An awning is a valuable investment for your home or business. It provides shade, protects your deck, patio or storefront from the elements and adds a pleasant visual appeal. Awnings can also improve your building’s energy efficiency and increase property value.
The best awnings will last for many years, but they require proper maintenance. Whether you have a retractable or manual awning, age and regular use necessitate care and cleaning. Fortunately, when issues occur, awning repair can be easy. Get to know the most common awning problems and how to fix them.
Wear And Tear Awning Problems
Whether from water buildup, sunlight exposure or mold, a damaged awning should be addressed quickly to restore peak function and appearance. Fortunately, preventing and dealing with awning fabric damage can be simple with the right tips and techniques. Here are some common problems that stem from regular use and wear, as well as potential resolutions:
1. Fabric Tears
Torn and ripped awning fabric can occur for various reasons, such as:
- Fallen debris like tree branches and rocks.
- Low-quality installation or craftsmanship.
- Inclement weather conditions, such as rain, snow and hail.
- An old awning with substantial wear and tear.
- Loose strings or threads that can catch and tear the fabric.
You can use special tapes or patches to repair minor awning rips, holes and tears. Additionally, you can apply a waterproof adhesive to seal the rip — just remember to cut any loose threads first to prevent future tears.
Sometimes, a torn shade may be beyond repair, especially if the awning is older. In that case, it is best to call in a professional to replace it. If the tearing is only in a few spots and the rest of the awning is in good shape, they can likely repair just the damaged spots without a full replacement.
2. Water Leakage
Awning leaks often result from the following:
- Insufficient cleaning and maintenance: A lack of maintenance and cleaning can cause water leakage, especially if the fabric is water-resistant instead of waterproof. Without regular cleanings, the fabric protector can start to deteriorate, causing water to accumulate, seep and leak through the fabric.
- Natural wear and tear: Natural degradation can cause leaks, especially if the awning is 10 years or older. Factors like improper installation, loose screws and fixtures, and rust and corrosion on metal parts can also result in leakage.
- Torn fabric: Fabric tears can result from tree branches or other debris striking the awning, creating openings for water penetration and leaks. Additionally, rain and snow can weigh down the awning, causing rips, tears and leaks. Regardless of the source, torn fabric should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Retracting or angling your awning during inclement weather can also prevent recurring damage.
If your awning is leaking, locating the source as quickly as possible is essential — this will help you determine how to fix the issue. This is particularly crucial for motor-powered retractable awnings, as even minor leakage can significantly damage electronic components.
Luckily, a few solutions can resolve and prevent awning leaks. Here are some common sources of leakage and how to address them:
- Seam: If your awning is leaking at its seam, you can often seal the leak using caulking, a clear silicone sealer or a seam sealer.
- Fabric: If water is leaking through the awning’s material, regular cleaning and maintenance can usually correct the problem unless the awning is old, worn out and in need of replacement. You can typically stop these leaks by periodically cleaning the fabric with warm, soapy water, a soft-bristled brush and soft towels.
- Fixtures: Your awning relies on screws and other fixtures that attach and secure it to the wall. These metal components can gradually corrode and rust, causing them to loosen or potentially break. As such, water can penetrate and leak through these vulnerable areas. A professional can help you repair and replace worn fixtures to prevent future leaks and water damage.
3. Wind Damage
Strong winds can wreak havoc on your awning, creating tears and holes in the material. Fortunately, preventing awning fabric damage from wind can be a breeze (pun intended).
To avoid premature breakage and damage from a sudden wind gust or storm, it’s important to retract the sunshade during high winds and when it’s not in use. Additionally, you can install a wind sensor or anemometer that automatically retracts the awning during heavy winds.
4. Sun Damage
Your awning effectively shields your deck, patio and building exterior from harsh sunlight. Naturally, frequent exposure to these UV rays can cause the fabric to dull and fade, reducing the visual appeal of your home or business.
The impact of UV and sun damage on awnings can be significant. Besides fading the fabric and diminishing its appearance, UV damage can cause other issues like melted parts in the retracting mechanism. Remedying the problem is critical to prevent further sun damage. Keeping your awning clean can slow the fading process.
If your awning fabric has faded from UV damage, you can follow a few steps to restore a pristine look. Start by sweeping the shade to remove dirt, dust and other debris, then hose it down with water and mild soap. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can puncture the fabric. Always review the awning manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations beforehand. Additionally, remember to let the fabric dry fully before storing it.
5. Mold and Mildew
Chances are, your awning is frequently exposed to natural elements like rainwater and UV rays. Over time, excess water, humidity and heat exposure can create a breeding ground for mold and fungus to grow on the fabric, especially if the awning doesn’t dry properly before you roll it back up. While some materials are inherently mildew-resistant, other fabrics — such as canvas — are more susceptible to mold and fungus development.
Aside from being an eyesore, mold can produce allergens that irritate the lungs, nose, throat, eyes and skin, causing symptoms like sneezing, skin rash, red eyes and runny nose.
If you notice mold spots on your awning, it’s important to treat the area promptly. To remove mold and fungus, start by spraying the shade with a hose. Apply a mildew remover per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Let the solution dry completely before retracting or closing the awning.
