How To Properly Maintain Canopies and Awnings For Warmer Weather

As the weather warms up, it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor spaces and how to properly maintain your canopies and awnings. They provide shade, protection from the elements, and can be a covering for any commercial or retail space. Whether you have a residential or commercial property, a properly maintained tensile fabric structure can make all the difference in enjoying your clean and safe outdoor spaces during warmer weather. 

Understanding Tensile Architecture and Structure

Before we dive into the maintenance tips, let’s first discuss what makes awnings and canopies so unique— their tensile fabric structure. Tensile architecture is an innovative building technique that uses tension and compression to create lightweight, flexible, and durable fabrics into coverings, awnings, and any structure that fits your shade needs. These structures are characterized by their ability to withstand high wind loads due to the flexibility and strength of the fabric, and their unique and modern design, unlike any regular old tent or covering, can add a touch of elegance to any outdoor space. These high performing tensile membranes used in awnings and canopy structures are guaranteed to be effective and long lasting with proper care. 

How To Clean Canopies and Awnings

One of the most important aspects of maintaining your awnings and canopies is keeping them clean. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris accumulates on the fabric, leading to a dull and faded appearance without the proper care. To clean your awnings and canopies and maintain their safety and longevity, follow these simple steps:

Remove Loose Debris: Use a soft-bristled brush or a broom to remove any loose debris, such as leaves or dirt.

Inspect for Damage: Check your structure for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as tears, holes, or loose fabric. If you find any issues, it’s best to address them as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening.

Check the Tension: The tension of your structure is critical to its stability and longevity. Make sure to check the tension regularly and adjust it if necessary. A professional can help with this if needed.

Wash/Rinse off the Fabric: Using a garden hose, spray the fabric thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime.

Protect from Harsh Weather: Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or high winds, can cause damage to your tensile structure. Consider taking precautions to protect your structure during harsh weather, such as retracting the fabric or using a protective cover.

Regular cleaning and proper maintenance not only keep your awnings and canopies looking their best but also helps prolong their life. By following these tips, you can help protect and maintain your tensile fabric canopies and awnings for years to come.

Contact Tensile Structure Systems 

Not only is maintaining your commercial canopies and awnings crucial, but so is choosing the company to contact regarding your next tensile structure project. If you are interested in learning more about how we can assist you with future projects regarding tensile structure systems, tension fabric awnings, and canopies, don’t hesitate to contact us. Tensile Structure Systems is here to help you create a high-quality, problem-free design and installation process when you choose to invest in our tensile membrane structures, such as canopies, awnings, retail and commercial facades.