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Tag: awning care

Best Materials for Awnings to Withstand Harsh Weather

Posted on by Zoe Rosensweig

When selecting an awning, choosing the right material is essential to ensure it stands up to the elements year-round. Whether facing intense sun, heavy rain, wind, or snow, your awning needs to be made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Here are some of the best options to consider when shopping for a high-performance awning.

Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic is a popular choice for awnings thanks to its ability to resist fading and mildew. It performs exceptionally well in both hot and damp climates, offering long-term color retention and protection from UV rays. Its breathable nature also reduces heat buildup underneath the awning.

Vinyl-Coated Polyester

Vinyl-coated polyester combines strength and flexibility, making it ideal for areas prone to rain or snow. This waterproof material is easy to clean and provides excellent durability against mold and mildew. It’s also tear-resistant, offering reliable performance in windy conditions.

Solution-Dyed Polyester

This fabric is manufactured with color infused into the fibers during production, giving it superior resistance to fading. It’s a tough, UV-resistant material that can also withstand moisture and moderate wind, making it a well-rounded option for varying climates.

Aluminum Awnings

For maximum durability, aluminum awnings are hard to beat. They can withstand high winds, snow loads, and intense sun without deteriorating. Though heavier and more permanent, aluminum awnings require minimal maintenance and offer excellent long-term value.

Not all awnings are built the same—and when harsh weather is a factor, material matters. Whether you go with fade-resistant acrylic, waterproof vinyl-coated polyester, colorfast solution-dyed polyester, or ultra-durable aluminum, choosing the right material means better protection, less upkeep, and longer lifespan. Invest wisely now, and your awning will deliver comfort and coverage through every season.

How to Extend the Life of Your Awning: Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

Posted on by Zoe Rosensweig

Awnings are a great way to enhance your outdoor living space, providing shade and protection from the elements. To ensure your awning lasts for years, regular maintenance is key. Here are some simple tips to help extend its lifespan.

Clean Your Awning Regularly

Dirt, debris, and bird droppings can accumulate on your awning, potentially damaging the fabric over time. Clean it regularly using a mild soap solution and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals that could break down the material. Be sure to clean both the top and bottom to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Check for Wear and Tear

Inspect your awning periodically for signs of damage, such as frayed edges, tears, or weakened support structures. Small issues can be addressed early, preventing more costly repairs down the line. If you notice significant damage, consider consulting a professional to repair or replace the awning.

Retract the Awning When Not in Use4

Retracting your awning during harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain or strong winds, will prevent unnecessary stress on the fabric and frame. This simple step can prevent premature wear and protect your investment.

Protect Against the Sun

Overexposure to sunlight can cause the fabric to fade and weaken. Consider installing an awning with UV-resistant material, or apply a UV protectant to the fabric for added protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

A well-maintained awning can serve you reliably for years, but it takes regular care to stay in top shape. By cleaning it routinely, checking for damage, retracting it during bad weather, and protecting it from UV rays, you’ll extend its life and preserve its appearance. A little upkeep now saves you time, money, and headaches later—while keeping your outdoor space comfortable and stylish.

How to Winterize Your Awning to Protect It from Harsh Weather

Posted on by Zoe Rosensweig

As winter approaches, taking steps to winterize your awning can prolong its lifespan and maintain its appearance. Proper preparation ensures that your outdoor space remains functional and inviting despite the harsh weather. Here are some essential tips to protect your awning this season.

Clean and Inspect Your Awning 

Before winter sets in, thoroughly clean your awning to remove dirt, debris, and mildew. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush to scrub the fabric gently, then rinse with water. Once cleaned, inspect for any damage, such as tears, frayed edges, or rusted hardware. Addressing these issues promptly will help prevent further deterioration during winter.

Retract Your Awning 

If you have a retractable awning, the best way to protect it from snow and ice is to retract it when harsh weather is forecasted. This minimizes exposure to heavy loads that could cause damage. For fixed awnings, ensure they are securely anchored to withstand strong winds and snowfall.

Use a Protective Cover 

Investing in a protective cover for your awning is an excellent way to shield it from winter elements. Covers made from durable, weather-resistant materials can prevent ice and snow accumulation while also protecting against UV rays and debris. Ensure the cover fits snugly to avoid wind damage.

Regular Maintenance Checks 

Throughout winter, periodically check your awning for any signs of damage or wear. Clear away any snow or ice buildup to prevent excessive weight and pressure on the fabric. By taking these proactive measures, you can ensure your awning remains in top condition and ready for use when warmer weather returns.

