If you are looking for a home improvement project that will give you a high return on investment without having to break the bank, you should definitely consider installing exterior window awnings. By providing shade over your windows, exterior window awnings block unwanted solar heat gain into the home through the windows. In addition, these window coverings can help to minimise exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet light as well as excessive glare from the sun. These advantages can have far-reaching benefits on the health and comfort of people living in the home and also minimise deterioration of the home's interior furnishings.
But because exterior window awnings are constantly being subjected to the elements outside, they can easily become dirty and wear down quickly if they are not properly cared for. Here are a few handy tips you can follow to keep your external window awnings in good shape:
Keep your awning fabric looking spick and span.
It is important that you clean your awning fabric on a regular basis to prevent it from becoming a haven for dust, bird droppings, fallen leaves and other types of yard debris. Cleaning your awning fabric is a simple job as long as you know how to go about it the right way. All you need to do the job correctly is clean water, some mild liquid detergent and an exfoliating tool, like a bristle brush.
Start by pouring some detergent into a bucket of clean water to make the water soapy. You will then need to spray small amounts of the soapy solution onto the surface of your awning's fabric while gently scrubbing off the dirt with your brush or other scrubbing tool. Aggressive scrubbing and/or cleaning with harsh chemicals must be avoided, as that may cause damage to your awning fabric.
Clean from top to bottom so you won't have to repeat the cleaning job. Remember to get a weather check — cleaning your awning fabric on a hot sunny day will ensure your awning dries properly, in turn discouraging the growth of mould, mildew and other microorganisms.
Inspect your awning for wear and tear from time to time.
It is perfectly normal for your window awnings to experience wear and tear due to the extremes of everyday use. For this reason, it is important that you occasionally inspect the entire awning assembly to check for any wear and tear that might have occurred and gone unnoticed during routine cleanings. Check the awning framing and hardware to ensure everything is in perfect condition. Be sure to perform immediate repairs whenever you identify any sort of damage.
Feel free to talk to a residential awning specialist if you need more information on how to best care for your exterior window awnings.
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