{"id":2969,"date":"2021-07-26T16:18:01","date_gmt":"2021-07-26T16:18:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/groupebellonpr.wpenginepowered.com\/custom-awnings-and-winter-how-to-preserve-your-canvas-as-long-as-possible\/"},"modified":"2025-05-07T19:04:08","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T19:04:08","slug":"custom-awnings-and-winter-how-to-preserve-your-canvas-as-long-as-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.groupebellonprestige.com\/en\/blog\/winter-awning-maintenance\/","title":{"rendered":"Custom Awnings and Winter: How to Preserve Your Canvas as Long as Possible"},"content":{"rendered":"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<\/strong>.\n\nThe 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<\/a> requires a bit more care<\/strong>. If you don\u2019t secure your canvases, you can invest in custom covers to protect them.\n\nFinally, 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.\u00a0<\/strong>\n\nWinter awning maintenance is necessary to make the canvas last. We therefore offer you some sound advice to extend the lifespan of your custom awning.\n

The right winter awning maintenance for the right awning<\/h2>\nEach awning is different, so it\u2019s only natural that the maintenance differs as well. In our guide, we recommend the best ways to preserve your awning<\/strong> according to your awning type.\n

Retractable awnings<\/h3>\nIf you have a retractable awning<\/a>, the first thing to do to maintain your canvas is to clean it properly.<\/strong> You can use an average water jet and a mild soap to clean your canvas and ensure that there isn\u2019t any dirt on it.\n\nDo this cleaning on a sunny day, and start in the morning. Then, let the canvas dry<\/strong> until there is no more moisture left. Otherwise, you will have unpleasant surprises next season, such as odours and insects.\n\nYou can also entrust your canvas cleaning to specialists. Our experts can clean<\/a> and repair your canvases<\/a> for you, if needed.\n\nOnce 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<\/strong>, which can cause the mechanism to break due to the excess weight of the snow<\/a>.\n\nYou 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.<\/strong>\n

Fixed patio awnings<\/h3>\nFixed 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<\/strong>.\n\nFor 3-season awnings, the only solution is storage. Many homeowners think it\u2019s 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<\/strong>, so it\u2019s crucial to store them in a warm and dry location.<\/strong>\n\nIn 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.<\/strong>\n\nAs 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<\/strong>, then let dry. Remove insects, cobwebs, and anything that could damage your canvas as well.\n\nOnce this has been done, your canvas is ready to be stored in a suitable location. If you don\u2019t have such a location, we\u2019re pleased to offer you a space in one of our heated, insured, and secured premises.<\/strong>\n

Winter awning maintenance: the importance of proper storage<\/h3>\nStoring your awning properly is the best way to extend the lifespan of your investment. A custom awning isn\u2019t a purchase that gets replaced after a year or two, unlike awnings from big box stores.\n\nTo ensure that your canvas is ready to be stored, don\u2019t hesitate to call on a specialist.\n