5 Expert Tips for Maintaining Your House Awnings with Arkel Chicago Awnings

House awnings are a fantastic addition to any home. Exterior home features like a regular awning bring warmth to your outdoor space and lend your whole house a new extension. Of course, to keep your awnings functional and bring you the desired effect year after year, you need to keep up your home maintenance. At Arkel Chicago Awnings, we know how important your new home features are to you. So for all your needs, we offer five expert tips for maintaining house awnings:

1. Embrace the Power of Prevention: Regular Home Awning Cleaning is Key

Ideally, you should clean awnings twice per year, once in spring before summer and again in fall before winter. It’s such a treat when you have a clean awning that not only looks clean but properly breathes, preventing the accumulation of moisture and the potential for mold and mildew to grow, which can discolor the fabric or penetrate the frame and cause rotting. These elements can not only cause unsightly stains and unpleasant odors, but they can also weaken the awning fabric and shorten its lifespan.

Cleaning Tips:

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need a mild dish soap, a soft-bristled brush, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, and a clean bucket. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the awning fabric. Harsh chemicals can break down the fibers in the awning fabric, leading to premature wear and tear. Opt for a gentle dish soap diluted with water, as this will effectively remove dirt and grime without harming the fabric.
• Brush away loose debris: Start by gently brushing off any leaves, twigs, dust, or cobwebs that may have accumulated on the awning fabric. A soft-bristled brush helps to loosen and remove debris without snagging or damaging the fabric. Be sure to brush in the direction of the weave to avoid pulling on the threads.
• Lather and rinse: and then use the soft-bristled brush to lightly scrub each area of the awning surface. Work one section at a time, and rinse off with a quick burst of clean water from the hose as you go. Make sure all soap residue is washed away as leftovers will attract dirt and grime.
• Let it dry completely: Prior to rolling up the awning or leaving it open, ensure that it is sun-dried completely. Mildew and mold can grow where there is moisture, so it’s important to be complete. If the weather permits, try to sun dry your awning completely outside. The sun’s rays are naturally antibacterial, so sun drying can rid your awning cover material of any thoughts of mold spores.

2. Weather the Storm: Proper Retraction During Inclement Weather

Not every awning is a barrier to protect your property from weather – they are intended to provide shade and protection from the sun, not against large amounts of rain, snow, or strong winds. Allowing your awning to be extended during bad weather could cause undue stress to its mechanisms. The wind blowing the material will put pressure on the awning frame which could result in tears in the material or even cause the awning to collapse. Awnings are not designed to hold the volume of water that you will see pooling on the fabric during periods of rain and snow.

Here’s what to do:

• Invest in wind sensors: Consider installing wind sensors that automatically retract your awning when wind speeds reach a certain threshold. Wind sensors provide an extra layer of protection for your awning, ensuring it retracts automatically before strong winds can cause damage.
• Manual retraction: During forecasts of heavy rain, hail, or strong winds, manually retract your awning to prevent damage. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. By retracting your awning during severe weather, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your awning lasts for many years to come.

3. Keep it Moving: Regular House Awning Operation Ensures Smooth Functioning

Just like any mechanical device, regular use helps to keep your awning’s retraction mechanism functioning smoothly. Over time, lack of use can cause the moving parts to become stiff and sticky, making it difficult to retract and extend the awning.

Here’s how to keep your house awnings moving smoothly:

• Retract and extend your awning regularly: Even on sunny days when you may not necessarily need shade, retract and extend your awning a few times a month to ensure the mechanisms stay lubricated and avoid any potential sticking. Regular operation helps to distribute lubricant and keep the moving parts functioning smoothly.
• Listen for unusual sounds: Pay attention to any unusual noises or resistance when retracting or extending your awning. This could indicate a need for lubrication or a minor adjustment. A grinding noise or jerky movements could be signs of worn-out parts or a lack of lubrication. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems down the road.

4. Professional Touch: Annual Inspection of House Awnings

While regular cleaning and proper operation are important, consider scheduling a professional inspection of your awning at least once a year, especially for retractable awnings. A professional inspection by a trained technician from Arkel Chicago Awnings can identify any potential issues early on, saving you money and frustration in the long run.

Benefits of a professional inspection:

• Early detection: A trained professional can identify any potential issues like minor tears, loose bolts, or worn-out parts before they turn into major problems. Early detection is key to preventing costly repairs and ensuring your awning continues to function properly. A small tear in the fabric can easily become a large rip if left unaddressed, and loose bolts can put stress on the frame and lead to more extensive damage.
• Preventative maintenance:
  Professionals can perform necessary maintenance tasks such as lubrication, tightening loose components, and making minor adjustments to ensure your awning continues to operate smoothly. Regular lubrication helps to keep the moving parts functioning properly and prevents them from becoming stiff and sticky. Tightening loose bolts and screws ensures the frame remains secure and prevents any unwanted movement. Minor adjustments can help to ensure the awning retracts and extends evenly and efficiently.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your awning is in good condition gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy the benefits of your investment for years to come. A professional inspection can give you the confidence that your awning is safe and functional, allowing you to relax and enjoy your outdoor space without worry.

5. When in Doubt, Reach Out: Arkel Chicago Awnings is Here to Help with Your House Awnings

At Arkel, we’re passionate about awnings and their ability to enhance your home. Our team of experts is here to help you maintain your awning installation and ensure it continues to provide shade, style, and protection for your home. If you have any questions about awning maintenance, repairs, or replacements, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to assist you!

Awnings Near Me – Get in Touch Today!

By following these simple tips, and taking advantage of the experience at Arkel Chicago Awnings, your house awnings will be beautiful, functional, and an asset to your home for many years to come. Whether you need cloth repairs, frame repairs/replacement, spring tension repairs, re-cording services, pulley replacements, or any other repair or maintenance to keep your awnings in top shape, we’re here to help you. Additionally, our staff can answer any awning maintenance questions you might have concerning these popular products. If you have any questions regarding the care of your awnings, please give us a call. Contact Arkel Chicago Awnings (we have the best awnings and canopies Chicago has to offer!) today and we’ll have you ready for another season under your retractable house awnings.