You may already know the advantages awnings offer. They protect your home or business from sunlight, rain, and snow, keeping it cooler and saving electricity bills. It also adds an extra outdoor space to lounge in favorable weather conditions. But what is the best material for awnings? It must be durable and attractive.

4 Best Awning Materials for Your Window

Metal: Needless to say, metal is among the sturdiest materials for awnings. It is usually copper-made and can last as long as three decades.

A metal awning is durable against snow and hail. It withstands strong winds, protecting your property. They are available in various designs and color palettes.

Maintaining it requires applying powder coats once or twice a year, and unlike a few others on the list, requires frequent maintenance.

However, the benefits it offers justify its price, typically starting at $400.

Aluminum: Since we started with metal awnings, let’s look at another of its kind – aluminum.

It is popular and features a thin, smooth texture. You can choose different paints as their surface color, whether you want to look metallic or sport a wood-like finish. Aluminum awnings are ideas for a modern look.

They have a reliable lifespan and serve as a perfect material to protect the windows. They cost more than most other regular materials for awnings but are highly preferred by home and business owners.

One problem some people face is with their surface. It shows scratch marks easily. But you can treat it with a new finish.

Fabric: The best thing about fabric is that it offers a selection of choices. It saves you from painting it with a new finishing coat. All you need to do is choose a design that complements your place.

Fabric awnings keep the place cool in summer while adding depth to the overall appearance. You can combine different fabrics to get a unique look. Don’t worry; they are cheap.

Just like others, they have one disadvantage; they require a waterproofing coat to increase durability. You may also want to holster them in winter because they do not fare well against snow. We recommend you ask your awning provider for water-resistant fabric awnings.

A fabric awning usually starts at $200. It is affordable for the design and accessibility it offers. Proper maintenance improves lifespan.

Canvas: There was a time when anybody wondered – what are awnings made of? – they would think of canvas. Canvas awnings are classic and usually seen everywhere. They are close to fabric awnings and take little installation time. They are durable, affordable, and offer a good overall balance.

Canvas awnings are also perfect for modern-looking exteriors. For instance, you can choose dark or light colors to enhance your building’s aesthetic.

Although canvas window awnings are a fantastic choice, setting up the window awning requires some practice. It will sag and appear out of place if not stretched out correctly. In most cases, if they do not match the exterior, they can also appear out of place, but that is true of all kinds of awnings.

However, it will not give up the battle for toughness. Canvas window awnings are unaffected by rain and snow, unlike some awning windows that are easily buried in the center. If you maintain and care for them correctly, you can use them for up to 5 to 10 years.

Final Words

There are many other materials for awnings, such as wood, wood composite, vinyl, and glass. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. So, it is best to consult with professionals before making a decision.

Awnings are ideal for homeowners as they offer many advantages, ranging from energy savings to shelter. They are installed over windows, doors, and patios, and installing them can provide additional outdoor space to embrace quality time.

The installation is not critical, especially when pro-grade service providers are involved. Experts get the work done in less time while suggesting the best options. However, hiring a professional installer will add anywhere between $100 and $400 to your overall cost.

Installing an awning can cost you approximately $2,500. The canopy costs $250–$3,500. Homeowners may spend somewhere between $1,200 and $3,600 after the installation. Below, we will break down the average installation costs.

Average Costs for Awning Installation

Apart from the product cost, installation expenses fall between $175 and $450 ($6–$9 per square foot). It includes hiring installers and electricians (for motor-operated awnings).

However, the price may change depending on the material selected, the building’s condition, and the total area. The time taken to install is about an hour, which can extend up to five hours when installing a retractable awning.

Deck – Window – Patio

Window and door awnings do not cost much as they are usually not retractable. They can cost approximately $100 (minimum) to $400 (maximum).

But awnings for decks and patios can be expensive and rise from $600 up to $3,500 or a little more. Homeowners can choose the product to be free-standing or attached to the house.

Accessories for Awnings

Homeowners inclined towards luxury often choose a few accessories to complement their newly installed awning. One such accessory is curtains, which adds another $100–$200 to the overall cost. Likewise, adding mosquito nets may cost $100–$250.

If you are not restricted by budget, spend anywhere from $8,500 and $23,000 to enclose the patio space. It might seem expensive, but it is also a one-time investment.

Pro tip: save the extra expense by installing accessories during installation.

