How To Lubricate Your Awning
Awnings are the perfect addition to any outdoor space, and you can sit in the garden safe in knowledge you’re protected from the rain during a typical British summer. That said, due to unpredictable weather, your awning is vulnerable to wear and tear as it sits in the hot summer sun, rain, frost, smog and wind.
Harsh and extreme weather conditions can have a detrimental effect on its functionality and handling systems, as well as its aesthetic appearance. So, with this is mind, regular maintenance including lubrication and cleaning is essential. For best practice and the best possible outcome, we recommend you lubricate your awnings twice a year in spring, before the summer season, and at the end of autumn. There are different components that you need to ensure you lubricate including the arm, collapsible, garden or hood and each element should be cleaned separately.
Things you will need
Stepladder
Soft sponge
Step 1
Lubricate The Extendable Arms
The arms of the awnings are pivoted on the sides of the winding roller and an internal steel cable creates the traction that can be motorised or manual (depending on the width, the arms can also be pivoted along the roller’s extension). All joints and drive systems (mechanisms, gearwheels, etc.) can be adequately lubricated with WD-40 Multi-Use Smart Straw, which has excellent greasing properties that ensure the perfect movement of the parts. The product does not attract dirt and insulates from moisture after quickly drying. Its formula is compatible with all metals, plastics, rubber and wood.
Step 2
Lubricate The Side Supports
Collapsible awnings are used for windows and balconies, especially those that already have a roof. They do not have extendable arms, but lateral supports of various types (fronts guided by steel cables; free-fall fronts; arms fixed to the wall; fronts guided laterally by aluminium guides; arms that slide on aluminium guides). Lubricate them as above, in the awnings with arms.
Step 3
Lubricate The Sliding Guides
Garden awnings, which offer frontal and upper coverage, have a canvas that slides on side rails fixed to the wall and the ground. They are a great solution for creating shade in the green spaces of gardens or on balconies, or to simply create privacy. These awnings are also installed as design elements that enrich the furnishings of homes and ideal for covering surfaces, courtyards, terraces, living environments and patios. These garden awnings are reinforced by an aluminium frame with side rails which the canvas slides and supports perpendicular to the rails. We recommend lubricating the awning along the side sliding guides with WD-40 for best possible results.
Step 4
Lubricate The Joints
With hood awnings, the various elements are lifted with a cord operated manually or by a motor. They can have many shapes: trapezoid, round, shell-shaped or square. Depending on the model, the shapes can have any curvature, adapting to spaces in oval or elliptical shapes. They must be lubricated at the two side joints on which the supports of the various sections are centred.
Step 5
Last Steps
After you have finished lubricating the necessary parts, it’s important to clean the canvas. First, remove any dust or dirt (leaves, bird droppings, any mould etc.) deposited on it. Then, wash it well with a clean sponge or a damp cloth and lukewarm water to remove any excess lubricant. Do not use a pressure washer because you risk tearing the canvas, and it’s important you do not use solvents, ammonia or hydrocarbons either. After washing, let the canvas dry completely. Remember to always close the awning when it rains, and then open it up to dry once it has stopped.
Pro Tip:
Now that you know how to lubricate your awning, why not read more of our DIY tips and tricks? Read our blog on how to clean paint brushes, how to get chewing gum out of carpet, how to clean a bike chain and how to remove rusted screws.
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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