By cleaning, inspecting, retracting, covering, and performing regular maintenance checks, you can protect your awning from the harsh effects of winter weather. These proactive steps help maintain the appearance and durability of your awning, saving you from costly repairs or replacements down the line. With a little preparation, your awning will stay in excellent condition, ready to enhance your outdoor space as soon as the warmer months return.

How to Winterize Your Retractable Awning

Posted on by Zoe Rosensweig

Cleaning the Awning Fabric

Before storing your retractable awning for the winter, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the fabric. Use a mild soap and water solution to gently scrub away dirt, mildew, and stains. Rinse it well and allow it to completely dry to prevent mold and mildew growth during storage. A clean awning will be ready to use when the warm weather returns.

Inspecting for Damage

Carefully inspect the awning for any signs of wear or damage. Look for tears, holes, or frayed edges in the fabric, and check the frame for any bent or broken parts. Addressing these issues before winter can prevent further damage and ensure that your awning is in good condition for the next season. Repair or replace any damaged parts as needed.

Lubricating the Moving Parts

To keep the retractable mechanism functioning smoothly, lubricate all moving parts, such as hinges, springs, and joints. Use a silicone-based lubricant to prevent rust and ensure easy operation. Regular maintenance of these components will extend the life of your awning and ensure it operates smoothly when you need it again.

Retracting and Covering the Awning

Once the awning is clean, inspected, and lubricated, retract it fully to protect it from harsh winter weather. Use a protective cover specifically designed for retractable awnings to shield it from snow, ice, and debris. This cover will help maintain the condition of the awning and reduce the need for repairs come spring.

Checking the Mounting Hardware

Ensure that the mounting hardware securing the awning to your home is still tight and in good condition. Tighten any loose screws or bolts and replace any corroded hardware. Properly secured mounting hardware is crucial for the stability and safety of your awning.

Winterizing your retractable awning is a straightforward process that can significantly extend its lifespan. By cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, retracting, and covering your awning, as well as checking the mounting hardware, you can protect your investment and ensure it remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Can Snow Make My Awning Collapse?

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

If your home or business gets a lot of snowfall in the winter month, it’s important to pay attention to your awnings. With a large amount of snowfall, your awning might collapse under the weight of the snow. But don’t worry, you can minimize the danger by purchasing the right type of awning by following these tips:

Frame engineering

You should never just focus on the fabric when looking to purchase a new awning. Always focus on the frame too! The structure is very important since it’s what the awning snow load will primarily depend on. Manufacturers will also be able to give you an estimate on snow load, which you can compare to the type of snowfall you receive in your area.

Fabric choice

Your safety depends on the choice of fabric, especially when it comes to a leaking awning. Woven fabrics tend to absorb water and snow and often let it leak through. However other fabrics are designed to be waterproof. When fabrics absorb water from the snow instead of repelling it, they become compromised.

Pitch matters

You should also pay attention to the pitch of your awning. Flat awnings will have significantly more snow buildup than an awning that has a smaller angle. On the other hand however, a high-pitch awning will basically let the snow slide right off to the ground.

The dedicated staff at Peterson Canvas & Awnings can help you with all your outdoor living needs! We’ll help you decide on the best type of awning for your home. Simply contact us, and learn more about the different services we offer. 

Cleaning Awnings 101

Posted on by Meghan Lalonde

It’s the perfect time to take out your awning, but what if it is dirty? Cleaning your retractable awning made from Sunbrella acrylic fabrics can be easy with these tips.

While the awning is on the frame, you can conduct light cleaning. Brush off loose dirt with a soft bristle brush. Hose down fabrics on a monthly basis with clean water, which helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more thorough cleaning. Typically, a thorough cleaning of your awning will be needed every two to three years.

For tough cleaning jobs to get rid of dirt and mildew, prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap or dishwashing liquid. Use a soft bristle brush to scrub away dirt and debris. Allow the homemade cleaning solution to soak into the awning fabric. Rinse thoroughly until all soap is removed. Let the wet awning air dry. If you are dealing with stubborn stains that don’t seem to go away, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew. For roof run-off or other similar stains, a strong degreaser may be required.

Peterson Canvas cares about the environment! Please be careful with the surrounding area when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on nature and wildlife. If you are surrounded by a body of water or in area with protected wildlife, avoid using bleach.

We have many years of experience working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements for retractable awnings.

For more information about awnings and maintenance, call Peterson Canvas & Awning  at (970) 493-4033 today! We carry a large variety of residential retractable awnings, commercial awnings and sail shades.

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