Keep Your Business's Canvas Awnings In Good Shape

Keeping your business's canvas awnings in good condition does require some effort on your part, although not difficult. From regular cleanings to fabric treatments, the effort you put forth to care for your canvas awning will keep them in better condition.

Regular Cleaning

Make an effort to keep your canvas awnings clean with regular cleanings. Pollutants in the air, bird droppings, debris from trees in the area and other elements can stain the canvas, causing it to look worn. Avoid using a pressure washer to clean the awnings.

Although a durable fabric, the force from the pressure washer can damage the canvas. It's best to use a mild detergent and water mixture and soft bristled brush to scrub the canvas. Use a water hose to rinse the solution. Don't make the assumption that rain will clean your awning. You still need to perform a cleaning by hand for proper care.

Roll Up with Care

If you have a canvas awning that is retractable, make certain you are rolling it up with care. First, never roll up the awning when it's wet, especially if the awning will remain in this position for an extended period of time, such as putting it away in storage.

If the fabric is wet when rolled up, this can increase the risk of mildew and mold developing on the fabric, which can cause damage to the material. It's also important to ensure there aren't any kinks in the fabric when it's being rolled up. The canvas material needs to be smooth. Any kinks in the fabric will create permanent lines in the awning.

Consider Reproofing

When first installed, canvas is basically waterproof. The fibers of the canvas are treated with a chemical solution that causes them to swell when they are wet, blocking the water. The problem with this is that the chemicals start to wear away over time.

Reproofing is a process where their chemical agents are reapplied to the canvas fibers to restore their waterproof qualities. There is no set time guideline by which you need to have this process performed. Instead, whenever the canvas is wet, look at it to see if the water is beading. If not, this is likely a sign that the waterproofing treatment is wearing away.  

An awning installation and service provider can assist you with developing a maintenance and care plan for your canvas awnings to keep them looking good and in better condition longer. For more information, talk to an awning company like The Dize Company.