Learn how to care for your retractable awning this winter.
We are at the beginning of December, which means winter is only a few weeks away. It is important that every feature of your home is prepared for the inclement winter weather. If you have a retractable awning attached to your home, you need to ensure that you provide some well-needed maintenance before winter officially arrives. Learn how to care for your retractable awning this winter.
Give It A Deep Cleaning
One of the most important aspects of retractable awning maintenance is cleaning the fabric cover and frame. Since most homeowners will put their retractable awning away once harsh winter weather arrives, you want to ensure that it is clean for the springtime. You want to brush any leaves and debris from the entire awning, and then you want to wash the structure with a hose. If there is any mildew or stains, use a scrubbing brush, warm water, and mild soap to remove them.
Inspect and Repair
When it comes to caring for your retractable awning this winter, you want to inspect the structure for any damage, such as rips, tears, and mildew. The summer and fall months can be brutal on home awnings, so you want to inspect and repair any potential damage. If there are any rips or tears to the fabric, you can patch it up with a kit that can be obtained from the manufacturer or a local hardware store. If there is mildew growing on your awning fabric, then you can remove it with a scrubbing brush and some warm water and mild soap.
Retract and Cover
Depending on how severe the weather is during the winter, it might be best to keep your awning retracted for a majority of the winter. It is important that your awning is completely dry before retracting and storing it away for the winter so that you can prevent mildew from growing. There are special covers that are designed to protect awnings from the winter weather, or you can remove the awning from the frame and store it in a dry place.
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