When you think about an awning, you probably assume it can only be used in the summer months. Yes, it is the perfect addition for outdoor living and delivering shade and a retreat during the hotter months. But, this does not mean that an awning is obsolete during the other months of the year.
In particular, people want to know whether they can use an awning in the winter. Let’s take a closer look at the answer. This way, you can decide whether or not you want to add an awning to your property.
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Awnings are Suitable for Winter
Often, awnings are associated with summer weather, providing shade and a cool place to be outdoors. But an awning can also be used during the winter. You can use it as somewhere to hang your washing to keep it out of the rain, as well as to protect furniture you have from the elements. Yes, it is not going to be as popular to use during the winter time, but there are instances where you can enjoy it.
The most important thing is that you take care of your awning during the wintertime. This means keeping an eye on the weather and making sure it is properly maintained.
How to Look After an Awning During the Winter
When you take care of your awning, it is going to stay looking new for longer and last for many years. Here are some tips on how you can do this during the winter months.
Retract If You Will Not Use
If you know bad weather is coming or you are simply not going to use your awning for the foreseeable future, make sure you retract it. For example, Smart Blinds have ideal Smartbox awnings, which can be retracted when they are not in use. This will protect them during the winter months.
Always Remove Debris
During the winter months, it is common for leaves to fall everywhere in the garden. Well, this means that they can fall on top of the awning. In particular, they can gather and cause jamming to occur, as well as stain an awning cassette. So, make sure that you always remove debris when you see it rather than leaving it through the winter months.
Clean Regularly
Due to the changing weather in the winter months, things get dirty. So, you want to ensure that you are cleaning your awning on a weekly basis. This is going to ensure it looks good and it is ideal for maintenance.
Avoid Use during Strong Winds
It is always best to check the weather when it comes to your awning. In particular, if you see that there are strong winds predicted, you will want to avoid using the awning. In particular, if you live somewhere where this can happen often, it is best to look for a design that has a wind sensor. This means that it will automatically retract.
How to Select an Awning
Perhaps you are in the process of reading up about awnings because you would like to purchase one. Well, you are going to discover that there are a variety of different awnings on offer, and each one has its own advantages. Let’s take a look at the options you have.
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are popular since they can be brought out in good weather and retracted in bad weather. This means that they can enjoy a long life and look new for longer. What’s more, there are now motorised versions that mean you only have to use a remote control to operate them.
Fixed Awnings
Another popular design you can consider is fixed awnings. Just as the name suggests, they are going to be fixed securely to the side of a building. Some people like how they are stable and durable in bad weather. But, there are a few disadvantages to think about. For example, they are fixed and not retractable, which means that they have to withstand weather conditions. Yes, they can do it. But, they might not last as many years as other styles and without looking weather-beaten.
Freestanding Awnings
There are also freestanding awnings you can consider. They stand on their own and can be placed anywhere in your garden. Indeed, this is an advantage, and you are not limited on where you can position them. But, you should make sure that you select one that is made from strong materials, as they will be exposed completely to the elements.