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Frequently Asked Questions
* How can you care for and prolong the life of your fabric? Q: How can you care for and prolong the life of your fabric? A: These fabrics are high performance products so their care is very simple. The single most important thing you can do is to keep the fabric clean. You don't have to remove the awning from it's frame to clean it. If you see dirt on your awning (tree pollen, for instance) you can use a soft, clean brush (like a kitchen broom) to brush it off. Or, hose off your awning, top and bottom, a couple times a year. If you awning is a retractable, doing this on a warm, dry day is best so that it can completely air dry before you roll it in again.
Q: Is it ok to roll the awning up when it is wet? A: We think it's better to roll your awning up wet than to leave it out in bad weather. So, if you've been enjoying a light rain under your awning but you're going inside, do roll in your awning. When the weather improves, roll your awning out and let it completely air dry. It's important to do this because mould and mildew love damp locations.
Q: What kind of fabrics do you use? A: The most frequently used fabric is an acrylic canvas which is solution dyed and has a great deal of water repellency built into it. It is mould, mildew and rot resistant as well. We use a poly cotton thread in the sewing process because the polyester gives it strength, while the cotten will swell to fill the needle holes. These products are intended for outdoor use and are found in many awning and marine applications.
Q: When to put-up or take-down their awnings? A: We've noticed that people are always anxious to get their awning season started and like to prolong it well into the fall. We often get a heavy, wet snow in April or even into May. It's best to wait until after this liklihood has passed. Have your awnings or canopies down and safely stored before the first snow.
Q: I'm trying to live a little bit greener. Can awnings make a difference?
Q: How do you store your awning at the end of the season? A: Choose a safe, dry place. Do not choose a spot where you have problems with mice and squirrels. Let your awning completely dry before putting it away and do not leave it lying on a concrete floor. A plastic bag is not a good choice either because it will hold in moisture. If you have a retractable awning, it is basically self storing because it neatly rolls in and remains fastened to your home or building, but watch for rodents or birds that are nesting in or around your awning. Follow the same guidelines for storing your valence. Roll your valence rather than fold it and you will avoid creasing the fabric.
Q: We love sitting out on our veranda but just when we want to be there, the sun is hitting us right at eye level. We're looking for a simple solution. Any ideas?
Q: We bought an awning from you about five years ago and we've been really happy with it. I've recently had an injury that makes it difficult for me to roll out my awning. Is it too late to get a motor? A: Not a problem! The design of our retractable awnings allows motors to be installed at any time, not just at the time of purchase.
Q: Can I barbeque under my awning? A: It's best not to barbeque under your awning because it will eventually cause your awning to become dirty from the heat and smoke.
Q: We just moved into a home that has an awning you made. We'd like to change the fabric - is that possible or do we have to buy a whole new awning? A: Quality awnings can be recovered so you don't need to go to the expense of buying a whole new awning. We also like the fact that this means less waste for landfill sites!
Q: We get a tremendous amount of sun - even in the winter months. I've been using the retractable at times but my husband is concerned that this will damage the awning. Should I stop ? A: You can use your retractable 'even in the winter' but do take some care. If the weather changed and snow was allowed to accumulate on your awning, the fabric could 'belly' and cause it to stretch. A heavy accumulation could also damage the frame since it is not intended to hold a snow load. The best practice, at any time of year, is to roll the awning up when not in use or unattended. We also recommend that you remove the valence at the front of the awning for the winter. This will prevent wear from ice and snow. Simply pop off the end cap and pull the valence out of the track. Next, put the spline that holds the valence in place back into the track and replace the cap. Store the valence in safe, dry place and replace it in the spring! ^up
Q: There isn't enough space between our patio doors and overhang to mount a retractable. What are my options? A: When wall space isn't available, we can mount the awning in the soffits or do a roof mount when more height is required.
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