To prevent future mold growth, always ensure the awning is dry after precipitation. If your awning is retractable, dry it completely before storing it. To keep mold from returning, follow our step-by-step awning cleaning guide for the right products and techniques.
6. Sagging Fabric
The fabric, which supplies shade for your awning, should effectively pull and stretch to provide a tight surface for your patio or deck. However, frequent use can gradually cause the material to loosen or sag, even when you extend the awning out all the way.
Sagging usually indicates an overextended canopy or excess weight on the fabric. Over time, the accumulation of water and other debris on the awning can lead to drooping. Fixing the material is essential to maintain the awning’s function and appearance.
A simple way to resolve sagging material is to crank the awning handle in reverse to tighten the fabric. Note how the material rolls — for optimal results, the cloth should rotate over the top of the roller tube instead of underneath it.
In addition to reverse cranking and tightening, you can try reinforcing the canopy with a stabilizer to prevent future sagging. This stabilizer allows water to run off and helps minimize movement in windy conditions.
Fix Your Awning – Schedule Repair
Mechanical Problems for Manual and Automatic Awnings
Below are several typical mechanical awning issues and how to fix them:
1. Sensors
Motorized retractable awnings have electric sensors, which extend and retract the awning automatically. The sensors, which are usually quite small and easy to install, will react to different weather conditions, such as sun, rain or wind, and activate the motor.
A few issues can affect electric sensors. For example, if the power at your home is out, you will need to use the manual function to retract and extend the awning. This is often a temporary problem, but in some cases, the electronic sensors will stop functioning entirely.
If the electronic sensors fail to activate while you are on-site, you can take action and move the awning manually. However, if the sensors fail while you are away from your home or business, your deck or patio furniture could be unexpectedly exposed to the elements. Sensor failure is one of the most common awning problems, but it is also one of the easiest to remedy.
While you can operate your motorized retractable awning manually, you invested in a more expensive model that automatically retracts and extends. You should get to enjoy this function. If your sensors are not reacting properly to weather conditions or are failing entirely, it’s time to call in the professionals. A trained awning expert will determine if the electric sensors need to be recalibrated, reinstalled or completely replaced.
Whatever the problem is, a professional can handle the solution quickly and effectively. Replacing the electric sensors is typically inexpensive and quick. It may be frustrating to see your awning malfunction, but new sensors will readily address the issue. Plus, fixing this problem does not require repairing or replacing any other piece of your awning.
2. Motors
Retractable awning motors move your awning. Rather than using a hand crank, as you would with a manual awning, motorized awnings move with the simple press of a button. If the motor is malfunctioning or broken, that movement can be jerky or the awning may remain stuck in one position.
Awning motors can overheat and struggle to do their job. Other times, a motor may simply fail and no longer work. The motor itself can be the issue, as well as the retractable arm. If your awning’s motor is not working properly or is completely defunct, you will need to manually operate the awning. Instead of getting up and moving the awning yourself, you can find a solution to your motor trouble.
A simple issue may stem from the motor’s power connection, such as a shorted wire. In other cases, the motor may have reached the end of its usable life. Whether the solution is a relatively easy repair or a replacement, it is best to call in a professional for help. Retractable awning repair parts will vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your awning, making it difficult for homeowners to find and buy the correct parts.
A professional can quickly examine the motor and determine if a new part is needed or an entirely new motor is necessary to solve the issue. If the retractable arm is an issue, this part may also need to be replaced.
3. Tracks
A motorized or manual retractable awning usually runs on metal tracks that extend and retract. An awning that comes out of its track will not function properly. If this happens, the awning may have jumped the tracks and needs to be realigned.
An awning may not run smoothly in its tracks for other reasons, such as debris buildup, a lack of lubrication or warped tracks. Whatever the cause, an awning’s tracks are essential to the entire system’s operation. An awning running on faulty tracks increases the risk of more extensive and costly damage to the rest of the system.
When the tracks of your awning feel sticky or stop running smoothly, a couple of solutions exist. First, examine the tracks for debris. Over time, dirt and other gunk can accumulate in the tracks, hampering the movement of your awning in its tracks. Lack of lubrication can also cause your awning to stick in its tracks.
An unpleasant sound may also accompany the awning’s movement from extension to retraction and back. In either case, a professional can properly clean and lubricate the tracks. This is a simple, quick and likely inexpensive process.
Awning tracks can also have more serious problems, such as rust or warping. Homes and businesses in areas with extreme weather, such as heavy snow or high humidity, may be more likely to experience these issues. Bent, rusty tracks can cause both an unpleasant aesthetic and operational concerns.
In either case, the damage is severe enough to warrant a complete track replacement. This is not a do-it-yourself kind of project. A professional will need to assess the damage to the tracks, determine the appropriate replacements and handle their installation. They can also recommend a more durable track type to withstand the weather conditions that lead to rust or warping.
4. Fabric
Fabric gives your manual or motorized awning its overall look. Awnings can be made with a variety of fabrics, such as canvas, vinyl, polyester or acrylic. Often, the fabric will blend materials. Newer awning fabric typically includes antimicrobial properties. You can expect it to last over a decade.
