If your canopy or shed is a permanent installation, then it must be strong enough to withstand the typical winter weather in your area. If your fabric canopy doesn’t retract, it’s not an all-weather canopy and needs to be lowered for the winter. Unexpected snowfall can make your fabric canopy scream for weight if left unchecked.
If your retractable awning has scratches or tears in the fabric, or if there is any damage to the arms, get it repaired during the winter months when you are unlikely to use the awning. While you can still use a retractable awning in winter, you probably won’t use it as often as in summer and need to protect your tent from the harsh winter weather. The best time to use an awning in winter is usually after October, when there are still frosts that month, especially in cooler climates.
Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to protect your tent during the long winter months:-
- Keep in mind that dismantling and storing an awning for the winter also requires time and money. If you don’t want to remove the awning even on winter days, get ready for some extra work. When the winter season arrives, you need to start winterizing your canopy. Take care of your all-weather canopy in winter so it will continue to provide protection for years to come.
- With a fixed canopy, you put the cover on in the spring and take it off in the fall, you don’t have to worry about anything. This type of cover goes right up to your tent to protect it from winter weather and any insects that might want to take up residence inside. Sheds are usually protected from winter with insulating covers, such as plastic.
- In addition to using insulating covers, you can also use snow canopies to keep out the weather. Insulation covers are available from hardware stores and can protect your sheds from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Some canopies are also made specifically for use in winter and can withstand snow loads and freezing temperatures. If there is enough snow in your area, you can assume that this is a great time to use patio awnings because of the protection they provide.
- Some people use sheds in January to protect their furniture and other items inside the house from snow buildup. Although many of our customers leave their awnings open all year round, we cannot guarantee that the awning will be able to withstand heavy snow loads. Most awning manufacturers recommend fully folding the awnings in difficult weather conditions. Eclipse retractable awnings are built to last and withstand a wide range of weather conditions, but snow and ice build-up can damage the awning.
- Built to be truly durable and able to withstand extreme weather conditions, a retractable awning can also help protect your patio from snow. If you have a retractable awning that is used seasonally, it probably has a permanent casing that covers the awning when rolled up or folded. Despite the fact that canopies are used to protect against heat, especially in the summer, it is strongly not recommended to use them in the winter.
- Because one winter you will keep your awning as new from the risk of damage, saving you the trouble of repairing or replacing. With a few steps to properly repair, clean, and store your canopy, you can be sure it will last for years to come as an attractive and affordable element of your home’s exterior. The bottom line is that when you hire a true expert to make and install a custom awning, you don’t have to worry about leaving it out during the winter months. The difference is that if your awning is of good quality (and the company that installed it was a true professional), you should expect several seasons of use before you have to replace the awning.
- Although awnings are of the highest quality, using the awning in strong winds can cause it to warp. You’re used to seeing your awning on your patio or terrace, but unfortunately it can’t stay outside year-round if you live in a place with harsh winters.
- In the bad weather that winter can bring, your canopy will thank you for taking the time to store it until the warmer months come around again. In winter, you will usually welcome those few rays of sunshine and enjoy the warmth of the sun, which will be reduced with patio awnings in summer. With outdoor heaters and spotlights available for use with awnings, you can keep getting your money’s worth from your awning investment.
With a wide range of choices – from retractable and fixed awnings to outdoor awnings, blinds and umbrellas – you can protect yourself from the elements with your awning. While the sun and extreme temperatures often limit the use of your outdoor spaces, a retractable canopy provides the shade, shelter, and temperature control you need to add many nice and enjoyable outdoor hours with friends and family members. Removing your awnings for the winter also gives you the opportunity to take a close look at your awnings to determine if any cleaning or repairs are needed during the winter. At the very least, always keep your 8×10 tent stowed before a big snowstorm.
