Awnings Maintenance
Complying with our Awnings maintenance suggestions will guarantee stress-free service from your Awnings. A little cleaning once a month will prevent a major cleaning project.
1. Screen Mesh or Fabric Cleaning
Clean the Screen Mesh or Fabric of the Awning with a vacuum with a soft upholstery brush attachment when possible. Carefully vacuum both sides of the Awning taking caution not to snag the Screen Mesh or Fabric itself.
For dirt that’s hard to remove, the Screen Mesh or Fabric of an Awning can be cleaned with water, a mild detergent, and a soft brush. Do Not use chemicals. For larger Fixed or Retractable Awnings, use a telescoping pole with a soft brush attachment. Test a small, unnoticeable area first before cleaning the entire Awning to confirm ideal results. After cleaning the Screen Mesh or Fabric, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose and allow it to fully dry before retracting. Cleaning the unit first thing in the morning on a hot, sunny day is ideal.
2. Frame Cleaning
The powder coated frame of our Awnings is made of either steel or extruded aluminum depending on the application. Wipe down all powder coated parts with a soft cloth and gentle detergent.
DO NOT scrub the powder coated parts as this will damage the surface.
DO NOT use Goof Off as this will damage the powder coated surface instantly.
3. Wind
The amount of wind your Awning can handle has many variables that you should be aware of:
Size of the Awning:
The width and height of your Awning are factors. Larger Awnings can handle less wind due to surface area exposed to wind load.
Type of screen mesh or fabric in the Awning:
More open screen mesh types will withstand stronger winds than solid fabrics.
Type of wind:
There are gusts, sustained winds, micro bursts, etc. Each of these can have a different effect on your Awning.
Where your screen is mounted:
Fixed Awnings mounted against a structure can withstand stronger wind loads than Retractable Awnings.
We recommend that Retractable Awnings stay retracted in winds that exceed 15 mph; however, depending on the variables listed above, your Retractable Awning may need to be retracted for lower wind speeds. Closely observe your Retractable Awning’s reaction to wind, and do not leave your Retractable Awning projected when you’re not a home.
4. Somfy Motor (Motorization Feature)
Manual Retractable Awnings and Manual Retractable Window Awnings can be converted to a Motorized Retractable Awning and Motorized Retractable Window Awning with the addition of a Somfy Motor.
To protect it from overheating, the Somfy Motor has a built-in thermal protection device, which will stop the motor from functioning for anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes to cool off. Once cooled down, your Motorized Retractable Awning will start functioning properly.
5. Somfy Remote Control (Motorization Feature)
Somfy Remote Controls (handheld and in-wall) have a limited battery life dependent upon the daily use. If the remote control light does not come on when the buttons are pressed, the battery within the remote control needs to be replaced.
6. Constant Power (Motorization Feature)
Interruption of power can effect motorized unit operation. Ensure that power is still connected to the unit by checking circuit breakers and ground faults for resetting.
If power is disconnected, do not use the remote control for 1 minute after power is reconnected as the motor will be in factory program mode.