Overall Cost by Awning Type

Homeowners will find different awning types to choose from, such as metal, manual retractable, non-rollup, and canvas, to name a few. Each costs differently because of its unique features and installation procedures. Let’s look at a few.

Metal Awnings

These are available between $250 and $800. Metal awnings are robust compared to other awning types. But they have a drawback, which is less visibility. Metal awnings are usually aluminum-made and are a good choice for patios and doors.

Manual Retractable

It will cost about $500 to $1,500. The slightly higher cost is due to its retractable feature. You can fold it whenever you want, which makes it perfect for patios as they are most susceptible to weather conditions.

Mechanical Retractable

Unlike manual retractables, the mechanical version retracts automatically. You may have already guessed; it is the most expensive awning variant. Expect to spend somewhere between $2,000–$3,500.

It is available in canvas and metal variants. So, homeowners living in areas with frequently changing weather conditions will enjoy this awning.

Non-rollup

Non-rollup awnings cost significantly lesser (between $250 and $500). It can be canvas or metal-made, so you choose what you prefer. While these awnings are affordable, they are not very flexible. Hence, you cannot pull them back during harsh weather conditions.

Canvas Fabric

It is another affordable option for homeowners. Canvas awnings are available for $300–$700. They are among the most common choices because of their low cost and durability.

The biggest advantage of canvas awnings is that they are versatile and offer plenty of customization options, from colors and patterns to sizes and shapes, which makes them attractive. They are best suited for windows and small patios.

Final Words

We hope you now have a detailed understanding of awning installation and the costs associated with installing different types of awnings. If you have decided what you want, you can kickstart your project by contacting a reliable service provider. Alternatively, you can consult them for guidance on material and feature selection.

Retractable awnings are a great way to protect your place from the sun and rain. But regular usage brings in various problems, especially when they need more maintenance but lacks it. Whether you are here to solve your manual retractable awning problems or want to know the preventive measures to avoid issues, you can rely on this post.

Fabric Sagging

A retractable awning’s fabric loosens with overextension, causing sagging. If you have faced this, reverse the cranking direction to tighten it. Additionally, while reverse cranking does the trick, check the fabric’s rolling. Ensure it rolls over the roller tube’s top instead of going under it.

Cracking/ Knocking

It is a typical problem our clients often seek a solution to instead of trying other awning types. The problem is little but very annoying because it makes cracking or knocking sounds. Although you may think it is malfunctioning, it may be the loose brackets. Ask your awning engineer to secure the square bar or torsion in the mounting brackets before tightening the mounting bolt to bring the lock over the bar.

Sun Damage

There is no way to protect an awning from the sun. Constant sunlight exposure burns away the color and integrity, causing it to fade. The only preventive measure here is to slow down this inevitable process. Frequently sweep the awning to remove dust and debris before rinsing it with mild soap (use a hose to reach hard-to-access corners). Avoid pressure washing to eliminate the risk of tearing the fabric.

Wind Damage

You can close retractable awnings when you don’t need them; it is what makes them so popular. However, they are incapable of handling strong winds. So, retract them when not in use. Electrical retractable awnings are beneficial if you have an automated motion or wind sensor to pull it back when strong winds hit.

Rain Damage

We understand you installed awnings for your home or store to protect yourself from the sun and rain. But they may not withstand everything you throw at them. An awning that fails to repel rainwater will instead accumulate it. This problem is common in awnings without sufficient angle or pitch on the fabric and arms. When water begins to pool, you can do two things. Pitch your awning down to prevent water from pooling, or retract it immediately.

Also Read: What is the Best Awning Material for Your Window?

Snow Damage

Likewise, snow is another natural element your awning protects your place from but also damages itself in the process. Accumulated snow can cause severe damage to the fabric. It can ruin moving parts, and its weight can bend the frame. So, when you experience snowfall, remove accumulated snow before retracting it to prevent further accumulation.

Must Read: How to Clean an Awning? Best Methods & Techniques

Mold Issues

Mold and fabric are inseparable and not for good. Mold quickly grows on awning fabric because it is frequently exposed to heat and humidity, creating a habitable environment for mold. We recommend removing any visible mold by spraying water with a hose before applying a mildew remover. Do not retract the awning before it dries.

Insects and Rodents

This discussion may be extensive because insects and rodents won’t let your awnings go. Awnings provide a comfortable place for bees, which risks damaging the product’s parts and stinging you. The solution? Retract the awnings when unused. Insects will also visit your awning to look for a home if you leave food and drinks or trash on the patio or yard. If you own a restaurant, it is a point you must remember. Even critters can find awnings a suitable place to live. The only way is to keep birds from building a nest. If a beehive or nest already exists, hire professionals to do it for you.

