Five Tips for Longer-Lasting RV Awnings from an Awning Company in Houston, TX

If you own an RV, specially designed RV awnings can add a lot to its appearance. Of course, the awning itself needs to be built and maintained to last long into the future.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to make for longer-lasting RV awnings, straight from an awning company in Houston, TX:

• Use the right fabric: The two main types of fabrics used in the most common RV awnings are acrylic and vinyl. Acrylic fabric is beneficial because it allows for better air circulation, meaning it will dry much more quickly when it gets wet. This makes it water repellent, but not necessarily waterproof. Vinyl fabric, meanwhile, is mildew resistant, but not mildew proof. Mildew can form on any debris that collects on the fabric, and it will get worse in high temperatures. In general, we recommend acrylic fabric, as it is more likely to stand up over time.
• Inspect and clean the fabric regularly: Inspections are especially important when you open up the awning for the first time after a period of dormancy. Look for any signs of mildew or staining. Hose the fabric down on a regular basis if it is acrylic, but do not scrub it, as scrubbing can damage the finish that makes it water repellent. If you do have stubborn stains you wish to remove, blot on a special cleaner with a cloth or sponge, but do not scrub. You can find special aftermarket cleaners made specifically for awnings.
• Address tears or holes as soon as you notice them: Small tears can quickly turn into large ones, so it’s important to resolve those issues as soon as you see them. One specific place you will want to keep an eye on is around the awning brackets. Another problem that could cause holes or wear is a warped roller tube.
• Make sure it is mounted properly: If an awning is not securely mounted, it is far more likely to rip or tear when blown around. However, if you notice problems with the awning rail or other specific parts of the construction, do not remove the end caps. Tension from the springs could unload and cause serious injury.
• Prepare for the elements: Keep one end of the awning slightly lower for water to run off. Otherwise, if you keep the awning completely level, water will pool on top and the resulting weight could cause some significant damage. Additionally, wind gusts over 20 miles per hour could damage the awning and your RV, so be sure to close them if it gets windy. Close the awning whenever people are not at the campsite or when everyone goes to bed.

A quality awning adds a lot to the appearance of an RV, but it must be properly taken care of if it is to last for vacation after vacation. For more information about maintaining an awning and choosing a high-quality product for your RV, contact ABC Awning Company, a trusted awning company in Houston, TX.

Categorised in: Awning Company, Carport Canopy