Retractable awnings can last up to 20 years. Without proper maintenance, however, this lifespan is drastically reduced. To get the most out of your awning, you need to take steps to protect it. That includes taking it down over the winter. Here, Giglio Awning discusses when to take an awning down and why winterization is so important to maximizing the lifespan of your retractable awning.
How Does Winter Weather Affect Awnings?
It may be tempting to leave your awning up during winter. After all, they are designed to withstand outdoor conditions. While your awning might stand up to summer rainstorms and intense sunlight, winter weather is especially demanding. The following hazards are likely in the colder months and can severely damage your awning:
- Snow buildup: As snow and ice accumulate, they create an enormous amount of weight on your awning. This can result in sagging, fabric tears, and stress to the awning frame.
- Strong winds: While some awnings can withstand wind, severe gusts and winter storms can stretch fabric and bend or loosen even the toughest construction.
- Repeat freezes: While the damage is not always immediately obvious, freezing temperatures cause long-term problems in the form of cracked fabric and stiff mechanisms.
For these reasons, it’s essential to protect your awning during the winter. This simple step can spare your covering from significant damage, extending its lifespan and saving you the cost of awning repair.
What Are Signs It’s Time to Take Down an Awning
Autumn weather is famously unpredictable. While some years are mild, allowing you to keep using your awning late into the season, others get cold quickly with early storms and the quick onset of frost. As a result, it can be difficult to predict the best time to take down an awning. At Giglio Awning, we recommend watching for the following signs of a changing season:
- The season is too chilly to enjoy time outdoors.
- Night temperatures drop below freezing.
- Frost is beginning to form overnight.
- You are expecting the first snow of the season.
- Weather warnings indicate severe storms.
When in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Rather than risking your awning, take it down sooner rather than later. You’ll protect it against unexpected weather events while gaining the peace of mind that it’ll be in top condition when spring arrives.
Winter Awning Care: What Should You Do?
Fortunately, taking an awning down doesn’t always mean removing it entirely. Retractable awnings are designed to close tightly against your home to prevent weather damage. Don’t just close your awning, however. Make sure it’s fully secure with the following steps:
- Clean: Use water and a gentle cloth to wipe down your awning, removing all dirt and debris. Dry it completely before retracting for the winter.
- Lubricate: Check your awning’s closing mechanisms and apply an approved lubricant. This will help protect the machinery against freezing.
- Cover: If your awning comes with a weather cover, then make sure it is put on securely. Replace the cover if it’s loose or damaged after last year.
Giglio Awning offers annual service contracts to simplify winterization. Rather than doing the chore of winter preparation yourself, trust our professionals to get the job done right. We also perform inspections and preventative maintenance to get your awning ready for spring.
Protect Your Awning with Giglio Awning
Make the most of your retractable awning with annual maintenance and repair from Giglio Awning. We provide a full range of awning services, from installation to recovery, for customers across Cape May, Atlantic, Ocean, Burlington, and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey. Contact us to learn more about our products and services or to get help with taking your awning down.