Winter is about to set in. You have probably already started making preparations for the cold season ahead. You may have cleaned your chimney and gutters and put in the storm windows. You may have also taken steps to winterize your patio or deck. But have you winterized your awnings?

It is true that most awnings can withstand extreme weather conditions including strong winds, sun and rain. However, your awnings may not be properly equipped to handle the freezing winter temperatures and the ice. That is why you need to winterize them. Winterization of your awnings will keep them in pristine condition for several years.

How to winterize your awnings?

The first step is to inspect for signs of damage that could have occurred during the year. Things wear out over time. Before putting your awning away, make sure that its fabric, structural frame, and fabric are all secure. Don’t forget to tighten loose hardware.

It doesn’t really matter what sort of awnings you have installed. Both motorized and manual awnings should be checked for signs of damage. The damage could be something as simple as a small rip or a tiny tear but this is very unlikely if you bought our awnings because they are sturdy enough to withstand all weather conditions and don’t tear or rip easily. If you notice signs of damage, you have to fix them immediately. Don’t assume that it is no big deal. Some homeowners will wait until they take out the awning after winter. But by then tiny tears could have transformed into giant holes that can’t be repaired. This is a possibility if the awning wasn’t cleaned or stored properly. Remember that replacing your awnings will be much more expensive than getting a simple repair.

After repairing the damage, you have to clean the awning properly. Before washing the awning using a soap solution, you have to dust off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. This is done to ensure that the metal or fabric will not suffer any damage when you clean it.

You shouldn’t allow dirt to build up in the first place because it can leave permanent stains on the fabric. Don’t use abrasive materials or harsh cleaners for cleaning the awning. You should be able to clean it with a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth. Dry the awning properly before putting it away.

Store the awning according to manufacturer’s instructions. If the awning doesn’t have a box, wrap it in a sheet so that it doesn’t get dirty. If you have been using these structures for a while, you probably already know how to store them. If you need guidance, contact an awnings company.

Retractable Awnings are seasonal structures. They are installed to protect your property from harsh sunlight and rains. They aren’t supposed to remain in place during the off-reason. Also, during winter, there is very little sunlight. This is another reason to take down the awnings. Winterization of your awnings will keep them looking new and extend their life.

Retractable awnings will stay in place during winter season as well. They will have a permanently mounted housing that will keep them enclosed and protected from the weather during winter.