Choose your favorite: Collection of various awning styles

Conclusion

Installation may be challenging, but fixing retractable awning problems is easy. Consult a reputable custom awning and canopy provider to get the best solution.

You may also read: How Can You Measure The Size Of An Awning?

The use of awning windows can be an ideal method for filtering light and air, producing a solution that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing for residential and commercial properties alike. They are hinged at the top and open outwardly, which allows for great ventilation when the weather is nice outside and protects against the elements when it is not nice outside.

These windows are wonderful for landowners of any stripe since they are simple to install, they save money on heating and cooling costs, and they offer a high level of functionality.

There is a wide range of sizes available for awning windows, including the normal smallest and largest sizes, choices for bespoke sizing, and needs for specific measurements.

In this blog, we will be discussing retractable awning sizes in every nook and detail. So stick around!

Factors to Consider While Choosing Awning Sizes

Choosing the proper size of retractable awning for any outdoor space requires taking several different considerations into account. We have, fortunately, put together this guide to assist you in selecting the ideal awning to complement any outdoor living or working space you may have.

Awning dimensions are determined mostly by the area to be shaded and the prevailing wind direction.

Estimate the size of the area you want to cover by measuring its perimeter. Areas with outdoor furniture, door walls, and multiple windows fall under this category. Based on these findings, you can decide whether a large or small awning is more appropriate.

The orientation of your property is a secondary consideration in picking the right awning size. Awnings with a projection of 10 feet work great for a lot of houses with an eastern or western orientation. Twelve or thirteen-foot projections are a good choice for households with patio settings or other spaces outside the residence that need covering.

Tip: Awning sizes can vary significantly. Therefore, you must first decide the purpose of your installation to have the correct size in mind.

You may also like: How to Clean an Awning? Best Methods & Techniques.

How to Measure an Awning Size?

To get started, gather some everyday items from around the house. You’ll need a ruler, a tall ladder or stepladder, a pencil, paper, and somewhere to write down your measurements.

Step 1

Figure out where you might wish to install the awnings. If you are unsure, it is best to take measurements of all the available options so that we can assist you in making a decision.

Step 2

Find out which way the installation structure is facing if you don’t already know. More sunlight will reach walls facing south and west than those facing east or north.

Step 3

Step three is to take precise dimensions of the wall space above the intended awning location. We need a minimum clearance of 7’6″ from the floor, deck, or patio to the underside of the eaves, roof, or gutter. How tall are the openings or doors you want to be covered?

Step 4

The next step is to estimate the breadth of the area you intend to cover with your awning. The awning’s width will serve as the precise sizing parameter. If you need to shade an area that’s 12 feet broad, for instance, you’ll need to place an order for an awning that’s 12 feet wide. When measuring the entire awning, subtract 5 inches from the cloth width.

Step 5

Think about how big of an area you need to cover. When it comes to shade, how much do you need? Ideally, you’d like it to enclose the entirety of your deck, patio, or additional outdoor living area. Think about the space you want to cover and whether or not a valance or simply drop shade might prove useful there.

Step 6

If you have a motorized awning, you can decide which side of the awning the cord will run on to best connect to your power source. The soffit bracket is an alternative to the typical wall bracket. When the required installation height of 7 feet, or 6 inches is not possible, roof mounting brackets can be used.

Size Varieties for Retractable Patio Awnings

If you are looking forward to installing patio awnings, you should know that such kinds of structures come in three size varieties-

Simple Shade Series

Generally, the Simple Shade series comes in widths between 12 to 20 feet. Also, this series comes with three kinds of projections- 10’2’’, 11’8’’, and 13’2’’.

Pro Series

The Pro Series comes with customizable awning sizes. Sizes range from 8’ width (for Traditional 77 and Traditional FelxPitch 87), 9’ ( for Semi-Cassette 97 and Full-Cassette 98), and goes up to 26’. Projections range from 5’9’’, 6’11’’, 8’6’’, 10’2’’, 11’8’’, 13’2’’.

