Awning – Repair or Replace? Awnings always prove a worthwhile investment offering many benefits that you can enjoy for years to come. But no matter how durable and high-quality the structure is, there comes a time when it starts wearing out.
It makes you think about whether you should replace or repair the canopy. Sometimes it is hard to decide which option to choose. Especially when it comes to fabric/glass damage or fade. You may want to replace the awning straight away at the first flaw noticed.
However, there is a high chance that you can repair the structure as well. Here are some tips on how to determine whether your awning needs replacement or repair. Read on: Awning – Repair or Replace?
Well, there is always some confusion when your backyard awning experiences some sort of damage. Whether it is extreme weather or wear and tear that causes damage, it is hard to decide what to do next.
Most of the time, you will need replacement when the aluminum frame is not in a feasible condition anymore. Although the frame is durable, it tends to fall prey to wear and tear.
While experiencing frequent exposure to Singapore’s tropical weather, aluminum may get weaker over time. It undergoes the so-called metal fatigue where the metal bends under permanent exposure to heavy and stressful conditions.
If you notice bending and damage in your awning metal frame, replacement is a must. Not only it doesn’t look aesthetically nice, but it also provides a reduced support to the awning coverage. Hence, there is no other option than replacing the frame.
Moreover, repairing the damaged frame is a hard task. We would say an impossible task because you cannot bring durability back into a worn-out piece of metal. You will be much happier if you get a new frame, which is more durable and looks visually appealing.
Things are getting easier when it comes to awning top. Truth be said, it is less resistant to external pressure, but it is also more friendly to repair. Being in direct contact with hot sun, heavy rain, and wind, canopies may experience frequent damage.
Extreme weather conditions may lead to fading, tearing, and damage of the awning, spoiling its appeal. If that happens, you can contact a company specialized in awning repairs to fix the flaw. Most of the time, you will want to recover the whole canopy.
Canopy repairs may happen more often, but they are easier to do than replacing the whole awning. Especially when the metal frame is still in optimal condition.
To avoid repairing the awning top over and over, you may want to step up the game with more resistant materials. Today’s market abounds in both cheap and weather-resistant canopies. Considering the tropical weather of Singapore, you may need to go with high-end materials. They may be a bit more expensive, but they will prove a great investment in the long run. Saving you money and time on frequent repairs. The canopy materials that you may consider for your awning recovery include:
Acrylic fabric is just the perfect option for areas with a lot of sun. They can stay bright even after an extended exposure to sun.
This type of fabric is also highly resistant to heat. It boasts a special manufacturing technology where the color totally absorbs into the fiber. In this way, taking the color out is not that easy. This prevents premature fading, enhancing the lifespan of the canopy.
If you want to protect your house against UV while allowing daylight, polycarbonate would be your best bet. Its translucent structure keeps heat and UV at bay but lets a significant amount of daylight to pass through.
To conclude, not always awning damage means that you need to replace it. If the top part experiences a tear or fading, you can recover it. It is more reasonable than devoting your time to a complete replacement of the awning, considering that the frame is still functional.
If though the frame experiences bending or any other signs of metal fatigue, full awning replacement is indispensable. Repairing a worn-out piece of metal is hard and useless. You better get a new awning that is more durable and holds up to heavy weather.