Awnings in Alexandria, VA

Alexandria Awnings FAQ

What is a retractable awning?

Just as the name implies, a retractable awning is outfitted with a crank that turns it into an instant sell-storage unit and a valuable addition to your home. It can easily be stored for those winter months, and the crank handle removal is entirely up to you. Although some owners choose to leave their retractable awnings out all winter! Another thing to look out for when dealing with a retractable awning is the wind speed. Wind is one of the more unpredictable forces in nature, and as such it it possible to cause damage to your awning. Professionals advice closing your awning for any wind speeds over fifty miles per hour. A good rule of thumb is whether or not you can read a newspaper comfortably outside.

How do I care for my awning?

There are many things you can do to preserve the lifespan of your awning. For starters a yearly cleaning will go a long way. This is especially true for homes with a high foliage count. Any time leaves stick and stack on to your awning that's a potential breeding ground for mold and mildew. Keep in mind that when cleaning, you should never use detergent on your awning. Soap and water only, and keep the temperature cold to lukewarm, never hot. And speaking of heat, never apply that to your awning in an attempt to dry it. Air dry only with awnings.

How do I clean ______ off of my awning?

There are a wide range of cleaning substances to be used for a wide range of stains, and here we'll try to address them one by one. Liquid detergent is by far the most versatile cleaning solution, as it can remove the following: catsup, mustard, gravy, eggs, grape juice, o.j., latex paint, tea, and tomato juice. Some combination of water can help when added to the mix. Coffee is a trick mix of detergent, acetone, and white vinegar. Scrub thoroughly. For ink form a ballpoint pen, be sure to you detergent, acetone, and paint remover. All equal parts for these cleaning cocktails. Blood can be scrubbed away with a combo of detergent and three percent ammonia. And finally, butter is unique in that it needs volatile solvent to be washed off.