Keeping your Awning in good shape is a vital aspect that aids in the lifespan of your Awning as well as the overall cost or expense of it.
Awnings, although seemingly “self-sufficient” structures that need little to no care, are in fact an element of your house that need a fair amount of care and maintenance if you want to get the very best out of them.
With this in mind, we have decided to identify 2 – yes, only 2 – ways to ensure your Awning is kept in the best possible shape at all times, saving you time and money.
- Inspections
First and foremost, Awning inspections. Not something to be taken lightly. One can never be sure as to when or if you will encounter problems with your Awning. Thorough inspections on a regular basis – we would recommend quarterly inspections – are necessary in order to discover any tears, damage, excessive wear; or mold and mildew build up.
When inspecting your Awning, it is important to remember both the large and small areas that make up the full structure. Be sure to check the larger areas of your Awning such as the overhead element itself – both on top as well as the underneath side of it – and the pillars supporting it as well. Alongside this it is important to remember the smaller pieces of your Awning that ironically form a big part of it. Always be sure to take some time to inspect all of the screws, brackets and end caps holding everything in place to make sure nothing is loose, damaged or weak as this could result in the collapse or your Awning which could cause some serious damage to the Awning itself as well as any adult, child or animal in the vicinity of it.
- General Awning Cleaning Procedures
The second important tip is none other than your general cleaning procedures.
In many cases people see an Awning as an extension of a building or house and thus don’t find it necessary to clean or maintain. However, although an Awning is an outdoor element that is built to withstand some of the elements it is exposed to, they still need to be cleaned and maintained in order to remain in good condition and live out the lifespan intended. We recommend seasonal cleaning for your Awnings.
With the weather having a huge impact on the well-being of your Awning and seasons never quite being the same, seasonal cleaning will ensure you are prepared and less-likely to suffer detrimental damage to your Awning due to weather that may hit during the Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring months.
When cleaning your Awning be sure to sweep off any and all of the loose dirt that may have accumulated since your last clean. Thereafter take some warm soapy water and give your Awning a gentle wash, being sure to use a soft-bristled brush. This helps to keep your Awning looking bright and pristine whilst at the same time preventing dirt from building up overtime.
The second element to the cleaning process is to make sure you trim any shrubs, bushes, trees or vines that are situated around the Awning to prevent them from touching or rubbing on it as this can lead to tears, scratches and even dents. Some plants also contain acids that can wear down fabric and cause discoloration. Which brings us to our final element. If you have identified any damage to your Awning be sure to get it fixed immediately to prevent it getting any worse.
Believe it or not, that is all there is to it! Simple yet effective ways to ensure your Awning is in great shape all-year-round.
If you have any queries, be sure to get in touch with us and we will be delighted to assist you.
