If you have a retractable awning, you can enjoy the great outdoors even on the hottest days. But what do you do when you hear the thunder rolling in the distance? That’s when you need to know something about how to protect retractable awnings in harsh weather conditions. At SummerSpace®, we’ve gathered a lot of useful tips over the years that help you preserve your investment so you can keep enjoying your favorite shaded spaces for many years. We would love to share our favorites.
Why Protect Retractable Awnings
Most people would agree that one of the best things about summer is spending time outdoors. Barbecues, swim parties, and lazy afternoons spent lounging in the sun are all part of what makes summer special. But if you don’t have a way to keep your outdoor space comfortable, you’re likely to spend more time cooped up inside. That’s where a retractable awning comes in.
A retractable awning is a great way to add some shade and style to your deck, patio, or porch. Retractable awnings from SummerSpace make it more comfortable to spend time outdoors by blocking sun glare, excess heat, and UV rays. And just like any other outdoor amenity, they need to be properly maintained in order to stay in good condition.
Start by taking these few simple steps.
Include a Cassette in the Awning Design
One of the first lines of defense you can use for your retractable awning is a cassette. This is a hard covering that encases the awning fabric when it’s fully retracted. Two types of cassettes are available for SummerSpace retractable awnings: semi-cassettes and full cassettes.
Semi-cassettes cover the upper half of the retracted awning. Full cassettes, on the other hand, encase the retracted awning completely by capping its front edge with a semi-circular, oversized front bar that conjoins with the awning’s hood.
These solid casings help protect the fabric from the elements (e.g., heavy rain, hail, etc.) in inclement weather.
Retract the Awning During Harsh Weather Conditions
Whether you decide to include a cassette in the awning setup or not, you should always retract the awning when harsh weather strikes. While both the awning’s fabric and aluminum hardware are engineered for durability, frequent exposure to intense environmental conditions can accelerate wear and tear.
Therefore, if you want to preserve your awning for sunny days when you want shade, don’t make it absorb everything Mother Nature throws at it.
Keep it Clean
Just like your deck or patio, your retractable awning should be cleaned on a regular basis. SummerSpace awnings are made with marine-grade Tempotest® fabric, one of the most enduring outdoor fabrics available. This makes it easy to clean.
Simply combine two ounces of nondetergent soap with one gallon of warm water, and use it to scrub the outstretched fabric with a soft-bristle brush. By freeing your awning of dirt and debris, you prep it for better performance in all sorts of weather.
Lubricate the Moving Parts
The aluminum hardware comprising SummerSpace awnings is finished with our proprietary SummerShield™ 2604 aluminum powder coating. This makes the whole structure especially resistant to the elements. However, it’s still a good idea to lubricate the moving hardware of the awning to keep it functioning properly.
As awnings are exposed to the elements over a long period of time, they can corrode or get sticky, especially if you live in a coastal area where salty air is abundant. Lubricating the hardware will help keep it moving smoothly and prevent damage.
Retractable Awnings for Your Best Outdoor Experience
If you’re looking for a shade solution that will enhance your sunny days and withstand the not-so-sunny days, a retractable awning from SummerSpace is your best bet. Get in touch with one of our trusted dealers today. They can help you create a custom awning design — from the fabric color to the size.
