How Do I Find a Waterproof Awning or Waterproof My Current Awning?

Because Arizona is a desert, rain can be an infrequent and welcome surprise for almost everyone and everything – except, in most cases, your awning. Monsoon season can do irreparable damage to a fixed awning. And while the water resistance of awnings is not a major concern for Phoenix home and business owners for most of the year, in those rare and powerful bursts of rain, your money could quickly and prematurely go to waste if your awning isn’t properly protected. Thankfully, even awnings that aren’t made of high-quality water-repelling fabrics can potentially be enhanced with the proper steps.

How to Waterproof Your Awning

Clean the Awning

Thoroughly clean your awning to remove any dirt, debris or mildew that could compromise the efficacy of the waterproof treatment. Use a mild detergent and water solution along with a soft brush or sponge to scrub the fabric gently. Rinse thoroughly and allow the awning to dry completely before proceeding.

Apply Waterproofing Treatment

Once the awning is clean and dry, apply an outdoor fabric waterproofing treatment to the entire surface, which usually comes as a spray or liquid solution. This will create a protective barrier that repels water, enhancing drainage and limiting your risk of future water damage.

Check Seams and Stitching

It’s crucial that your seams and stitching are covered by a waterproof seam sealer. Seam and stitching are often prime weak spots for water seepage, not just damaging the fabric but also increasing the risk of rusting, especially on low-quality frames. Similarly, monitor for any holes and be wary of any awning fabric that’s folded or creased, as these areas may also be prone to water infiltration and subsequent damage.

Maintain Regularly

While you’ll only need to reapply the waterproofing agent to your awning occasionally, neglecting to clean and perform regular maintenance every few years or so can degrade the treatment and curtail its longevity. When clearing debris and cleaning stains, be sure to avoid harsh or abrasive chemicals that could penetrate the coating, or worse, the fabric.

Having a high-quality awning installed that doesn’t require frequent treatment may be the preferable option for home and business owners who don’t want a regular maintenance headache. That said, in most cases, awning cleaning is simple and can be done without training or special equipment.

Is It Better to Waterproof Your Current Awning or Replace It With a Waterproof Awning?

With waterproofing treatments readily available, you may not need to upgrade to a waterproof awning – but should you? Ultimately, the answer depends on the state of your awning. If your awning is new or in relatively good condition, waterproofing the fabric may be enough to protect it against water damage. However, if your awning is old or in noticeable disarray – with torn fabric, rusted or loose fastening, mold and mildew growth, etc. – it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it.

At Arizona Awnings, we use weather-resistant awning and shade fabrics that can protect Phoenix homes and businesses from excessive heat, heavy rain and everything in between. Customers can not only delay replacing their awning but can also delay waterproofing it, as our durable fabrics will safeguard your investment without treatment for many years to come.

Our Phoenix Experts Will Install Your Home and Business’s Awnings Hassle-Free

At Arizona Awnings, our team has spent nearly a century installing a variety of door, window, patio and balcony awnings for residential and commercial properties in the Greater Phoenix area. Our team of trusted professionals will maximize your investment’s value with durable fabrics and stable anchoring to ensure you get the maximum value from your investment.

We’ve been enhancing Phoenix homes and businesses’ curbside appeal since 1928 with modern, custom shade solutions and will provide you with dedicated service that puts your needs and preferences first.

Discuss your shading vision with our designers and start enjoying your outdoor space more, regardless of the weather. Call 602-252-3430 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation for your home or business today.