Retractable awnings elevate any outdoor space. But with the fabric exposed to Australia’s harsh conditions throughout the year, it can suffer from sun damage and deterioration. Naturally, this means your retractable awning won’t look or perform as well as in the past, leaving you disappointed when you want to enjoy some time outside in the shade.
Meanwhile, homeowners often want to replace their retractable awning fabric because it’s time to refresh their space. With a new fabric colour or design bringing a vibrant element to your garden, updating your setup could be a stellar design choice. To help you get started, we’ve outlined the fundamental steps needed to replace your awning fabric.
Remove the old fabric
The first step in the process is removing the old fabric. This stage should be relatively straightforward, depending on the design of your retractable awning. Find and remove the screws from the awning bar before removing the end caps. Then, loosen the bar and remove the valance to extract the fabric roller and fabric successfully. Keep the screws in a safe place, as you’ll need them later.
Measure the old fabric
Now that you’ve removed the fabric, you can figure out the size of the new material. What’s the best way to do so? Just use the old fabric as a template for the replacement. Lay it out flat and stretch out the corners, then use a tape measure to determine the perfect dimensions. While retractable awnings come in a wealth of shapes and sizes, ensuring you get the fabric size correct from the start saves plenty of headaches.
Find your replacement fabric
With the perfect measurements in hand, you can find the ideal replacement fabric. There’s a myriad of colours and designs to choose from, so think carefully about which option provides the look and sun protection you need. After purchasing the material, it’s simply a process of measuring it correctly and using sharp fabric scissors to achieve a precise sheet.
Install the new fabric
Installing your perfectly cut fabric is just a process of reversing the first step. After carefully aligning and feeding the material into the fabric roller, tighten the screws and replace the end caps. With everything firmly connected, put the awning bar back in place and ensure it’s safely secured. Finally, test to make sure your retractable awning works as intended and the fabric is positioned in the ideal spot.