Fabric can fade, tear and degrade. Some types, such as canvas, can easily become moldy or start to rot, even with a protective coating. Synthetic fabrics and fabric blends will typically live longer and better resist issues like mold and mildew but are not immune from problems such as tearing and fading. With exposure to sunshine, rain, snow and other weather elements, any fabric will eventually rip and fade. These issues will reduce the efficacy of your awning and create an undesirable look for your home or business.
If your canvas awning is suffering from mold or rot, it will need to be replaced. Choosing a synthetic model will likely improve the longevity of your awning, but selecting a synthetic fabric can be tricky. A professional will be familiar with the weather in your area and can recommend the most suitable fabric for those conditions.
When it comes to small tears, you may be able to enlist a professional to patch the fabric. This solution makes the most sense when tears occur in a newer awning that is otherwise in great shape. For example, a tear caused by a fallen tree branch or hail may not require the fabric to be replaced entirely.
If you are concerned about maintaining a cohesive aesthetic or the damage to your awning’s fabric is extensive, replacement is the best solution. The price for replacing your awning’s fabric will depend on the size of the awning and the type of fabric you select.
5. Wind Sensors
Strong winds can damage your awning by ripping and tearing the material. Wind damage can also affect the motor or misalign the arms. Detrimental damage from wind is unlikely but possible.
To protect your awning, you can invest in a wind sensor. You can only add wind sensors to motorized awnings because they automatically retract them in harsh weather conditions. Usually, they retract at around 20 miles-per-hour winds unless adjusted to another setting.
An awning wind sensor malfunction can sometimes result from the battery status. When your wind sensor batteries get low, your awning will sometimes randomly retract. Another common problem is your awning not retracting during high wind conditions. Some wind sensors will monitor the wind on a timed schedule. If your sensor isn’t retracting, it likely isn’t detecting the wind speed.
Replacing your awning’s batteries is a simple solution. Additionally, check that the tracks and arms are aligned and working correctly because your awning may not be retracting due to another issue. If your awning wind sensor is broken, you may need to get a replacement or call a technician — they can ensure your sensor is mounted correctly, connected to the batteries and secured.
If you have an awning wind sensor problem, you want to get to the root of the issue quickly, especially if you live in an area known for high winds. Investing in a retractable awning wind sensor for your motorized awning can protect it from harsh weather conditions and save you time repairing other parts of your awning.
Of course, like any part of your awning, the wind sensor can experience a few issues throughout its life span. Changing the batteries may be all you need to get your sensor up and running again. However, if there is a deeper problem, you should call a technician to evaluate the situation and ensure other pieces don’t need repair or replacement.
6. Age
Quality manual and retractable awnings are built to last, but age will still take its toll. While proper care of your awning can maintain its aesthetics and operation, age-related issues can and will still occur.
Some age-related problems may be electric in nature. The problem may be related to the structure of the awning, which means the tracks have reached their limit. Aesthetic concerns are one of the most common age-related issues. An awning with rusty parts and faded fabric may be functional, but it can negatively affect your home’s or business’s curb appeal.
Any serious issues are best handled by professionals. If your awning’s age problems are electrical, the answer is almost certainly replacing the problematic parts.
Repairing an older awning’s motor or sensors is likely just delaying the inevitable. Those parts will need to be replaced at some point, and when you have reached the point of frequent malfunctions, it makes sense to invest in new parts. If age has rendered the tracks of your awning rusty and unable to facilitate smooth movement, they will need to be replaced as well.
If aesthetics are your main age-related concern, you are probably seeking a solution to your fabric woes. Though you may have regularly cleaned the fabric and shielded it from the more damaging weather effects, it will still fade and fray after its time in the sun.
At this point, it’s time to talk to a professional about replacing the fabric. You can have fun selecting the color and pattern of your new fabric. Meanwhile, a professional will guide you to an option with the necessary weather and UV resistance to help it stand the test of time.
Eventually, multiple parts of your awning may suffer the effects of age. When this happens, it may be time to replace the entire system. You can opt for a similar awning style or explore different types of retractable awnings and determine the best one for your home or business.
Fixing Your Awing
Awnings are designed to withstand regular use outdoors, but issues can occur. The electronic sensors or motors on retractable awnings may need to be replaced. The tracks of a manual or retractable awning may need to be periodically lubricated. Harsh weather can strain and tear the fabric, while simple age can lead to issues like rust. Some issues are easier to diagnose than others.
Regardless of the problem, you’ll want to fix or replace the awning so you can enjoy the shade it provides and its ease of use. If you are experiencing any issues with your residential or commercial awning, reach out to Liberty Door and Awning. We offer free consultations. During our visit, we’ll take a look and let you know what solution your awning needs. Trust that the professionals will help you find the right solution and get your awning back in top condition.
If you’re interested in replacing your awnings altogether, Liberty Door and Awning also offers a large selection of awning products:
- Retractable Awnings
- Window and Door Awnings
- Solar Shades
- Pergola Canopy Shades
- Retractable Horizontal Shades
Contact our team to schedule your awning repair or replacement today!