[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Everyone loves an effective outdoor awning that gracefully watches over their patio and allows them a place to lounge and relax after a taxing day. Enjoying the weather and getting some fresh air while knowing you’re protected from harsh elements is so important. However, just like any other appliance, it succumbs to some wear and tear over time and before you know it, it’s time for a replacement. But how do you even know when it needs replacing? Here are a few signs that your outdoor awning is in need of a replacement.
1. Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of an awning that finds its home outdoors is between five and fifteen years. Some factors such as extreme weather, upkeep/maintenance, and even frequency of use will also play a role in the lifespan of your awning. In colder climates, heavy snowfall might be a contributing factor to a shortened lifespan whereas wetter climates might bring heavy storms that cause the lifespan of your awning to decrease more quickly.
2. Ripped Fabric
With continuous exposure to the elements, the fabric adhering to the awning might take on the brunt of the damage before the actual structural frame will. The fabric being torn or ripped significantly might be a sign that you need to change out the awning fabric; however, frequent tears or rips in the fabric could mean that you need an entirely new awning that holds up to your area’s weather patterns. Damaged fabric can eventually lead to structural instabilities and could lead to an overall collapse. While we don’t necessarily recommend running out and buying an entirely new awning every time fabric is torn, we do recommend keeping an eye on the frequency of damage and calculating the cost of a new awning to the cost of constant fabric replacements.
3. Mold and mildew
With differing weather conditions, it can take a toll on the sanitization aspect of your awning. Mold and mildew can begin to grow not only on your fabric but around the structural aspects as well. Not only that, but in wetter climates, rust might begin to form around moving parts of the mechanical structure. If these occur in large amounts or they continue to occur even after cleaning the structure, it might be time to look at replacing the whole system itself.
4. Structural Damage
The structural integrity of your awning is super important. Without it, your awning does not function as it should, and thus renders it useless. Big storms such as hurricanes or blizzards can wreak havoc on the structure of your awning, causing it to break, fold, or completely dismantle it. This is a much more obvious sign that your awning needs replacing as these types of repairs might end up costing more than an overall replacement of the awning.
5. Motor or Electrical Issues
If you have a retractable awning that is motorized, a break in the electrical aspect of the structure is another major sign that your awning is in need of a replacement. Sometimes, these issues can be repaired on their own, however, it might be the cheaper option to buy a new awning altogether as opposed to paying a repairman every time the motor breaks. Having a retractable awning that doesn’t retract defeats the purpose of your original purchase.
Outdoor awnings are a lifesaver in warmer climates and give us an opportunity to enjoy our outdoor space without worrying about the harsh weather elements. However, it’s important to keep a lookout for problems that might occur that signal your awning might need a replacement. Need help deciding on an awning or just looking for some advice? Visit us at https://awningworld.com/ or call today at 225-756-3266. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]