Are you a homeowner in the Tri-Cities looking for tips on custom awnings maintenance to enhance your shades for optimal performance and longevity? After investing in your new home element, you want to do your best to keep it in tip-top shade to get the most out of your investment. To aid you in your endeavor, we are sharing with you our tips for patio shade maintenance that we use as top installers – from routine maintenance to cleaning and more!
Routine Custom Awnings Maintenance:
As a homeowner, you likely have a long list of home tasks to take care of. Fortunately, custom awnings maintenance is simple and only adds three chores to your list:
1. Regular Inspection
After investing in awnings, regular inspection is a critical aspect of custom awnings maintenance. You will want to check your awnings throughout the seasons, especially after harsh or unexpected weather, to identify any potential issues beyond normal wear. If there is an issue, it is best to get it fixed immediately rather than letting the problem compound into a greater concern.
2. Careful Maintenance
As a homeowner, you can take on a few custom awning maintenance items yourself. For example, lubricating your awnings will help with performance if you hear any squeaking. Additionally, if you have any broken hardware, you may be able to replace the part, if you do so carefully. Just be sure to read your user manual thoroughly and to call for professional maintenance for anything you aren’t 100% sure you can handle safely.
3. Frequent Cleaning
Cleaning your custom awnings is essential for patio shade maintenance as it not only helps maintain the awnings’ appearance but also assists in their performance and longevity. Depending on your awning type, there will be a recommended frequency for cleaning. However, that will vary depending on the environment of your unique home. If you live in an area with a higher density of dust, pollen, road pollution, or other debris that makes your awning dirty, you may need to clean your awnings more frequently. Alternatively, if you are noticing that your awnings do not get as dirty as quickly as you expect, you can likely cut back on your frequency. Now, let’s dive into how to clean them!
Cleaning Your Custom Awnings:
Cleaning your custom awnings is rather simple; it is the same process as with most patio shade maintenance. However, we recommend reviewing your user manual or speaking with your installer before cleaning to confirm the best practices for cleaning your particular awning.
First, you will want to remove any debris on and under the awning. You can do this by picking the debris off my hand, using a feather duster, or gently sweeping it away with a soft brush or broom.
Second, make a bucket of warm water mixed with a gentle detergent. Do not use bleach! Then, use a soft hand brush or sponge to wipe down the outside of your awning.
After your awning has been fully washed, rinse it with a gentle stream of water from a hose. Do note to use the high-pressure setting on the hose, or it could damage the material.
Lastly, leave the awning open to dry completely before rolling it back up to prevent mold. Do keep in mind that if you are cleaning your awning on a particularly hot day, you may want to rinse it repeatedly throughout the cleaning process to prevent the soapy water from drying onto the awning before you wash it off.
Protecting Your Awnings from Weather Damage:
No matter the season, the weather is the top killer of patio shades. To keep your awnings beautiful for years to come, we recommend you do the following:
1. Be Ahead of the Weather:
One of the best things you can do to protect your awnings is to be ahead of the weather. If you are aware of any upcoming storms, take action to bring down your awnings and secure them into place. The weather we suggest keeping an eye out for is high winds, heavy rain, sleet or hail, and snow.
2. Secure with Covers
Whether you have a storm heading your way or you are simply not using your awning currently, we recommend securing your awning with a weatherproof cover for extra protection. This extra layer will provide greater protection from all the elements, rain or shine!
3. Retract During the Winter
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to remove your awnings during the winter. By retracting them and using a cover, they can handle the duration of the winter season. We just recommend keeping them in the lowered position and covered unless in use or drying.
Preventive Measures for All Patio Shade Maintenance:
No matter the type of patio shade you have installed, there are preventive measures you should take every year, including:
1. Apply Protectants
Since patio shades are made with fabric, applying fabric protectants and water repellants annually can improve the longevity of the shade. Not only will this help prevent water stains and tears, but it will aid in maintaining the vibrancy of the colors.
2. Keep It Clean
As we mentioned above, cleaning your awnings is a vital part of maintenance as it not only keeps them looking lovely but also helps to prevent mold and mildew growth.
3. Practice Seasonal Maintenance Tips:
Like with any aspect of your home, you should practice seasonal maintenance with your custom awnings. From spring checks to winterizing your awnings, acting seasonally will keep them in top condition all year long.
Professional Patio Shade Maintenance Services
As a homeowner, you are busy. Finding the time to tackle every aspect of your home maintenance chore list can be challenging – so we are here to help. If your shades need maintenance or repair, we at Blind Guy of the Tri-Cities will ensure your custom awnings stay in top condition.
Don’t wait until your shades are in disrepair and need replacement! Contact Blind Guy of Tri-Cities today for expert maintenance services and advice.
