Are you ready for sunny days spent in the comfort of superior shade? Installing an outdoor awning is the best way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the effects of the sun. There’s nothing in the world like lounging in the shade, gathering with family and friends, or spending a quiet evening on the deck under your awning with the one you love most. With proper care and maintenance, your outdoor awning will give you year after year of exceptional enjoyment.
Here are a few maintenance tasks to keep in mind after installing an outdoor awning. Just a little care and attention can go a long way in making your awning last.
Superior Products Offer Superior Protection
If you are on a quest for the perfect retractable awning or window awning, the first thing to remember is that all outdoor awnings are not created equal. SummerSpace® awnings are not only designed and manufactured with marine-grade Tempotest® fabric, they are also coated with Hi-Clean® finishing and Teflon® Extreme for the ultimate owner-friendly maintenance experience. These finishes offer superior protection against water, grease, oil and other contaminants. They also guard against rot and fungus growth — perfect for any environment!
Your fabric is also pre-treated for mold and mildew. And with the awning frame’s SummerShieldTM 2604 powder coating in your choice of beautiful color, your frame will never rust.
All of these components work together to create an environment that is unbelievably easy to maintain, remaining attractive for the long term with proper care. But even with all of these fantastic additions, are there things you should do to help maintain your awning? Absolutely.
Installing an Outdoor Awning: How Should I Care for the Fabric?
You want your awning to last, and taking care of maintenance is one easy step that can help extend the life and beauty of your awning and fabric.
First, pick a nice sunny day and clean your awning once in the spring, or perform maintenance before and after summer awning season if you live on the coast where salt spray will reach your awning. Dirt and debris can easily accumulate on an outdoor awning, so it’s important to clean your awning regularly.
Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to clean the fabric of the awning, paying close attention to any tough stains or dirt that may have accumulated. Revitalize your fabric with a gentle brush and warm, soapy water (2 oz. of soap to one gallon of water <100°F). This will help remove the dust and grime from smog or any other pollutants. Rinse off the residue with clean water before drying it out in open air and sunshine for a few hours prior to retracting it for the night.
To maintain the waterproofing of your awnings, it is also wise to apply 303 marine-grade fabric protectant every so often. Doing this will ensure that you get full use out of your awning and can trust its waterproof feature.
Installing an Outdoor Awning: How Should I Care for the Frame?
In the same way, a little care and attention for your frame can also ensure your awning stays nice and neat. Keep in mind that the frame of an outdoor awning is exposed to the elements and needs some maintenance from time to time.
If you live by the coast, moisture can accumulate on your frame over time. Simply wipe down your frame with a soft rag and soapy water pre and post season. This will help keep the exterior clean. If you do not have a full cassette awning closure, also check the interior components to make sure that debris and dirt are clear of the mechanisms and arms.
Make a little effort to care for your outdoor awning now, and you will be rewarded with years of pleasure and protection. This way, installing an outdoor awning will certainly be worth its weight in gold.
By following a few maintenance tips, installing an outdoor awning can be a great investment to enhance your outdoor living space and enjoy year-round comfort and protection. From fabric to frame, a little love and care will go a long way in making sure you get the most out of your SummerSpace Retractable Awning. Are you ready to get started on your premier outdoor shade? Contact your local SummerSpace dealer today.
