As the summer sun fades and the crisp autumn days settle into Pennsylvania and the Northeast, your retractable awning has likely given you months of shade and enjoyment on your patio or deck. But as fall deepens and winter approaches, it’s crucial to make sure your awning is properly cared for—not just rolled away and forgotten. By following our recommended fall care steps, you can protect your investment and ensure years of effortless shade and weather protection.
With over 30 years of experience serving Pennsylvania homeowners, Paul Construction and Awning knows what it takes to keep your awning in top shape. Here’s how we recommend you care for your retractable awning this fall.
Why Fall Awning Maintenance Is a Must
All of our retractable awnings are built to handle the unpredictable Pennsylvania climate, but a bit of fall care goes a long way. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip this important step:
- Prevent Mold and Mildew: Northeast fall weather often brings damp conditions, chilly rains, and lingering humidity. If moisture is trapped in the awning fabric, it can lead to stains and mildew.
- Avoid Fabric and Frame Damage: When falling leaves, twigs, and debris settle on your awning, they can stain or tear the fabric and put stress on moving parts.
- Keep Custom Features Working Smoothly: Whether you added LED lighting, drop-down shades, or opted for motorized operation, cleaning and inspecting everything now helps ensure stress-free use next spring.
- Protect What You’ve Invested: A little time now saves money, prevents headaches, and ensures your outdoor space is ready to enjoy as soon as the warmer weather returns.
Essential Steps for Fall Awning Care
1. Give the Awning Fabric a Thorough Cleaning
- Gently Remove Debris: Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep leaves, twigs, and dirt from both the top and underside of your awning fabric.
- Spot Clean Stains: Many detergents can be too harsh. For dirt and stains, opt for a gentle detergent like Woolite or an oxygen-based cleaner like OxyClean. For tougher spots such as bird droppings or tree sap, use a stiff brush with lukewarm water. Let the solution soak, then rinse with a hose.
- Ensure It’s Completely Dry: Never retract a damp awning. Allow the fabric to air dry fully to prevent mildew—a common risk in Pennsylvania’s damp fall weather.
2. Inspect and Clean the Frame and Components
- Wipe Down Surfaces: Use a damp cloth to clear grime from the arms, front bar, and housing.
- Check Hardware: Each fall, inspect bolts and moving parts for wear, rust, or looseness, tightening as needed.
- Lubricate Joints: For motorized models, apply a silicone-based lubricant on moving joints (avoid oil-based sprays that attract dirt).
3. Maintain the Area Around Your Awning
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Cut back nearby trees and shrubs to prevent debris buildup or rubbing branches.
- Keep Gutters Clean: Make sure roof gutters above your awning are cleared of leaves to avoid water runoff that could cause damage.
4. Retract and Store Properly
- Retract Completely: Fully tuck your awning into its protective cassette or housing.
- Cover if Needed: For open-cassette models, consider a winter cover for added protection against Pennsylvania’s snow and ice.
- Disconnect Power: If you have a motorized awning, turn off the breaker or unplug to prevent accidental operation during the winter.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our Residential Retractable Awnings page to see how Paul Construction and Awning can make your outdoor living easier and more enjoyable.
Common Fall Awning Mistakes to Avoid
With decades of experience, we’ve seen what can go wrong when fall care is skipped. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Retracting While Wet: Always allow fabric to dry fully.
- Using Harsh Cleaners: Avoid bleach or abrasive products that damage fabric coatings.
- Forgetting the Frame: Don’t overlook cleaning and inspecting the arms and casing.
- Leaving It Out During Storms: Retract before heavy rains, winds, or the season’s first snow to extend your awning’s lifespan.
Why Trust Paul Construction and Awning?
- Over 30 Years Serving Pennsylvania: We’ve helped local homeowners enhance their outdoor spaces since 1994.
- Custom Solutions, Professional Care: Every awning is custom-designed, installed by our own expert team—never subcontracted.
- Premium Sunesta Products: We proudly install Sunesta retractable awnings, complete with advanced features like motorization, LED lighting, and weather sensors.
- Personalized Service: From consultation to installation, we provide hands-on expertise tailored to your home.
If you’re ready to upgrade your outdoor space or have questions about retractable awning care, contact Paul Construction and Awning today. Let us show you how local expertise makes all the difference.
