A: Unlike commercial awnings which are stretched onto a rigid steel welded frame, residential awnings are made to be easily removed and sometimes can be pulled-up and folded against the house in bad weather. Residential awnings have a softer appearance, and while our awnings are constructed to the strictest standards, some wrinkles do occur.
Q: Is the color going to fade?
A: Most awning fabrics have a 5-year warrantee against fading and mildew. The finest finishes and treatments have been used to assure color retention and mildew resistance. However due to many varying climate conditions, this does not constitute a guarantee.
Q: The black braid/binding on my awning is loosing its color.
A: Awnings are sewn with binding/braid and thread, which has a bonded polyester core, polyester adds strength and durability, it resists sunlight, mildew, and chemicals found in pollution. White thread and binding is the standard, because colored thread and binding/braid tends to fade rapidly, show dirt, and deteriorate quicker.
Q: How can I clean my awning?
A: Dirt and mildew accumulates from pollution, roof runoff, trees, etc.
If detected, brush off the dirt and hose down the awning once a month with a garden hose. DO NOT USE A POWER WASHER; this will open-up the fibers, remove the water repellency and can break the threaded seams. For stubborn stains, mix a solution of 1/2 cup Clorox and 1/4 cup of a non detergent soap (like Ivory) per gallon of 100*F water; brush on, wait 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with cold water, let air dry. Awnings should be cleaned every 2-3 years. Just like clothing, after 5 years of never being washed, they probable won’t come clean.
Q: My new canopy was leaking now it stopped.
A: No woven awning fabric can be guaranteed to be absolutely waterproof. Initial leakage will occur because of the nature of woven fabrics, especially at the seams where the thread pierced thru the fabric. Generally, exposure to dampness and several rains will eliminate, or at least minimize, leakage by expanding the thread and fibers.
Q: Why do I need a hood on a retractable awning, it's rolled up when I don’t use it?
A: Unless mounted under an eve, a retractable awning should always have a hood-cover installed. The hood protects the rolled-up fabric from strong sun, rain, and snow, which will create mold and rot-the-fabric.
Q: When is the best time to buy an awning?
A: The Fall is the best time to buy so that you will be ready for Spring. By ordering your awning in the Fall, you defer full payment until installation is complete in the Spring.
Pelletier Awning, 51 Park Street, Beverly, MA 01915 TEL: 978-745-4710