Performance Series

Traditional and Semi-Cassette styles have customizable widths ranging from 11 to 26 feet. Cassette models come with the same number and can extend up to 24 feet. 6’11’’, 8’6’’, 10’2’’, 11’8’’, 13’2’’ (For Traditional and Semi-Cassette only), 14’6’’ (For Traditional and Semi-Cassette only). Hence, follow the steps to know about the awning sizes and also know about the various size varieties that retractable patio awnings come in.

You may also like: Do Awnings Add Value To Your Home?

If you’re a homeowner, you know how important it is to maintain and upgrade your home to increase its value. One way to add value to your home is by installing awnings. Awnings are an excellent addition to any home, providing a wide range of benefits.

And one of such benefits is adding value to your home. Many of you might be asking how does this happen? Well, installing an awning essentially means that you are extending the living space of your residence.

On top of that, awnings also add a curb appeal to your place, which enhances the aesthetics of the house overall.

In this blog, we will be understanding the aspects which lead us to decide and install awnings at our home.

Types of Awnings

First, let us look at some of the different types of awnings that are available in the market-

Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are a popular choice because they can be extended or retracted depending on the weather conditions. They’re available in manual or motorized options, making it easy to adjust them to your needs.

Stationary Awnings

Stationary awnings are a more permanent solution. They’re typically made of durable materials like metal or canvas and are designed to withstand the elements. While they can’t be adjusted, they provide reliable protection from the sun, rain, and wind.

Tip: Stationary awnings withstand adverse conditions more than retractable ones. So, they also possess a high chance of getting worn out easily.

Benefits of Window Awnings

Following is a list of some of the many benefits that installing awnings provides you with-

Adverse weather protection

One of the primary benefits of awnings is protection from the elements. Awnings can shield your home from the sun, rain, and wind, keeping your outdoor living spaces comfortable and dry. This means you can enjoy your patio, deck, or outdoor area regardless of the weather.

Energy efficiency

Awnings can also help reduce your energy costs. They block the sun’s rays from entering your home, keeping your interior cooler during the hot summer months. This can reduce your reliance on air conditioning, which can lead to significant energy savings over time.

Aesthetics

Awnings can enhance the curb appeal of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials, making it easy to find one that matches your home’s architecture and design.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Awnings

Deciding to install awnings, and moving forward to buy them is a lot different. If you are determined to install window/ door awnings, the following are some of the factors that you must keep in mind-

Material

Awnings come in a variety of materials, including aluminum, canvas, and vinyl. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Size and design

When choosing awnings for your home, size, and design are essential factors to consider. You want to choose awnings that are the right size for your outdoor space and match the style of your home.

Cost

The cost of awnings can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and material. It’s essential to set a budget and shop around to find the best deal.

Installation of Awnings

There are two kinds of approaches that you might want to consider while installing an awning. Hre professionals, or do it yourself!

Professional installation

While some homeowners may choose to install awnings themselves, it’s recommended to hire a professional to ensure proper installation. Professionals have the knowledge and experience to install awnings safely and securely

DIY installation

If you’re handy and have the necessary tools, you may be able to install awnings yourself. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and take all necessary safety precautions. Because a small error might result in a hefty expenditure on repairs or replacements.

Maintenance of Awnings

Cleaning

Awnings require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and functionality. You can clean awnings with mild soap and water or specialized cleaning products, depending on the material.

Repairs

Over time, awnings may require repairs due to wear and tear, weather damage, or other factors. It’s essential to address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain the awning’s longevity.

Awnings can add significant value to your home by protecting it from the elements, energy savings, and enhancing curb appeal. When choosing awnings, it’s important to consider factors like size, design, material, and cost, and to hire a professional for installation if necessary.

Very relaxing hours can be achieved beneath the awning’s shade and protection from the sun. Particularly if your sun protection system is likewise brilliant in appearance. You must also clean the awning to ensure that it remains in good shape. Due to the constant strain that the sun, wind, and weather inflict on your shade system. After being put to constant use throughout the warm season, the awning should be given thorough upkeep during the winter months. When your awning is cleaned regularly, it may be cleaned with less force. In addition, it prevents the accumulation of debris that is difficult to remove when you clean your awning. As a consequence, you will have a solar shading system that is immaculate, well-maintained, and valued, which will bring you delight for a very long time. In this blog, you will be learning a complete approach to how to clean awnings optimally.

Steps to follow to Clean an Awning?

