Retractable awnings are stylish and functional, providing much-needed shade and cooling comfort on a sunny day. Whether chilling on your own or hosting an afternoon lunch, a well-maintained awning keeps your outdoor experience elevated.
Like any outdoor feature, retractable awnings require some seasonal maintenance to stay in optimal condition. From spring showers to the hot summer sun, each season brings unique challenges for awning owners. Without proper awning care, minor issues can become serious problems.
If you’re tired of inconsistent shade, noisy mechanical movements, or visible deterioration with your awning, it’s time to take action. Addressing potential problems now can improve your awning’s aesthetics while extending the life of this outdoor investment.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Common retractable awning problems
- Helpful retractable awning maintenance tips
- Understanding DIY vs. professional retractable awning repairs
- Why to choose Charlotte Deck Builders for retractable awnings
Retractable Awning Problems to Watch Out For
Even the finest-quality awnings can develop wear over time, especially as they withstand months and seasons spent outdoors. Fortunately, you can keep this part of your home in great condition by knowing what common awning-related problems look like before they get out of control.
Here are some of the most common retractable awning problems homeowners encounter:
- Torn Fabric: High-quality awning screens can withstand quite a lot. However, repeated winds, sun exposure, and accumulated debris can leave you in need of retractable awning repairs.
- Motor or Crank Failure: Awning won’t retract or extend? The culprit is typically mechanical or electrical issues.
- Water Pooling: This problem often arises due to tension or pitch-related issues, which cause pooling and sagging when it rains.
- Mold and Mildew: If not regularly cleaned, your screen may accumulate mildew or mold during especially humid or rainy seasons.
- Rusted Hardware: Another moisture-related problem, extended exposure to water can cause rust to form.
Seasonal Retractable Awning Maintenance Tips
As the seasons change, so does how to maintain your outdoor spaces. Fortunately, you stay proactive with our help. Keep the tips below in mind for retractable awnings that look great all year round.
Short on time? Don’t worry. You can perform these retractable awning maintenance tasks below in only about 15 minutes.
Spring
- Inspect your fabric and frames for damage, especially after storms.
- Regularly lubricate moving parts.
- Clean your awning to remove any moisture left over from winter.
Summer
- Keep the awning fabric clean and dry.
- Watch out for pollen buildup and bird droppings.
- Keep the awning retracted if summer brings high winds.
Fall
- Remove leaves from your awning before they accumulate.
Winter
- Retract and cover your awning when it’s not in use.
- Store fabric indoors if applicable.
Simple DIY Retractable Awning Repairs vs. When to Call a Pro
Some retractable awning maintenance tasks are easy enough for homeowners to take care of with minimal know-how and basic tools. That said, not everything is a DIY fix, especially when it comes to retractable awnings.
If you’re handy and have time, a few small retractable awning repairs can go a long way toward preserving your awning. When in doubt, it’s probably best to call in a professional team. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what to tackle yourself and when it’s best to bring in an expert.
Semi-Simple DIY Retractable Awning Repairs:
- Cleaning Fabric: Use a mixture of mild soap (ideally a chemical-free one) and water.
- Tightening Bolts: Regularly check and tighten screws and bolts to ensure they are properly fastened.
- Lubricating Joints: A simple and light application of silicone spray keeps joints and other moving awning parts operating smoothly.
Call a Pro For:
- Electrical Problems: Electrical-related retractable awning repairs aren’t just complex—anything involving exposure to electricity can also be extremely dangerous. If you suspect electrical problems, contact an electrician.
- Motor and Crank Issues: Often, these problems require disassembling an awning system to replace or repair internal parts.
- Frame Misalignment: Like electrical problems, frame-related issues can often pose safety risks.
Perfect Your Outdoor Space With Professionally Installed Awnings
Don’t want to deal with the hassle of retractable awning repairs? Let the licensed and experienced contractors at Charlotte Deck Builders design and install a fully customized build for your home.
With nearly 20 years of experience as a leading Charlotte, NC, construction company, we specialize in fully customized:
We’re experienced business owners who understand and value completing jobs using the best materials and time-tested construction methods.
Our retractable awnings are custom-measured, professionally installed, and designed to hold up to sometimes unpredictable weather patterns. From design to execution, we handle every step of the awning creation and installation processes with precision and care.
Why Homeowners Trust Charlotte Deck Builders
We go beyond just installing high-quality awnings. We ensure you can enjoy our completed work for years. When you work with us, you get:
- Custom Designs: Every outdoor space is different, as are homeowners. That’s why we tailor our designs and completed projects to suit your needs.
- Transparent Quotes: Charlotte Deck Builders offers clear and upfront pricing with no unwanted surprises.
- A Fully Licensed Team: Trust our licensed, insured, and trusted team.
Book a consultation with Charlotte Deck Builders and tell our custom luxury hardscaping specialists about your vision for a perfect yard. Choose us for retractable awnings that are built to last and backed by guarantees and warranties.
The President of Charlotte Deck Builders
Diego Machado has always had a passion for creating beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. As the president of Charlotte Deck Builders, Diego takes part in designing and constructing decks, porches, patios, pergolas, and more. Diego has successfully led his team of skilled and experienced contractors to complete numerous custom luxury hardscaping projects across North Carolina and South Carolina.
When he’s not helping to beautify local outdoor areas, Diego loves spending time with his cherished family and friends and exploring new destinations as an avid traveler.
