Protect Your Awnings Before and During a Hurricane with These Tips from an Awning Company in Houston, TX
If you have a metal or other type of awning, especially if you had it installed fairly recently, make sure you take the time to review what you need to do to prepare the awning in the event of a hurricane. The tips below, courtesy of an experienced awning company in Houston, TX, provide some guidance.
Before we dive into those tips, though, here are some factors to keep in mind if you’re considering purchasing an awning and live in an area that can be prone to high winds.
What to consider before purchasing an awning
While retractable awnings can be quickly pulled back against the side of a building for safety if a hurricane or heavy winds are in the forecast, they tend not to be as sturdy as some types of stationary awnings.
While stationary awnings will be sturdier during a hurricane or high wind, their placement is permanent, meaning that you will need to remove the covers from the awning’s frame by hand if a hurricane is predicted. If hurricanes and heavy winds tend to be frequent occurrences where you live, you might consider looking into a steel awning, which will stand up to the elements better than a fabric cover.
How to prepare your awning
First, it’s important to note that the metal frame of the awning will remain attached to the building in winds as high as 175 mph, but if a hurricane warning is issued with winds that are expected to be more than 75 mph, you’ll want to remove the cover.
Using a ladder, carefully climb it until you reach the wrap bar on the inside of the awning. Then, you’ll want to cut the string on the actual bar (not against the fabrics and metal grommets). Be sure to cut all of the laces of the string, as you’ll likely notice that the string is not connected in one straight line. Don’t worry about saving the string or lace; once the hurricane has passed, you’ll need to replace the string.
Release the tension of the cover by pulling the fabric on all sides of the frame.
After cutting the laces where they connect the cover to the awning frame, you might be able to slide the cover out of its track that is attached to your home or property. If you’re unable to do this, roll the awning to the top and tie it tightly to the top of the frame.
If you fully removed the cover, fold it, tie it securely and store it carefully to protect it from damage. However, if it’s wet, you won’t want to store it immediately, or your run the risk that mildew and mold may develop on the fabric. Instead, open up the fabric immediately and let it dry.
If you have questions about how to prepare your awning before a hurricane, please contact the expert team at ABC Awning Company. Alternately, if you’re in the market for a new or replacement metal awning for your home or business, the knowledgeable staff at our awning company in Houston, TX can help you find just what you’re looking for. Come see us today!
Categorised in: Awning Company