Awnings are a great addition to any home or business, offering shade, shelter, and an appealing aesthetic. But to make sure they last for many years, regular maintenance is crucial. Wayne Craft understands that proper maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your awnings and making sure they continue to better your property’s aesthetic appeal. Here’s everything you need to know about maintaining the longevity of your awning, whether it’s a residential door awning or commercial awning for restaurants.
Regular Inspections for Damage
For homeowners and contractors who install awnings, regular inspection is vital. Over time, awnings can experience wear and tear. Here’s a checklist of things to look out for:
- Loose Material and Ill-Fitting Components: Check if the fabric or aluminum panels are loose. Also, inspect screws or fasteners to make sure everything is secure.
- Dents and Punctures: Check the metal for any dents or punctures, which can compromise the awning’s effectiveness and appearance.
- Anchor Bolts: Make sure the anchor bolts are secure and in the attachment of the columns to the awnings, particularly where the awning attaches to the house, porch, or deck.
- Sealant and Caulking: Inspect the sealant and caulking for wear. Reseal if necessary to prevent leaks.
Winterizing Your Awnings
Winter weather can be harsh on your awning, but with a little care, you can help it survive the cold months. As one of the premier residential awning companies, we recommend these maintenance steps:
- Clear Leaves and Debris: Remove leaves and debris from your awning. Not only will this prevent staining, but it will also avoid unnecessary weight. Door awnings and awnings over windows can be more delicate due to the limited surface area, additional weight over an extended period can cause damaged anchor bolts and potential dents.
- Proper Cleaning and Power Wash: Use a gentle power wash and mild soap to remove dirt and pollutants. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care.
- Wax (Optional): While rare, some people apply wax to protect the material. However, it is not essential for most awnings.
Preventing Corrosion
Protecting the metal components from corrosion is essential for longevity:
- Paint Exposed Fasteners: Paint steel fasteners to protect them from rust.
- Avoid Corrosive Chemicals: Stay away from harsh chemicals, which can damage the metal or coating.
- Salt and Ice Melt: Be cautious about where you place ice melt or salt, as they can harm the paint over time.
Drainage Considerations
Proper drainage is key to keeping your awning in good condition:
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Make sure your gutters are clear to avoid water damage to the awning.
- Consider Water Flow Before Installation: During installation, discuss drainage needs with your contractor. Should you add downspouts or reroute your gutter system to avoid water pooling near the awning? Prior to installation it would be a good time to tell the contractor if you have any water issues you want to address.
Ice, Sleet, and Snow Maintenance
Heavy winter weather can pose a threat to older awnings:
- New Awnings: Modern Wayne Craft awnings are designed to withstand snow, sleet, and ice.
- Old Awnings: If your awning is older, snow accumulation could cause damage. A snow rake can be used to remove excess snow carefully. Ice could be a potential problem for older awnings due to freezing and thawing in the winter. Sometimes the ice can be quite heavy. It would be a good idea to remove it if you can. Be careful of heavy pieces coming off the top if you tried breaking it up.
Other Natural Elements Protection
Protecting your awning from natural elements is crucial for maintaining its appearance and structural integrity:
- Tree Management: Keep overhanging branches trimmed away from your awning in case of branches falling. Moreover, tree sap can be particularly damaging to aluminum surfaces and finishes, potentially causing discoloration and deterioration over time.
- Bird Control: Address bird-related issues promptly, as their droppings contain acidic compounds that can damage the awning’s protective coating. Consider installing deterrents like:
- Visual deterrents (reflective tape or wind chimes)
- Bird spikes in areas where birds frequently perch
- Motion-activated sprinklers in severe cases
- Immediate Cleaning: If you notice sap or bird droppings on your awning, clean them as soon as possible using:
- Warm water and mild dish soap solution
- Soft microfiber cloth or soft bristle brush
- Thorough rinsing to prevent residue
Note: For properties with significant tree coverage or bird activity, more frequent inspections and cleaning may be necessary to maintain the awning’s appearance and prevent long-term damage.
Budget-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Maintaining an awning doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some affordable options:
- Mild Dish Soap: Use dish soap diluted in warm water for cleaning.
- Microfiber Cloths and Soft Bristle Brushes: Use microfiber towels and gentle brushes to wipe down the surfaces and use microfiber brushes will pole attachments for higher up surfaces.
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: Use this for spot cleaning small areas.
Note: If your awning is close to a factory or high-traffic area, it may require more frequent cleaning due to accumulated grime.
Cleaning Pre-Painted Metal Awnings
If your awning is made from pre-painted metal, it’s important to keep it looking fresh:
- Routine Cleaning: Clean with warm, soapy water (detergent like Tide with less than 0.5% phosphate) and a sponge, soft cloth or soft bristle brush. This helps remove dirt and contaminants without damaging the finish.
- Chalking: Over time, direct sunlight can cause the paint to degrade, resulting in a powdery, chalky residue. Clean this up with the same detergent solution to restore the shine and appearance.
- Mold and Mildew: In humid conditions, mold or mildew can form on the surface. Use a bleach solution (one cup of soap and one gallon of bleach in five gallons of water) to thoroughly clean and prevent long-term damage. Afterwards, rinse with fresh water. Please note to protect your eyes, skin, and surround areas including but not limited to: carpets, plants, animals, clothes, etc.
- Grease, Oil, Wax, etc.: First, try cleaning with detergent and water. For small areas, commercial kitchen cleaners can be used. For larger areas, a grease remover diluted with water may be required. For stubborn stains, use a solvent like xylene or naphtha but be cautious as it may affect the long-term durability of the coating. Always test with a small area to make sure the cleaning solution does not have any adverse effects to the awnings.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Awnings
Not all cleaning methods are safe for your awning. Here’s what you should avoid:
- Stiff Brushes or Wire Brushes: These can scratch or damage the paint.
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid acidic cleaners like CLR, as they can deteriorate the finish.
- Power Washers: Use caution when using power washers. Be sure not to scratch or damage the surface.
- Acid-Based Cleaners: Avoid cleaners like CLR or those with high phosphate content, as they can erode the finish.
- Strong Commercial Cleaners: Always test any new cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t cause damage or adverse reactions.
Protect your awning investment by scheduling a professional inspection with Wayne Craft today! Our expert team provides top-notch service for all your awning needs. Whether you need installation, estimations, or repairs, trust Wayne Craft to keep your awning looking great for years to come. Contact us today for a free consultation.