How to Minimise Costs of Window Awning Repairs

Posted by John F on September 11th, 2019

Whilst outdoor awnings are an attractive and, in many cases, a practical addition to any home, it is important to remember that proper care and maintenance is required if you want to keep them looking their best. Failing to properly clean, maintain and store them can lead to irreparable or unattractive damage – and can cost a small fortune in window awning repairs! If you want to keep your awnings looking as good as new and reduce the costs of servicing and maintenance, there are a few steps that you can follow. In this article, we have compiled a basic guide for looking after your investment.

Cleaning
Whilst you might believe that you can simply install your awnings and forget about them, it is important to remember that regular cleaning is required.

▪  Treat stains (such as dirt, bird droppings and anything else that falls onto the surface) as soon as possible. You will find it much easier to get the stain out if you don’t let it fester for months.

▪  Wash your awnings whenever you notice a buildup of dirt; if left to fester, dirt can lead to mildew. A water and mild soap solution applied with a brush should be sufficient for washing.

▪  Only use cold or lukewarm water when washing awnings. Leave them to air dry, as heat can actually cause them to shrink. They can be left in their frames and treated with a fabric guard for extra protection.

▪   In between deep washes, it is recommended that you regularly brush dirt and other debris off the surface with a broom. You should also rinse the fabric regularly with some plain water.

Maintenance
Performing regular maintenance and inspections on your awnings is essential for reducing the need for serious window awning repairs, as it will help you to identify and correct problems before they become an irreparable issue.

▪  Inspect your awnings yearly – look for signs of rust on the frame and areas where paint has chipped away. Give these areas a fresh coat of paint to ensure that the corrosion doesn’t get worse.

▪  Keep the frame clear of dirt and debris to prevent rusting. This can be achieved by brushing dirt away with a broom and giving the frame a good scrub at least once a year.

▪  Any rips or tears in the fabric should be referred as soon as they occur or are noticed. Exposure to wind and rain can actually cause tears to grow larger, which makeswindow awning repairsmore difficult.

Storage
When your awning is not in use, it is important that it is properly stored to prevent damage. This is just as vital as proper cleaning and maintenance.

▪  To maximise the life of the awnings, you should definitely consider taking them down during the winter (particularly if you live in an area that receives lots of snow).

▪  Before storing the awnings away, ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned them. Any dirt left on them can encourage mildew. Store them in a dry location to further protect them.

By ensuring that your awnings are regularly cleaned, maintained and stored properly, you can rest assured that they will serve you well for many years to come – and, for the most part, window awning repairs will become unnecessary. Whilst it might seem like a lot of work in the beginning, if you plan to complete each of these tasks across the year (instead of all at once), you will find that they actually don’t take that long. It will all be worth it in the end, anyway, when your outdoor area is a fantastic place to relax and entertain.