Awning Care
Thank you again for purchasing your new awning(s).
To help you obtain the best results from your new awning(s) we offer the following suggestions:
FOR ALL FABRIC AWNINGS:
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When your awning is first installed the material will be stiff. Some wrinkles may be visible. New canvas awnings need exposure to alternate rain and hot sun on them several times (Weathering In). Although never really waterproof, this “Weathering In” process causes the needle holes in the seams to swell over time to provide better water resistance.
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We recommend cleaning your awnings every two to three years. To clean your awning(s) we recommend that you LIGHTLY rinse your awning off with a garden hose to wash away airborne dust. Depending on weather, sun exposure, and the color of fabric will depend on how clean your awnings are going to get. Only use soaps and cleaners recommended by the fabric manufacturer. For the more stubborn stains and dirt we offer a cleaning service in the
winter months while they are down. You can drop them off or we’ll pick them up. Trees, shrubbery, leaves, vines, and bird droppings are big contributors to dirty awnings. We recommend pruning all overhanging trees back to prevent the accumulation of tree sap and leaves that may stain the fabric. Staining and streaking of the fabric may occur depending on the shingles. We recommend annual cleaning of any gutters above the awnings to prevent roof runoff on to the awning. -
Cooking, open fire, or fireworks under or around your awning may cause burn holes or staining. Hanging items like potted plants and lights from the framework must be done with care. The hooks or zip ties used may rapidly wear a hole through the fabric. Loose fabric (drop curtains, loose frame awnings, etc.) will blow in the wind and may become damaged if not secured during times of high winds such as storms.
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NEVER store an awning while wet or damp. It may mildew while in storage.
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The average life expectancy of your fabric awning (depending on weather, sun exposure, and color) is approximately nine to twelve years. Annually inspect the seams and fabric for continued durability. A simple pull on a seam will tell you if the seam is dry rotted and needs resewn.
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Crazing (also known as surface scratches or cobwebs) of the fabric can occur during the sewing or installation of your awning. Depending on the color chosen, crazing can be seen in some colors more prevalent than others. This is inherent to awning fabrics and are not considered flaws. There is nothing wrong with the fabric, it just needs to Weather In and diminish.
STATIONARY PATIO/DECK AWNINGS
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NEVER leave items susceptible to damage from moisture, such as televisions, out under your awning in rainy conditions. As indicated above, awnings are water resistant, NOT WATERPROOF.
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Patio/Deck awnings are a Spring, Summer, Fall seasonal product ONLY. They are not designed to accept any snow loads. Therefore, Patio/Deck awnings should be taken down and stored indoors for the winter. NEVER store it while it is damp or wet. It may mildew while in storage.
FOLD AND ROLL DROP CURTAINS
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When we installed your drop curtain(s) we “set” the folds or rolls and left them in the full up position. They should stay like this for a day or two so that the fabric will develop a “memory” for the folds. If you let them down and it has not retained its memory roll/fold simply reroll/fold by hand.
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Other than stationary curtains, these awnings will blow in the wind and may become damaged if not secured during times of high winds such as storms.
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ALWAYS KEEP THE PULL ROPES TETHERED TO THE CLEAT. Excess rope may become a danger to pets and to children. If a rope becomes damaged replace it immediately.
LOOSE FRAME WINDOW & PORCH AWNINGS
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Loose frame window and porch awnings are a Spring, Summer, Fall seasonal product ONLY. They are not designed to accept any snow loads. Therefore, loose frame awnings should be taken down and stored indoors for the winter. NEVER store the awning(s) while it is damp or wet. It may mildew while in storage.
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These awnings will blow in the wind and may become damaged if not secured during times of high winds such as
storms.
RETRACTABLE AWNINGS & CRANK DROP CURTAINS
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All Retractable awnings are SHADE only products and designed for use ONLY while attended even if a Wind Sensor is attached. The Wind Sensor does not prevent wind or rain damage to the awning. It is only a safety feature to retract the awning if a wind gust is too strong. It takes the motor over one minute to retract the awning. Damage can occur before the awning is fully retracted by the wind sensor. ALWAYS retract the awning when unattended to protect
against wind or rain damage. -
If your awning is motorized it needs to be unplugged during storms or when you’re not home on vacation.
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How to take the valance out:
o Fully extend the awning to the open position.
o Remove both the end caps by taking the Phillips head screw out from the underside of the front bar.
o On each end of the valance, remove the Phillips head screw inside the round part of the front bar.
o Slide the fabric with the white plastic spline out on end of the awning front bar.
o Replace the end caps on the front bar.
o Retract the awning back to the closed position. -
NEVER Hang or attach items to a retractable such as the Awning Assist Brace or flowerpots. Doing so will void all
warranties.
RESIDENTIAL WELDED FRAME AWNINGS
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To clean your awning(s) we recommend that you LIGHTLY rinse your awning off with a garden hose to wash away airborne dust. Only use soaps and cleaners recommended by the fabric manufacturer. If your awning(s) has a loose curtain it will blow in the wind and may become damaged.
RECOVERS OF ALL TYPES
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“RECOVER” means Seller shall supply new Fabric Awning Cover and rope ONLY for your existing frames.
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Laurel Awning Company assumes no responsibility or liability for your existing frames, their condition, cleanliness, functionality, shape, structural stability, etc. The cost of all fittings, parts, frame lights, bulbs and ceilings, and any required or requested changes, repairs, cleaning or coating to your existing frames shall be charges extra. Seller shall
dispose of old your Awning Covers unless noted in Special Instructions in your contract.
COMMERCIAL USE OF AWNINGS
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Cooking, open fire or fireworks under or around your awning may cause burn holes or staining. Hanging items like potted plants and lights from the framework must be done with care. The hooks or zip ties used may rapidly wear a hole through the fabric. Loose fabric (drop curtains, loose frame awnings, etc.) will blow in the wind and may become damaged if not secured during times of high winds such as storms.
ALUMINUM AWNINGS
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Depending on weather, sun exposure, and the location on your home, the awning may get stains or streaks. We recommend using an all-purpose cleaner (like a Krud Kutter) that you can purchase from any local hardware or home improvement store.
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Flat pan awnings need to have the front gutter cleaned out annually.
Warranties
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