Whether your home or business came with a patio awning or you made the wise choice to add one on, it was the smartest choice you’ve made. Not only has it given you more outdoor living space, but it’s also added value to your home or business, especially if you had yours installed by Mesa Awning. However, while the awning has been hard at work keeping you and the patio cool, it’s also taken a beating from the elements. If it’s been more than a decade since you last had your awning canvas replaced, then it’s time to give us a call. If age isn’t the issue, here are several other signs that it’s time to replace your patio awning.

1. Visible Holes in the Fabric

Sometimes, people have the option of simply repairing their awning, and it looks brand new. Others are not so lucky, especially if there are several holes or rips in the fabric. Holes can be caused by various factors, including high winds or even hail. Sometimes wildlife can be responsible for a hole in the material. The larger the hole, the greater the risk to the integrity of the entire awning and frame. That’s why if you have a rip or hole larger than 12 inches or several that are near the edges, then it’s time to replace it altogether.

2. Sun Splotches or Fading

The reason you installed an awning was to provide protection: whether it was to protect from the heat of the sun or the harm that UV rays can do to carpet and furniture. Either way, your awning has done a great job of preventing the fading of outdoor and indoor fabrics. But, unfortunately, nothing has been protecting the awning from those same UV rays. Sun damage and color fading is a natural part of having an awning, but it can also damage the fabric. As the color fades, so does the strength of each fiber. Eventually, your sun-damaged awning will begin to look a little thin in some spots, indicating that it’s time for a replacement.

3. Rusty or Damaged Frame

An awning frame is durable, which is why people expect to get so much use out of it. However, that doesn’t mean that awnings are indestructible, especially since they spend all their time exposed to the elements. While the frames can withstand high winds, heavy rains, and hail, the problem tends to be rust. If you’ve seen rust spots on your frame, then you know cleaning them up and applying a weatherproof lacquer is crucial. However, there may come a time when the frame rusts all the way through, bending parts of the frame. If this is the case, then it’s time to replace your patio awning.

4. Outdated Look

The final reason you should consider replacing your awning is that it’s simply outdated. Just as you would modernize your kitchen or update your bathrooms, you shouldn’t forget about doing so with your patio awning. If you’re looking to give your backyard or dining patio a facelift without spending a ton of money, consider replacing it with a new fabric or color. Or you might be ready to make the investment and switch from a retractable awning to a more sturdy and permanent structure. Either way, modernizing your awning is a great way to increase your home or business value. It also guarantees that you’ll get plenty of use out of your patio for the next 10 to 15 years.

Keep the Sun at a Safe Distance

When it comes to protecting your patio from the Arizona heat and sun, nothing compares to an outdoor awning from Mesa Awning. We’re proud of our products, and you can see them all over Mesa, AZ. So, if you’re looking for reliable, durable window awnings, pergolas, or Alumawood® patio covers, for your home or business, give us a call at (480) 969-4064.