A folding-arm awning is a valuable addition to your home. It provides shade and cool air on hot days and gives your outdoor space a stylish look. To get the most out of your folding-arm awning and extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is essential. In this blog post, we share helpful maintenance tips. We also offer custom-made on-site services for homeowners in Bussum, Laren, Huizen, Eemnes, Naarden, Muiden, and Hilversum.
Why is regular maintenance of your folding arm awning important?
Like any other mechanical product, your awning can close due to use and exposure to the sometimes harsh weather conditions in the Netherlands. Regular maintenance offers advantages:
- Your canvas will stay beautiful for longer, just like the casing
- The system continues to work well, without any beeps or cracks
- Less major maintenance required in the long term
Materials required for maintenance
To properly maintain your folding arm awning, you will need the following materials:
- Soft brush or cloth
- Mild cleaning agent, such as a solution of green soap
- Bucket of lukewarm water
- Garden hose
- Lubricant for mechanical parts (such as silicone spray)
Step-by-step cleaning guide
Follow our step-by-step guide for a smooth cleaning of your awning:
Step 1: Remove loose dirt and dust
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and loose dust from the case and arms. Do not clean any parts that are already greased. If the case is particularly dirty, be sure to rinse the cloth regularly in clean water to prevent scratches.
Step 2: Clean the cloth with water
The fabric is impregnated. Therefore, clean the fabric with a gentle jet of water. Use a soft brush to remove bird droppings and other dirt.
Step 3: Let the canvas dry completely before rolling it up
Avoid rolling up the fabric when it's still wet. This prevents the fabric from drying properly. Also keep this in mind when using the awning regularly.
Lubrication of the moving parts
Which lubricants are suitable?
Use a silicone spray or other non-greasy lubricant suitable for outdoor use. This prevents dust and dirt from building up.
How often should you lubricate the parts?
After purchase, this doesn't need to be done for the first few years. After that, we recommend lubricating the mechanical components once a year or every two years. We recommend doing this as soon as the screen starts to run stiffly.
Protection against the elements
Tips for use in strong winds and rain:
We advise you not to use the awning when it's raining (perhaps logical). If it does happen to be left open, we recommend only retracting it once the fabric is completely dry.
To prevent your awning from staying open during unexpected gusts of wind, we recommend considering a wind sensor . This sensor detects movement and can close the awning in the event of strong movements.
Common maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Roll up the canvas when it is still wet
- Small damages can quickly become larger
- Using the wrong cleaning agent
When to seek professional help?
- In case of persistent operating faults: this prevents the engine from being damaged
- When the engine has run past its stopping points
- Replacement of canvas and/or motor
At STERK Zonweringen, we offer maintenance services for folding-arm awnings, screens, and roller shutters purchased from us. Feel free to contact us.
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