4 Simple Steps to Replace Retractable Fabric Awning
Awnings provide an extraordinary way to create a comfortable outdoor living space in Malaysia. It provides an airy environment while protecting you from the sun's harmful UV rays on a nice, sunny day.
Over the years, retractable awnings have become an increasingly popular way to shade and protect a deck or the patio area. That said, depending on the quality of the retractable awning, the awning fabric may begin to fade or look a little shabby.
Fortunately, you can get them replaced, either by engaging a team of professionals or you can do it yourself – that’s if you’re someone who loves a challenge. If you prefer the latter, the following are the
steps to replace your retractable fabric awning.
1. Get the measurements
Before you start replacing your retractable fabric awning, you will first need to find its replacement. You should begin with getting the measurements of your retractable cover, the projection of your awning when it’s fully extended, and valance height. This will allow you to come up with an estimate for your new fabric awning.
Make sure to add some inches to the projection measurement to allow for roller tube wrap. You don’t want your new retractable awning to appear shorter than it should be or of inadequate length. The projection measure also doesn't have to be exact – simply round it to the nearest inch and you're good to go.
2. Order your retractable awning fabric replacement
Unless you have the right sewing skills and machine, you are most likely to order your retractable awning fabric replacement from suppliers, where you only need to provide them with the necessary details and complete your fabric order.
M & N France Fabric Awning supplies Recasens fabric which is of high quality with numerous benefits such as fade-resistant, greater dimensional stability, tighter weave, and a wide range of colours and textures. Read more about the types of awning material
In order to replace your worn out retractable awning fabric, you will need to retract the awning fully and secure the folded arms by tying them at elbows to the torsion bar. Then, you need to tie the two halves of the arms together. This will help to keep the arms fully retracted while you work on the awning.
Next, try extending the awning about a foot or two. If the arms didn’t open, you can send the awning out about one foot. Your retractable awning fabric will start to roll off the top of the roller tube while the framework remains in place.
3. Make the necessary adjustments
Once your existing awning fabric is removed, you can remove the front end bar caps and fabric locks if equipped. This will allow you to slide the valance out of the front bar, including the PVC tubing. If your awning has a hood, make sure to remove the pivot on the side of the cover.
Since new retractable awning fabric usually comes with new PVC tubing, you will need to trim the tubing to match the original length of your tubing. Otherwise, you might end up with tubing that's shorter or longer than your awning fabric. Make sure to also mark the roller tube where the fabric starts as a reference point for installation.
4. Install your retractable awning fabric replacement
When you install your new retractable awning fabric, be extra cautious at the seams as you slide the fabric onto the roller tube and front bar. Roll the awning fabric using the crank handle until it goes around the tube and then, slide the valance into the front bar.
Put back the front bar end caps and lock the fabric. This will prevent your new awning fabric from rolling loosely off the top of the roller tube. You can then untie the folded arms but make sure that the fabric is fully installed and completely rolled onto the roller tube. This is because the arms are spring-loaded and can push forward with great force.
If these steps in replacing your retractable awning fabric seem like a great challenge for you to undertake, you should consult a specialist like M & N France Fabric Awning.
As Malaysia’s commercial awning manufacturer, our team of well-trained technicians can replace and install awnings efficiently to meet your requirements. For more information, contact 012-9891491 or visit our showroom here.
