Retractable awnings are a valuable addition to your house as it provides shade in summer, rain protection in light rain conditions, and a comfortable space in your outdoors. However, as winter approaches with conditions of heavy rain, snowfall, high winds, and freezing temperatures in your region, you need to take certain steps to protect your retractable awnings. This approach will help in extending the life of your retractable awnings and facilitate easy operation in warm weather conditions as well. The following points highlight the basic steps a homeowner needs to take to protect retractable awnings in winter conditions.
Clean Your retractable awnings Before the onset of winter
The first thing you need to do before the onset of winter is to give your retractable awnings a proper cleaning. Dirt, leaves, mold, bird poop, and other contaminants could accumulate on the material over time. Should you forget to remove them and the winter season comes, you could find yourself facing the problem of stained materials, damaged fibers, and mold growth.
Begin with the removal of loose debris with a soft broom. Next, wash the fabric with mild soap and water, together with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Avoid the use of harsh detergents or a power wash, which could potentially damage the fabric coating. Next, rinse the awning with fresh water and allow it to dry completely before folding it away, since storing a damp awning could create mildew when the seasons turn to winter.
Part of cleaning is also inspecting the frame of the awning. Make sure that any metal parts of the awning can be cleaned of dirt and checked for signs of rust damage or wear. A cleaned awning has much more chance of passing the winter intact.
Check for Damage or Repairs
Before winter sets in, take a closer look at your retractable awnings for any preexisting damage. Look for any tiny holes in the fabric, loose stitching, weakened areas, sagging points, and discoloration indicative of worn-out fabric. While such points appear trivial now, winter weather can easily exacerbate them.
A tiny hole in your fabric could become larger due to accumulation of snow on top of it, and strong wind and heavy rains could also cause your fabric to weaken and become prone to more holes.
Also check the frame and movable parts of the chair for loose bolts, bent arms, rusty areas, and parts that do not move easily. Applying a spray lubricant containing silicone to the hinges and joints of the chair will prevent it from becoming stiff when it is cold.
So, if there are any problems, it is best to remedy them before the onset of winter weather. It will save money in the future, aside from keeping problems from escalating. Repairs of fabrics, sewings, and replacement of parts will be easy, rather than expensive, in the event of a delay until spring.
If your awning is quite old or shows signs of wear, it could be worth hiring a professional to have a look at it and make some recommendations regarding how to keep your retractable awnings operating in a safe manner during the winter months.
Store or Secure the Awning Correctly
The way you keep your retractable awnings in winter varies with the type of awning and the extent to which your home is exposed to harsh weather. Modern retractable awnings will always stay on the house all year long, but they will have to all be retracted and locked in position.
In retracting the awning fabric, ensure it unwraps with no creases and snags. It should be rolled up fully to shield the material from wind, rain, and snow. Alternatively, if your awning does not come with a cassette system, then a protective winter cover will work best to shield the material from rain and snow.
If your area gets harsh winds during winter, it is a must that the awning is secured. This is because the awning is not designed to support any amount of wind force when it is extended. In addition, harsh winds can rattle the closed awning. Ensure that the awning is tightly locked.
Awnings that are portable and removable should be removed and stored for the winter. These should be stored in a location such as a shed or garage that is free from moisture, protecting the materials from freeze temperatures.
In order to avoid bending and tearing due to the extreme winter environment, the following steps will prove beneficial:
Winter Care Tips for Motorised Retractable Awnings
If your retractable awnings come equipped with motorisation, then the care instructions for winter storage include a couple of other considerations. Electrical components tend to be more finicky in cold weather and icy conditions. First, before the onset of the winter season, test your motor to make sure that everything is in optimal working order. Listen for any unusual noises.
Many motorised awnings have safety devices such as wind sensors or auto retract features. When winter storms are imminent, this functionality comes in handy. Ensure sensors are clean and working well for them to detect changes in weather at any time. You should also disconnect or protect the power supply in cases where the awning won’t be used for the entire winter season. In this regard, it might be prudent to consider disconnecting the power in order to prevent accidental use or damage when it gets too cold.
Battery-operated or remote-control devices also should not be overlooked. Replace low batteries before winter rolls around, and keep portable remotes indoors where they will not be subjected to dampness or cold temperatures. By following a few easy steps, you can assure that the motor and electronics are in a safe and secure condition to operate once spring comes back.
Winter might be a bit difficult for outdoor structures like awnings, but with a few precautions, you can keep your retractable awning functional and looking new for years to come. A good cleaning and inspection for damage to the awning as well as securing it with a focus on motorised awnings will go a long way in ensuring that your investment is not affected in the coming winter. With the arrival of warmer weather, you can open your awning easily.