Care and Maintenance of Retractable Awnings and Solar Screens

Photo of Durasol retractable awning

Retractable awnings and solar screens are very low maintenance. By design, they are self-storing when retracted. Taking a few simple precautions can add to the life and appearance of your products.

Operating Tips

Retractable awnings are primarily designed to protect you from the damaging and harsh rays of the sun. They aren't intended for use at all times and in all weather conditions. Automatic sun, wind, and rain sensors or timers extend the comfort and convenience of your awnings, but they can't replace your own attention and diligence.

To maximize the longevity of your awning, always retract your awning and turn off any automatic control system:

General rule for weather conditions:  If you are comfortable sitting outdoors dining or reading the paper, then it is probably safe to extend your awning.

Some awning owners affected by harsh winter conditions remove their loose-hanging valances for winter storage, while others just keep their units retracted. Some owners use their awnings all year long, while others choose to use a winter cover on their awning for extra protection in the colder months.

Durasol offers several optional hoods designed to provide protection from the elements when structural protection is not available. Hoods are most common where the awning is roof mounted or fascia mounted and it's not located directly under a soffit or overhang. Durasol recommends incorporating a protective hood with any motorized awning.

Do's

Don'ts

Photo of Durasol retractable solar screenCommon Issues

Retracting and extending an awning or screen several times in quick succession may activate the thermal cut-out switch that prevents the motor from overheating. After the motor has cooled down, it will reactivate itself.

Moving parts and springs may creak if your awning has not been used for a while, especially if the weather has been cold. A silicone spray lubricant carefully applied to moving parts will help eliminate some of the noise.

As the awning "breaks in" the fabric may stretch a little, requiring that the limits be reset to maintain the proper fabric tension.

Cleaning

Cleaning your retractable awnings and solar screens preserves and extends their good looks and service life. A regular cleaning schedule starts the first year that you have your awnings or screens.

About once a month, rinse your awning or screen with a garden hose. Allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting the awning or screen. Keep the underside of an awing clean by brushing it with a clean household broom.

Regular maintenance generally means a once-a-year cleaning, with additional care if stains or soiling appear.

Cleaning Retractable Awnings

  1. Before cleaning any awning fabric, consult the fabric manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions.
  2. Clean the underside of the awning by gently brushing with a soft brush/broom.
  3. Using a stiff, dry brush, remove all debris and dirt.
  4. Using a garden hose, gently rinse the topside of your awning, always keeping the water stream away from the motor.
  5. If necessary, remove any small persistent marks using a soft brush or cloth and a mild, non-detergent, non-bleach soapy solution.
  6. Rinse carefully and thoroughly with clean water. Film left on the fabric will leave marks and a chalky residue.
  7. If the fabric finish or waterproofing needs reconditioning, use an approved conditioning solution.
  8. Allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting the awning.

Cleaning Retractable Solar Screens

  1. Before cleaning any screen fabric, consult the fabric manufacturer for proper cleaning instructions.
  2. Remove all debris and dirt by gently brushing with a soft brush/broom.
  3. Using a garden hose, gently rinse the screen, always keeping the water stream away from the motor.
  4. If necessary, remove any small persistent marks using a soft brush or cloth and a mild, non-detergent, non-bleach soapy solution.
  5. Rinse carefully and thoroughly with clean water. Film left on the fabric will leave marks and a chalky residue.
  6. If the fabric finish or waterproofing needs reconditioning, use an approved conditioning solution.
  7. Allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting the screen.

Call 916-967-4747 today for a free in-home consultation.