Following are some of the steps that you need to impart in your schedule to keep your awnings optimally clean throughout the year-

Remove Dirt and Debris

While cleaning an awning, the first thing you should do is use a broom. Remove any stray leaves, dirt, cobwebs, and other kinds of debris by sweeping. Wipe out the underbelly as well. Use a ladder if the height of your awnings requires it. Once you’re on the ladder, you should exercise extreme caution. Spraying your awnings with clean water should be done after you have eliminated quite enough debris you can. Once a month, sweep your awnings to remove any built-up contaminants and to maintain their appearance.

Make/Buy a Cleaning Solution

After that, you will need to combine the ingredients for a cleaning solution. You will need to employ a variety of various cleaning solutions, and this will be determined by the material that the awning is made of. When cleaning fixed, roll-up, or retractable awnings composed of canvas or other outdoor textiles, use a gentle laundry detergent and water that is just slightly warmer than room temperature. If you so choose, you can also clean the vinyl or cloth with a special cleaner. Use a metal cleansing solvent and water together to clean metal awnings. If your awnings have been constructed of aluminum, you should clean them with a solvent that was developed specifically for aluminum. Tip: At this juncture on how to clean awnings, you need to understand that you can either make or buy a cleaning agent according to the material of the fabric that your installed awning is made of.

Follow it up with Scrubbing

Fill a spray bottle with the cleaning solution. Use sponges and a bucket to apply it, or just spray it on the awning. Allow the solution to work its magic for a few moments. The awning should then be scrubbed with a gentle bristle brush. It needs an inside and exterior cleaning. If scrubbing your awnings doesn’t get rid of the stains, consider one of these alternatives:

• Rust and iron oxide can be scrubbed away with a solution of citric acid and oxalic acid.
• To get rid of mildew, use dishwashing liquid.
• The droppings of birds can be cleaned up with a degreaser or a dish detergent that is designed to cut through grease.

Rinse Off

The next step is to use a garden hose to give your awnings a complete and thorough cleaning. Be sure that you get rid of all of the cleaning solutions, both on the inside and the outside. The cleaning solution that has been used up will collect dirt, which means that you will need to clean the awnings more frequently. Before rolling or retracting awnings made of fabric or vinyl, take the necessary precautions to ensure that they are completely dry. This will prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Under no circumstances should you clean your awnings using a power washer. That could cause harm to them.

Bottomline

Awning fabric care keeps your awning shaded and weatherproof for years. Your awning may retract into a cassette, be protected by a hood cover, or be a compact roll against a block. Fixed awnings are always exposed to the weather. Fabric awnings should be cleaned regularly. Temperature and rain affect the canopy. Airborne pollutants, filth, oils, bird droppings, bugs, leaf tannins, tree pitches, and other substances can stain or bleach textiles. Dirt can creep into the mesh and produce mold. Rolling up damp covers will undoubtedly cause mildew, even on permanent material. Different fabrics require different soaps and water-resistant or impermeable and mildew-resistant coatings. You may clean your awnings yourself or contact a pro. Therefore, the above is a stepwise guide on how to clean awnings that you must know and be aware of before you decide to install or decide to clean up the awnings at your place.

The features you add to your home or store are beyond aesthetics and extend to functionality and practicality. An aluminum window awning is feature-rich and worth the investment if you want decor and functionality. It protects against the blazing sun rays and rain, helping you keep your place warm or cool, depending on what you want. Hence, significant bill savings. But just like any product, it requires cleaning and maintenance for the best performance year after year. Cleaning a window awning once in 2-3 months keeps it looking like new and helps improve its performance. You may clean it yourself or hire a professional. If your awning provider offers maintenance, it is perhaps the best choice. But if you have decided to do it, what steps should you take?

Cleaning Aluminum Awnings – Getting Started

Step 1: Gather What You Need

• Ladder
• Water
• Detergent
• Brush
• Pressure washer (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Solution

Add 2 oz of detergent to a gallon of water to create the cleaning solution.

Step 3: Place the Ladder

A ladder makes the task efficient. Whether your window awning is beyond reach or you cannot reach its topside, place a ladder next to it and climb up with a bucket of clean water.

Step 4: Wet the Area

Spread clean water and wet the awning. If you have a hose, you could use that to ensure reaching all the corners.

Step 5: Scrub with the Brush

Follow it up by dipping the brush in the detergent blend and scrubbing the awning’s surface with it. Do not let it dry.

Step 6: Follow it by Rinsing

Once you have successfully removed the grime, rinse off the solution to ensure leaving no residue to stain the awning. Professionals may use a pressure washer for better results.

