As the cold season approaches, many people start wondering how to maintain their awning during the winter. When the grey weather rolls in and the first snowflakes start falling, the first instinct is to put everything away in the garage.
The first to go are the patio chairs, the table, and the outdoor lounge furniture. Most people store everything in the same place to avoid struggling too much once spring returns. However, putting away the canvases of fixed patio awnings requires a bit more care. If you don’t secure your canvases, you can invest in custom covers to protect them.
Finally, the moment when you put away your summer canvases is also the time to take out your winter shelter, if you have one. Otherwise, you will have to rely on shoveling, a daunting task that causes more problems than fun.
Winter awning maintenance is necessary to make the canvas last. We therefore offer you some sound advice to extend the lifespan of your custom awning.
The right winter awning maintenance for the right awning
Each awning is different, so it’s only natural that the maintenance differs as well. In our guide, we recommend the best ways to preserve your awning according to your awning type.
Retractable awnings
If you have a retractable awning, the first thing to do to maintain your canvas is to clean it properly. You can use an average water jet and a mild soap to clean your canvas and ensure that there isn’t any dirt on it.
Do this cleaning on a sunny day, and start in the morning. Then, let the canvas dry until there is no more moisture left. Otherwise, you will have unpleasant surprises next season, such as odours and insects.
You can also entrust your canvas cleaning to specialists. Our experts can clean and repair your canvases for you, if needed.
Once your canvas is clean and dry, it should be retracted for the winter. Many homeowners make the mistake of leaving their canvas unrolled year-round, which can cause the mechanism to break due to the excess weight of the snow.
You can also invest in a durable case to offer your canvas additional protection. This case helps keep the canvas dry all winter long, which extends the lifespan of your canvas by several years.
Fixed patio awnings
Fixed awnings differ from retractable awnings in that these canvases cannot be retracted. You will therefore have to dismantle and secure your canvas. The only exception is the 4-season awning, which is made to withstand winter.
For 3-season awnings, the only solution is storage. Many homeowners think it’s enough to roll up the canvas and secure it in a shed or the garage. Unfortunately, 3-season canvases are vulnerable to cold and humidity, so it’s crucial to store them in a warm and dry location.
In case of mould, you can use a mild soap, a soft-bristled brush, and warm water to clean the canvas. Mould is also one of the biggest threats to your canvas. It compromises the integrity of the fabric and makes it vulnerable to cuts and tears.
As for maintenance, you will have to sweep off dead leaves and remove any other debris from the surface. Clean stains with a damp, soapy cloth, then let dry. Remove insects, cobwebs, and anything that could damage your canvas as well.
Once this has been done, your canvas is ready to be stored in a suitable location. If you don’t have such a location, we’re pleased to offer you a space in one of our heated, insured, and secured premises.
Winter awning maintenance: the importance of proper storage
Storing your awning properly is the best way to extend the lifespan of your investment. A custom awning isn’t a purchase that gets replaced after a year or two, unlike awnings from big box stores.
To ensure that your canvas is ready to be stored, don’t hesitate to call on a specialist.
- Groupe Bellon Prestige has a 35,000-square-foot workshop. When you entrust your canvas to us for the winter, we perform a complete inspection of its condition. We look for any holes, tears, or stains on the surface. If your canvas needs to be repaired, our specialists give you an estimate of the cost of the repairs; we won’t make any changes without your approval.
- We then put your canvas in one of our spaces specifically reserved for storage.
- We can also take care of the assembly and disassembly of your awning in the spring and winter.
Entrust your patio to Groupe Bellon Prestige
Groupe Bellon Prestige has offered loyal services for over 125 years. We are the undisputed leaders in custom awnings, and we offer exceptional-quality products and services.
Winter awning maintenance is crucial, but choosing the right awning lets you have a shelter that will last for many years. Opt for a custom awning with Groupe Bellon Prestige for a quality awning. If you need help storing your canvas, our specialists will be pleased to assist you.
After several seasons, you may also need to freshen up the canvas. Our specialists can offer you sound cleaning advice. We also have a wide variety of accessories and products for cleaning your canvas.
For additional assistance or to take advantage of our services, contact us. We’re proud to offer you a full range of products and services for your custom awnings.
