Awnings have been around a long time and have been a great shade solution for homes, businesses and living spaces.
It’s now 2017 and our tensile membrane structures take it to the next level using space-age material and custom-made supports.
They are visually pleasing and come in a variety of different colors and materials. In order for your cover to keep looking its best and have a long life it is important to keep it well maintained. Here are a few tips to keep your outdoor structure and fabric in tip top shape.
Keep in mind, our affordable maintenance programs cover all of these tips and more…
Clean Regularly
Scheduling regular cleaning of the membrane is the key to it looking its best. Regularly brush off dirt and debris with a stiff brush or broom, and treat stains such as dirt, bird droppings and water marks, as soon as you possibly can. When you notice a buildup of dirt, thoroughly wash the fabric using mild soap, lukewarm water and a brush.
After washing, allow the tensile membrane fabric to air dry and then treat with a fabric guard to create a barrier between the material and the elements. Make sure you do not wind your awing back in until you are sure it is 100% dry, and the fabric guard is set.
Reproofing
Over time, any waterproofing chemical the fabric came with will erode with the rain and elements. Reproofing your fabric with a reproofing wax will ensure a long life for the fabric material.
Reproofing wax comes in a can form, and although time consuming and fairly messy, it will extend the life of your awning material considerably.
Periodic Maintenance
Inspect your the fabric and connection for any problems or damage before they escalate. If you notice any problems with the frame such as chipped off paint, or difficulty opening and shutting, deal with it as soon as possible.
For the support structures, clean and paint over the areas where the paint has chipped off as soon as possible to prevent rusting. Oil any sections of the frame that seem to be sticking. Repair any rips or tears as soon as they occur to prevent wind and rain from tearing the area further. Regularly brush off dirt and debris from the frame using a broom.
Storage
During winter months, or times when not in much use, consider removing the fabric structure all together. That way you reduce wear and tear and unnecessary maintenance. Clean your awning fabric before storing, and make sure there is no dirt and debris on the material or framework, then store in a dry location in order to protect against mildew.
Keeping a regular check on your tension membrane structure will ensure it will keep looking good as well as functioning correctly. It is a good idea to make sure that when first installing an awning that you choose a specialized company like TMS to help you evaluate what is the best option for your home, as well as instructing in any ongoing care and maintenance.