Your Retractable Awnings: 3 Problems to Avoid

October 1, 2019

Retractable awnings are a beautiful and smart way to add value and interest to your home or business, and we ought to know — we’ve been designing, creating, and installing them for over 100 years, making us one of the leading awning companies in Boston. But, as with just about everything, they need to be taken care of if you want to avoid retractable awning problems. The good news is, with a little forethought and attention, your awnings can last for many years. Let’s look at three common problems that may arise and how you can avoid them.

Rips and Tears

It might come as no surprise to learn that bad weather is one of a retractable awning’s worst enemies. Heavy rain and snow, and hard winds, can do real damage to your investment. Puddles that may collect on your awnings can stretch fabric, causing them to rip or tear. High winds can have the same effect. That’s why it’s important to make sure your awnings are retracted the moment you know bad weather is being called for. And of course, that’s the best feature about retractable awnings (among many) — they’re there when you need them and tucked away when you don’t. Still, if despite your best efforts, your awning does suffer a rip or tear, don’t worry! We’re experts at addressing retractable awning problems. For large tears, it’s best to contact us directly so we can help you make durable, long-lasting repairs. In other cases, it may be possible to fix your awning by patching over small holes. Big or small, any problem you may have with your awning can be addressed by us quickly and expertly.

Mold and Mildew

One of the simplest and most important things to remember when it comes to troubleshooting retractable awning problems is to keep your awnings clean. Dirty awnings can lead to mold and mildew, two things that will cut the life of your investment short. For light cleaning, you can take your awnings down and use a broom or dry mop to gently sweep away dust and dirt. To remove stubborn dirt or stains, a power washer set at its lowest level should work. To protect older fabric from damage during cleaning, you can gently scrub your awnings with a mild soap and water mix and a medium to stiff brush, allowing them plenty of time to dry. It’s important to make sure to address dirt and dust sooner rather than later, so your awnings look and perform their best at all times.

Mechanical Problems

Because retractable awnings have moving parts, they sometimes require attention that other types of awnings don’t. Rollers, springs, cables, and chains may not work as well as they used to once they begin to age. Fortunately, in most cases moving parts won’t see actual damage unless something has hit them. But for squeaky parts, or parts that don’t function as smoothly as they should, applying a lubricant will often do the trick, taking care not to get any on the awning’s fabric. If using a spray applicator, consider using painter’s tape to cover areas before spraying, and make sure to use a tarp to protect the area beneath your awning from any spills or drips that may occur.

Dorchester Awning is one of the leading awning companies in Boston, making us your go-to experts for any maintenance or repairs, big or small, that you might need! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your retractable awnings. We’ve got you covered!

To meet all your awning and canopy needs, get in touch with us today!