As winter sets in, you’re probably busy making preparations for the cold weather ahead. You’ve put in your storm windows, cleaned your gutters and chimney, and you may have even taken the necessary steps to winterize your deck or patio. But there’s probably one important part of your home that you’ve missed. Have you winterized your retractable awning as well? Make sure you include this on your to-do list before winter weather arrives.
Although Eclipse retractable awnings are designed to withstand a wide variety of weather, including extreme winds, intense heat and rain, the freezing temperatures of winter and the ice it brings to some areas may be a bit too much for your awning to handle, especially if you want to keep it in pristine condition. Learn more about why winterizing your retractable awning is important and check out the simple steps for prepping your Eclipse Shading Systems awning for the coldest months of the year.
Step 1: Check for Damage
To winterize your awning, you have to inspect the solar shades for any damage that may have occurred during the year. It doesn’t matter what type of awning you have. It can be a manual or motorized retractable awning or a patio and pergola solar shade structure; with all of these products, it’s important to check for damage. It can be as simple as a tiny tear or a small rip, although these types of issues are highly unlikely with Eclipse retractable awnings due to their superior durability. However, this step is still important to make sure your awning is ready for winter.
Step 2: Make Any Necessary Repairs
If you do discover that your awning is damaged you need to fix it right away. It’s very tempting to shrug it off and say that it’s no big deal or to tell yourself that you’ll fix it when you take your awning out after winter, but it’s just not that easy. Tiny tears can morph into giant holes, especially if your awning isn’t cleaned and put away properly.
Step 3: Clean it Thoroughly
Once any damage is repaired you must clean the awning well. Brush or sweep your awning to make sure that it’s free of leaves, dust, dirt and other debris then wipe it down. Don’t use harsh cleaners or anything abrasive to do this. A simple soft cloth and a bucket of mild dish soap and water will get the job done. Make sure that you dry the awning completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Store It Correctly
To keep your awning safe during the winter, make sure it is fully retracted. This will help prevent damage from snow, sleet and ice. If you don’t plan to use it at all during the winter, consider removing and storing the rolled-up awning indoors. Make sure that before your awning is retracted or stored, it is completely dry as any residual moisture on the fabric or frame may cause mildew or rust to develop.
Following these steps is a great way to winterize your retractable awning. By using these tips, you can make sure that your awning looks great and performs at its best for many years to come.
