Fabric awnings on commercial facilities can complement building appearances and attract customers. However, they need to be properly cleaned and maintained to stay in good condition through the years.
Unfortunately, owners of commercial facilities sometimes make fabric awning maintenance mistakes that detract significantly from the appearance of their place of business. The following are five mistakes to avoid to keep your fabric awnings well maintained:
Thinking that rain alone is enough to keep an awning clean
A lot of facility owners with awnings assume that a strong downpour will easily clean off awning fabric. However, rain water can also damage awning fabric because it can collect elements in the atmosphere like nitrogen as it's falling that can soak into fabric and lead to color fading.
Not only should you not rely on rain to do your cleaning, but you should also clean your awning especially frequently during times of the year when your area is experiencing frequent rainfall. This will minimize the amount of rainwater that soaks into the awning fabric. It can also help to minimize the amount of time awning fabric is exposed to rainwater that can cause premature aging and fading.
Procrastinating about addressing issues with mold and mildew growth
One of the problems that can be most detrimental to the condition of a fabric awning is mold and mildew growth. It's important to regularly inspect for mold and mildew growth and remove it immediately.
Mold and mildew growth won't only detract from the appearance of an awning. They can also create unpleasant smells that can ruin the appeal of a commercial facility.
Using outdoor cleaners rather than a fabric cleaner
Cleaning fabric awnings is not the same thing as cleaning an exterior surface like siding or windows. You should use a cleaner like laundry detergent to clean fabric awnings.
Outdoor cleaners may be too caustic and harsh for awning material, so find a gentle cleaner that's designed for fabrics.
Trying to clean with water pressure
You only want to use a hose with standard water pressure when you're cleaning awning fabric. High water pressure can cause structural damage to awning frames. High water pressure can also rip awning fabric.
Not brushing debris off before cleaning
Before you do cleanings, you should sweep debris off of awnings to prepare the fabric for being washed.
Over time, dirt, dust, and other types of debris can build up on canvas awning material. Washing awning material without brushing this debris off first can cause stains on your awning that will be difficult to get out after the fact.
For more information about maintaining your awnings, contact services such as FI Sign and Awning.
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