A retractable awning is very important especially when hot. An awning can be as much as 19 degree cooler and thus it allows you and your pet to get fresh air. You cannot compare retractable awning to an umbrella, awning covers much area and also ameliorate your homestead. You can shade eating table and chair, or any size of seating area you want. In addition, retractable awning is convertible, you can use it when you want. For example, you can switch from sun to shade during the hottest part of the day, you can open it to enjoy patio when raining, and you also can retract it to get unobstructed view of the sparkling skies at night or city lights. Retractable awning is also very important in ameliorating immediate weather, it reduces glare and heat. It also shades room thus saving energy used on air conditioning and also protecting furniture, carpet and much more from extreme heat.
Considering all conveniences that a retractable awning provides, it is very important to maintain it properly so as to increase its lifespan and also ensure it give you quality services. Apart from the quality of material used, achieving long life also depends on how you take care of your awning. The material could be the best from the most reputable manufacturer, but if you fail to maintain your awning properly, its lifespan will be significantly reduced.
Here are 7 ways to maintain your retractable awning
– Cleaning
It is very good to clean awning regularly. Cleaning prevents accumulation of debris and dust. If not cleaned for long, awning will develop rust and stains. Accumulation of debris and dust will accelerate the rate at which materials used will get worn out. In Singapore, there are many professional awning cleaners who can clean your awning at a good price. But you can also clean it on your own, you just need a soft bristle broom and a clean soapy water that is friendly to the material.
– Avoid charcoal grill under the awning
You feel nice relaxing under awning while roasting meet or enjoying fire. But charcoal grill produces soot which stains awning. In addition, soot can make permanent marks damaging the aesthetic value of your awning. Though you want to enjoy fire from your charcoal grill, it is more enjoyable to stay under a smart awning.
– Remove the hanging twigs and leaves on your retractable awning
Hanging twigs and leaves can be swayed by wind thus destroying the structure. Leaves from trees can also stain canvas, forcing you to use strong brushes and detergents that make canvas to fade or worse reduce the durability of the canvas.
– Respond to small tears immediately
Due to different conditions, especially weather and how you maintain your awning, some tears may form. If you don’t respond to these small tears quickly, they will enlarge to damage your awning completely. To avoid such situation, always repair small tears that develops on your awning. Consider inspecting it regularly and also repair any tears immediately.
– Avoid dragging on cement or abrasive surfaces
If you own an automatic awning, make sure it does not get scratches when switching on and off. Abrasive surface will cause quick wear of the awning. To avoid this make sure that the structure is properly installed. For example, during installation make sure it does not lean on rough surfaces.
– Retract during strong winds
Retractable awnings are mostly intended to protect against sun and not strong wind (exceeding 20mph). Do not use it in strong wind, hails, rain or snow. When retracting, avoid jamming the front bar against the rolled fabric. The fabric should roll above the roller tube and not from underneath.It is also good to lubricate arm to reduce friction. Lubricating your retractable awning will extends its lifespan and also reduces regular repair cost.
– Store properly
In order to extend awning life, always store it properly. It is good to clean thoroughly before storing to remove any dust and debris that will encourage rust and growth of mildew. Always store in a well-ventilated dry room. The storage should be free from excessive moisture since high moisture content will encourage rusting.Undoubtedly, if you implement these guidelines you will extend the lifespan of your awning, reduce repair cost and you will also enjoy the best services.