Should Your Broken Awning Be Repaired or Replaced?
March 10, 2023
There is no doubt that awnings have many features that can be enjoyed for an extended period, from UV protection to cooling your residential or commercial property to giving your doorway the needed uplift! You might face an awning dilemma when you wonder whether your broken awning should be repaired or replaced.
The truth is, preserving your awning depends on you staying on top of the maintenance and service. As much as inclement weather poses a threat on the environment, it also poses challenges that can lead to some irreparable damage to your awning. To determine whether your awning needs to be replaced or repaired, here are signs to look out for:
Repairing Your Damaged Fabric
Although awning fabrics and designs are built to withstand varying weather conditions, constant exposure to the sun, wind, or rain will eventually damage your fabric. With time passing, there will be telltale signs of wear and tear due to various elements that will indicate that your awning may need to be repaired.
Damaged awning material is usually the most affordable and easiest part to repair and replace and can quickly be rectified by a professional awning company like Dorchester Awning. For your awning repair, these are the following signs to look out for upon inspection:
- Visible thinning
- Holes in the fabric
- Extreme color fading
Dorchester Awning has repair and storage services to ensure your awning is safely removed and stored while we closely inspect them for issues and work with you to implement repairs to keep your canopies in great shape.
Replacing Your Damaged Fabric
Unfortunately, there’ll come a time when you have to bid your favorite awning fabric goodbye due to irreparable damage. If your awning material is presenting with the following issues, it might be time for an upgrade:
- Tears, holes, or rips in the fabric
- Fungal growth, mold, or mildew on the fabric
Repairing Your Damaged Metal Frame
Awning frames are typically constructed of aluminum and built for durability to withstand all weather conditions, but are also prone to damage in the long run. Although not much can be done to repair your metal frame, if there are signs of rust, you can hire a professional to clean, remove the rust, and coat your aluminum in a weatherproof lacquer to prevent further rusting.
Replacing Your Damaged Metal Frame
Unlike the awning fabric, a broken awning arm or frame is not easy to repair and, in most cases, requires replacement. Typically, repairing a damaged metal frame isn’t easy because you can’t restore its initial aesthetic appearance and durability. If your metal frame is bent or damaged, replacing it is your best option – especially for safety reasons because accidents can occur when the structure is compromised.
The Mechanics of Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings can, after extended use, exhibit some mechanical problems due to the nature of their function like the sensor, motor, and track that are designed to retract or extend the awning. Should you experience an issue with any of the three mechanical components, it is highly recommended you contact your awning supplier to rectify the problem to minimize further damage to the components.
Dorchester Awning is a reputable and trusted awning supplier. With over 120 years of experience in the industry, we continue to provide a variety of awnings and a personalized design process. We also partner with trusted vendors to ensure we offer the best quality awnings to exceed your expectations! Allow us to take care of your commercial and home awning needs from start to finish!
If you’re not sure whether your broken awning needs to be repaired or replaced, contact us to evaluate the condition of your awning, and we will give you the best recommendation!