Step 7: Reach Hidden Spots

Cleaning the surface is easy, but what about the hard-to-reach spots? Spiders love corners, and finding their way into awnings and creating a shelter is nothing new for them. You can leave them be or get rid of them (we will suggest the latter). For this, clear the underside of your awning while on the ladder. However, if you wash a pressure washer to clean the underside, be extra careful.

Pro Tip: Ensure Cleaning Your Awning Regularly

Aluminum window awnings are prone to color deterioration, just like any other. It happens because of unpleasant and unwanted elements accumulating on it. It makes them dirty and unappealing. For instance, awnings collect bird droppings and tree leaves and branches from rainstorms. Strong winds can carry trash too. So, regularly cleaning it can make your awning look welcoming.

Additional Tip: Rinse with a Hose

While the above steps can take care of your awnings, we urge you to use a garden hose to rinse off your awnings thoroughly. It removes remaining debris and cleaning solutions above and below. Also, leftover cleaner attracts dirt. Sub-par cleaning may not be able to prevent mold and mildew growth. Hence, drying the fabric before rolling or retracting is crucial.

Bottomline

Cleaning an aluminum window awning is not difficult if you follow the steps appropriately. You may also seek professional cleaning and maintenance services from your awning provider to keep your products in optimal condition.

While modern-day storefront awnings are built to last, frequent exposure to harsh weather conditions, including acid rain and UV rays, causes them to fade. Their colors change, surfaces peel off, and they may also rust, looking drastically different and unattractive. Painting is effective in restoring an awning’s look. Awnings decorate your store’s exterior, help promote your brand and attract customers. However, they don’t only serve as decor but also offer outdoor space over windows and doors and keep water and harsh sunlight from entering inside.

How to Restore Faded Awnings?

While you can restore an awning’s look by painting them, the steps you take will depend on the kind of awning you have. For instance, painting a metal awning may be easier than a fabric awning. But worry not; we will guide you through the processes.

Clean the Awning Before Painting

Awnings are prone to get dirty quickly because they are outdoors day and night throughout the changing seasons. Painting without cleaning them will result in painting over dust, dirt, and debris; neither will the awnings look ugly, nor will the hard work you put behind cleaning them go in vain, so cleaning them before your painting project is crucial.

• Remove any decorations, flags, or painters you may have added to the awning
• Mix a mild detergent with a bucket of water
• Use an extendable scrub brush to remove any dirt and debris
• Rinse the awning with a hose
• Let it dry

In the case of noticeable moss or mildew, prepare another solution consisting of 50% bleach and 50% water and load it in a squirt bottle.

• Spray the solution on the undesirable substance
• Gently scrub using a scrub brush
• Rinse well to remove any residue
• Let it dry

Once done, your awnings are ready to be painted. Now, we will discuss how to paint metal and fabric awnings.

Painting Metal Awnings

If you use aluminum awnings for your storefront, you may have noticed that they are factory coated for color and weather resistance. While durable, the original coating eventually fades. They usually crack and peel. Since it protects the metal underneath from corrosion and rust, repainting them is necessary as soon as you notice problems. There is no need for you to remove the entire original coating; just sand away cracked, peeling, or loose coat to avoid adhesion problems when applying the new coating. Those with high gloss can use an entire surface sanding so that it is even and the new paint sticks well. Once you finish painting, scrub the metal using a powdered detergent and a soft-bristled brush to clean any particles or grime left behind from the sanding. Apply a metal primer coating before using an oil-based paint to help it withstand any intense weathering effects. Additionally, never apply latex-based primers on aluminum because it contains ammonia that can result in adverse effects.

Painting Fabric Awnings

As we mentioned before, painting canvas awnings is hard. However, it helps restore the fabric and color of the canvas and extends its lifespan. To paint canvas fabric, you must remove the canvas from the structure (for retractable designs). Fabric is usually fragile and is prone to tearing. So, ensure to paint the fabric before they wear out. Use an acrylic-based paint and premium commercial fabric additive to make the solution appropriate to work on the fabric. Too dense and hard a liquid will prevent the fabric from bending after drying. We recommend replacing it instead of painting it, especially if you do not have experience doing it.

Bottomline

Painting your storefront awning improves its durability and functionality; not to forget, its appearance. If you are uncertain about it or scared of doing more harm than good to your awning, contact a reliable awning company and seek their maintenance and repair services.