How to Care For Your Retractable Awning
With awning season here again, the following tips will keep your retractable fabric awning looking new season after season.
Regular maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning. To keep the fabric looking fresh, the fabric should first be hosed down to remove any loose debris. Using a soft brush with a mild natural soap like Ivory Flakes or Woolite in lukewarm water (no more than 100 degrees F) remove any loose dirt and stains from the fabric. DO NOT USE DETERGENT. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap from the fabric. Soap left on the fabric will leave marks and a chalky residue. Allow the fabric to air dry before retracting. Do not allow water to puddle on the fabric.
Some more tips from the Professional Awning Manufacturer's Association (PAMA) on how to clean a retractable fabric awning:
1. With a broom, brush off all loose debris before cleaning the fabric.
2 Clean the fabric from the bottom and work your way up.
3. Wash all parts of the awning - Missing spots show when the fabric is dried.
4. About once a month rinse your awning down with a garden hose and keep the underside clean by simply brushing with a household broom.
5. Keep shrubbery and vines trimmed away from the awning, they contain acid that can damage fabric. In addition, check awning frames for rust. Though rust is not likely, it can cause deterioration of the frame and lead to fabric stains.
Gear Operation
Turn the gear with the supplied crank handle in one direction to extend awnings or lower shades. Turn in opposite direction to retract. Crank handle should be held at the same angle as the eyelet when operating. The lateral arms will be flexed, but locked, at the elbow when fully extended. This is normal. They will never fully straighten out. Trying to do so will damage the awning. When you open your awning, be careful not to roll the fabric out past the gear stops where the elbows lock out and the fabric begins to sag. If this happens, roll the awning back until the fabric becomes tight again. Opening Your Awning The lateral arms will be flexed, but locked, at the elbow when fully extended. This is normal. They will never fully straighten out. Trying to do so will damage the awning. When you open your awning, be careful not to roll the fabric out past the gear stops where the elbows lock out and the fabric begins to sag. If this happens, roll the awning back until the fabric becomes tight again. Retracting The Awning Retractable awnings are intended as protection against sun only. Do not use in strong wind, rain, hail or snow. We recommend that patio awnings be and remain retracted in wind speeds of 20 mph or greater. Do not allow twigs or leaves or any other solid debris to be rolled up in the awning. When retracting, do not jam the front bar tight against the rolled fabric. The fabric should always roll off the top of the roller tube and never from underneath. Framework The aluminum components have a durable finish and the joints are self-lubricating. Your product is Winter Storage
Retract the awning or canopy for winter. If your awning has a hanging valance, remove it by sliding it out from the front bar. Put it in a well ventilated dry area where it won’t be bothered by squirrels or mice. Don’t store it in a plastic bag as this will trap moisture and could produce mildew. Click Here for instructions on VALANCE REMOVAL in Winter and VALANCE INSTALLATION in Spring.
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