Awning Maintenance
While caravan awnings are designed to be as durable and flexible as possible they are by no means indestructible and should be treated with care and consideration throughout their life-time. Carrying out regular maintenance and cleaning can be the best way to prolong their usability and to ensure they remain water-proof and intact. There are a few tips and tricks for looking after your caravan awning that can help to keep it looking and working as it should.
Correct Initial Assembly
One of the most important ways to maintain your caravan awning is to make sure it is assembled properly: prevention is the key. If it is your first time setting up the awning make sure you read the guidebook carefully and follow any directions given. Make sure the ropes and poles that are holding up the structure are at the right tension and that they are fastened and secured properly. Poorly assembled awnings may show sagging in the roof fabric which can lead to pooling water, a known cause of mould. If the awning is not erected at the proper tension it can also collapse or be blown down in high-winds.
Secondly, make sure the site you are setting up your awning on is suitable - obviously it would not be a good idea to erect the awning in a marshy or overly wet area. It is also important that the poles are not placed in standing water, as even though they should be galvanized or rust-proofed it can lead to problems further down the line. Ensure that the awning is in a location where it receives proper ventilation (this can prevent damp and mildew) and that it will not get overly muddy.
Regular Maintenance
Vigilance is another key element of maintaining your awning. Once set up the awning shouldn't be forgotten about - it should be cleaned and cared for just as if it were a room in your home. In this way high awning repair bills can be avoided. Check the roof regularly, especially in bad weather, to ensure there are no pools of water or deposits of leaves. Keep a close eye on the mud-skirt and flooring (if being used), as build ups of water or mud can lead to mildew and mould. Never cook underneath the awning, as the smoke and steam that rises from cooking can damage the water-proofing in the fabric. If in a humid area make sure the awning is aired out whenever possible by leaving the windows and door-flaps open.
If near the sea, make sure you keep an eye out for salt-spray on the fabric and metal fixtures and clean with a damp cloth if necessary. It is absolutely vital that when cleaning only approved awning cleaners are used - never use detergents or bleach, as this can irreparably damage the water-proofing and UV-protection in the fabric. Some awning companies sell a special cleaner that is suited for such fabrics. Finally, if repairs are needed only specialist awning parts should be used: never try to use unsuitable parts, as this can mean greater costs in the long run.
Correct Storage
Finally, take special care when dismantling and storing the awning. Make sure the awning fabric is completely dry before storage; never roll-up or pack the fabric when it's wet as this inevitably leads to mould. Never pack the fabric elements of the awning together with the poles and pegs as this can cause tearing and rusting. Use a water-proof sheath for storage, but make sure the sheath is also made from a fabric that breathes - ventilation can prevent mould.
Awning Insurance
One of the most important things that a caravan awning owner can do to prevent catastrophic damage is to invest in a good insurance policy. Awnings should be insured separately or mentioned specifically in the policy. This way if any damage does occur the insurance can cover the repairs or replacement without any unnecessary cost to the owner.