During cold weather seasons, your awning needs a little extra care, so we’re here to guide you on looking after your awning in winter. We understand that your awning serves as an extension of your home, providing shade and protection from the elements, so keeping it looking great and operational is key.
During the British winter, your awning can be exposed to challenges like heavy rain, snow, and fallen debris like leaves and branches. Therefore, it’s crucial to take proper measures to ensure its longevity and functionality. Here, we’ll give practical advice on avoiding any potential damage, cleaning techniques, and how to use your awning safely in cold weather.
From the importance of drying your awning fabric if it gets wet to the crucial role of expert installation and maintenance – we’ve got you covered.
Why Looking After Your Awning in Winter is Essential
When winter arrives with its frosty mornings and icy winds, many of us retreat indoors. However, don’t forget about your trusty awning that provides shade and shelter during the warmer months. It also needs some attention during the colder weather.
Your awning needs care and attention
Winter brings with it a host of challenges, including heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. These conditions can impact your awning, causing potential damage to the fabric, frame, and even the operating mechanisms. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help negate common problems like the growth of mould and mildew and the onset of rust.
Prevention is better than solution
Awnings exposed to harsh winter weather without adequate care can suffer from tears, leaks, and structural damage. Inspecting your awning regularly for signs of wear and tear and addressing these promptly can prevent this.
Good winter care extends the lifespan of your awning
This not only means you get to enjoy its benefits for longer, but it also saves you from the cost of early replacement or repairs. Regular cleaning, removing debris, and proper storage when not in use are all essential steps. They help maintain the quality and functionality of your awning over time.
Animal presence increases in winter
This might sound counter-intuitive, but with the colder weather, many animals begin to seek shelter to hibernate or hide from the cold. Your awning could become an unintended haven for them. Their presence can lead to stains, fabric damage, and obstruction in the mechanisms of nesting materials. Regular inspections and cleaning can help you avoid these issues.
Cleaning Your Awning in Winter
Keeping your awning clean during winter is crucial to maintaining its aesthetic appeal and functionality. Here are some practical tips to look after your awning in winter that can guide you through the cleaning process.
Preparation
Start by brushing off any loose debris, such as leaves or twigs. This step prevents dirt from getting stuck in the fabric when you apply the cleaner.
Inspection
Before you set to cleaning, it’s essential to inspect your awning for any signs of damage. Look out for mildew, discolouration, tears, or rips. If the fabric is damaged, it will need more than just a clean. At that point, it’s best to get in touch for a repair quote or activate your warranty.
Apply your cleaner
Use a cleaner specially designed for awnings. Avoid harsh chemicals, as these can damage the fabric. Spray the cleaner on both the inside and outside surfaces of the awning. Let it soak for a few minutes to break down any stubborn dirt or grime.
Rinse and dry
After applying the cleaner, rinse your awning thoroughly with water (a garden hose works just fine). Make sure you remove all the cleaner, as any residue could potentially damage the fabric. Allow your awning to dry completely before retracting it; this helps prevent mildew and mould growth.
Consider storage options
We’re advocates of using your awning throughout the winter period, but we understand it’s not for everyone. If your awning isn’t going to see any use through the colder months, consider storing it away. Just make sure it’s completely dry before doing so to avoid mould or mildew further.
Keeping Your Awning Safe and Functional During Winter
It’s not just cleaning that can help to maintain your awning in the colder months. Winter weather can pose challenges to the durability of your awning in other ways. However, with the right care and attention, you can ensure its safety and functionality throughout the season. Here’s our advice on how to look after your awning in the winter.
Avoid overexposure
Retract your awning during extreme weather conditions. High winds, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures can lead to damage. By keeping it retracted, you safeguard the fabric and the mechanical components from harm.
Prevent ice build-up
Ice can accumulate on your awning surprisingly quickly. It causes unnecessary weight and strain. Regularly check for ice build-up and remove it carefully.
Mildew checks
Mildew can cause damage to the fabric of your awning, too. Inspect it as often as you can for signs of mould or mildew, especially in the folds of the material. If you detect any, clean it off promptly and ensure the awning is dried thoroughly before rolling it back up.
Are You Looking for a Durable and Stylish Awning?
At the Great British Awning and Blind Company, we offer a wide range of awnings, blinds, pergolas, and more. Each product is designed with quality, durability, and functionality in mind. In fact, we’re so confident in the quality of our awnings that we offer a comprehensive 10-year warranty with each of our products.
You can find out more about our awnings here, or get in touch with us for more information.
