4 Tips to Prepare Your Awning for Spring

January 1, 2019

With spring just around the corner, it won’t be long until the snow is melted and it is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities again! After the extremely cold temperatures and the heavy snowfall that affected the Boston area this year, home residents will likely want to spend as much time as possible outdoors as soon as the snow melts. To make sure that the backyard area is ready to go, now is the perfect time to do a little cleaning and maintenance on awnings to prepare for spring.

Clear the Awning

If a stationary or retractable awning was left in place through the winter, it may be necessary to clear dirt and debris from the awning. This can be done using a broom and a ladder. The awning should never be cleared from below, because debris can fall and cause injury or can drag on the metal or fabric of the awning and cause damage. It is best to have a view of the awning from the top when clearing. This view will also allow the entire awning to be viewed, which can prevent debris from hiding in spots that are tough to see from below.

Inspect the Awning

Whether an awning was left in place or was removed and stored, it should be thoroughly inspected before use. If there are small rips in the fabric or other minor damage, it may be possible to have these issues repaired easily and inexpensively. Continuing to use the awning while it is dirty or damaged can lead to problems that are more difficult to correct and can detract from the appearance of the home.

Wash the Awning

The best way to wash an awning may vary depending on the type of awning and how dirty it is. Metal awnings are usually easy to clean with a high pressure hose. Fabric awnings may require scrubbing with a soft brush or cloth and a mild soap. If there is mildew on the awning, bleach can help take the mildew out, though care should be used to ensure that the colors do not fade.

Professional Awning Repair

If awning repair is needed, it is best to rely on professionals. Professional awning companies can mend tears in fabric, replace material as needed, and ensure that the awning frame is sturdy and in good repair. Having a professional awning company inspect awnings and make repairs for spring can help to prolong the life of an awning.