or annoying rain for years to come. Check the retractable screens website for more information and any needed help.
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