Q. How should I care for my awning?
A. Maintenance is critical. In autumn, at season's end, check for wear, for tears or holes, and mildew. If there is any damage, have the fabric repaired before you store it for the winter. If the braid along the front edge of the valance has frayed, replace it. Consider having your awnings hand-washed by a professional who will use cold water and a mild detergent and will reapply a water-proofing finish to extend the fabric's life. Check the hardware: fasteners, cables, joints, welds, and contact points where the frame is mounted against your house or porch. If there is any hint of rust or corrosion, clean and recoat the area. And on fixed-frame awnings, replace the lacings annually.

Q. How long will my awning last?
A. This depends upon its location. Endless direct sunlight, tree sap, and smoke (from your outdoor grill) are the worst enemies of your awning's fabric. In general, the stitching is the weakest link and will need to be replaced first. With proper maintenance, one can usually expect at least four good years from acrylic fabric. The hardware usually carries a five years warranty and, as a rule, can be reused with new fabric.

Q. How can I prevent fading of my awning fabric colors?
A. The quality acrylic fabrics carry a limited, two-year warranty against fading. As a rule, fading is not a severe problem, even in full sun. And most awnings fade uniformly, so the effect is hardly noticeable. But given their function and location--out in the sun and the weather--awnings will fade, and eventually you will have to replace the fabric.

Q. What about rust and corrosion of the frame, cables, and other metal parts?
A. To minimize corrosion, it is essential to use the proper materials up-front: stainless and galvanized steel and anodized aluminum.