If you have recently had awnings added to your home, then you may be facing your first extreme cold weather season with them in place. If this is the case, there are some steps you need to take to prepare the awning for the move from warm weather to extreme and freezing conditions. Here are the ways you can prepare for these change and what to know about each preparation step.
Metal Joints and Parts
The first areas to focus on when you begin preparing your awnings for extreme cold weather conditions are the metal joints and parts. If you are expecting several inches of snow, then you need to have the awning removed for the season or at the very least put in retracted mode. The awning joints and parts are only made to hold up a small amount of weight. This weight limit is usually just slightly more than what the fabric would be. Heavy snow will exceed the weight and cause the metal joints and parts to break and bend. You should also lubricate the parts and joints to ensure they are movable and do not freeze and rust in place.
Fabric Sealing
There are only some awning fabrics that are already weatherproofed with some form of seal. The misconception is that all awning fabrics are sealed for water protection. If you aren't sure about your specific fabric, make sure that you reseal it with either a spray-on seal or paint-on seal. This will help to prevent some of the damage that can happen from freezing water and ice as well as sitting snow. You may also want to consider trading out a fabric option for your awning to a vinyl option to help reduce the chances of awning fabric damage.
Retractable Cover
Sometimes retracting your awnings is not enough. The rain or snow can still get into the awning and cause ice damage. As the water hardens, it will turn to ice, which can tear and rip at fabric and even metal. When it thaws, it causes standing water and exposes the area to water damage. By having a cover over the retractable awning, you can ensure the entire device is safe from damage. Make sure the cover is a totally sealed cover and not just a canvas cover that is not suitable for colder weather conditions.
If you aren't sure how to prepare your specific awnings for extreme cold weather conditions, contact your awning professional. They can help with maintenance steps, products and specific questions. They can also answer questions about upgrading your current awning to new retractable options.
