Protecting the Finish on Aluminum Awnings
Posted on Friday, January 13th, 2017 at 6:19 pm.
Got an aluminum awning? You’ll want to keep it maintained to protect the finish!
Aluminum awnings are a great choice for business owners seeking a low-maintenance awning that stays beautiful without much effort. Unlike fabric awnings, aluminum awnings will never rot, fade, or start to decay over time. However, if you have an aluminum awning made before the 1980s, the color coating process used may mean your aluminum awning needs a fresh coat of paint. Here are some tips for protecting the finish on your aluminum awnings.
Clean it Off
First things first, clean off your aluminum awning. Remove any debris like sticks, twigs, or leaves from the surface. Depending on the height, you might need to use a ladder to reach the entire awning surface. Use a garden hose to spray over the top of the awning and reach the areas beneath the gutters or overhangs. The area beneath your gutters and overhangs is one of the spots that dirt and debris tend to hide out, so don’t be afraid to blast it with water.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Now it’s time to clean the finish of your awning! Make a solution of warm water and dish soap to wipe down any visibly dirty areas on your awning. Rinse with the garden hose and repeat as many times as needed to remove the dirt. Soak another sponge in vinegar and wipe down the surface. The vinegar will remove any greasy or gummy debris from the surface of your aluminum awning.
Repaint
The last step to protect your awning’s finish is to repaint. Wipe the surface completely with vinegar and allow it to dry. Use spray primer formulated specifically for use on metal, let it dry completely, and then use a colored spray paint designed for metal to color your awning. If you are painting it the same color as before you can skip the primer.
Trust the Experts at Carroll Awning Company
Ready to get the perfect awning for your business or home? Carroll Awning Company has the expertise and equipment to make and install the perfect residential or commercial awning to give your home or business an even cooler exterior. We can design, create, and install custom canopies and awnings all year long. For a free estimate and to get started designing your dream awning, give us a call at 1-800-999-5617 or visit us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn.