After you get your awnings in your house, you need to do some inspection. This kind of activity is needed to check the retractable awnings work quality done by your contractor. A broken or bad installation is the least you want to have from the newest element on your property right?
You might be thinking, that awnings are meant to be outdoors. So it doesn’t need to be checked regularly. Well, even if it is true that awnings are meant to withstand all the harsh exposure of sunlight, weather, etc. The first thing to do after the installation checks the work done by your contractor. This can prevent future hassle for both you and your contractor.
Remember that installation of new retractable awnings is a big investment that costs you hundreds of thousands of dollars. So you want your investment to be worth every penny. The best awnings last for many years, but like every piece of your home, they need proper maintenance. Age and regular use require maintenance and cleaning. So after the installation is done, you should check the retractable awnings work on these parts:
1. Check on Strength
Have you ever seen a beach umbrella that went flying into the air easily? You will know which umbrellas have good strength and which do not. This also occurred for your retractable awning work. Inspect whether it is firmly attached between the components. Also, pay attention when the weather goes bad. Did the awnings withstand the strong wind?
If your contractor gives you some guarantee, such as for 2-3 weeks after installation, you should check and take notes on how much the awnings perform. Expand or retract the awnings and see if there are any bolts, joints, or extensions that don’t work properly.
If everything goes smoothly without any deficiency, you can sit tight and enjoy the awnings for a long long time!
2. Did The Fabric Accordance To Your Needs
Consultation before the installation is one of the most important steps to do with your contractor. This is when you choose the fabric according to the weather condition, your budget, and what is best for you. Because the fabric used for retractable awnings is the most crucial part. It is the component that gives you protection from heat and weather. The fabric you choose during the consultation period must be the same installed. If you pick an acrylic fabric, it has to be acrylic, not canvas or other materials. Putting the wrong fabric not only gives you a lack of protection. But also a risk of wearing out or breaking easily when the awnings are actively retracted or open. Tell your contractor if you find loose or sagging fabric. It's important to pay attention to how the fabric rolls. To keep the fabric taut, make sure it rolls over the top of the roller, not under the tube.
3. Check The Frame
There are also options for the frame to use on retractable awnings. The most prestigious awning contractors use frames for all roofs, soffits, and walls. This gives homeowners the flexibility to install awnings. On the other hand, the materials used also depend on geography. For instance, galvanized steel can be used in most locations and environments. But if you are living in
an area exposed to the ocean front like Boca Raton Florida, you should use aluminum. By using it, you can expect a rust-resistant frame.
These frame materials can withstand the high salt water contained in the air. So if your contractors are good, they will give you the best materials according to the environment. The quality will last in the long run.
4. The Crank and Motor
Retractable awnings have two varieties. First, that is manual and operated by a hand crank. It has the benefit of not relying on other powers than human hands. So when the electricity goes out, you can adjust the awnings. While others use a motor that gives you comfort to not waste your energy only to make an adjustment.
Since this is an important part of your awnings, you should check how the crank or motor works. Did it squeak? How smooth when you retract and expand them?
If you find the motor stopped, you should contact your contractor immediately. It is best to test how the motor and crank work while you still have the contractor near you. So they can make some adjustments from the early stage after installation. Also – if you are working with a good contractor – they will guide you to maintain the quality of the awnings mechanism.
5. Protection
A good contractor will give you extra protection. They should recommend protection from the weather that can cover the retractable awnings fully. For instance, there is an optional hood for awnings that are installed on the wall. It keeps rain, sun, and dirt away from retracted awnings and mechanical parts.
When you are working with a reliable contractor, they will likely give you the advice to install extra protection. But as a good contractor does, they will not force you to agree with what they have told you. The final decision is yours and yours only.
6. Warranty
When you invest in the exterior of your home, make sure that it will appreciate in value over the next few years and decades. A solid guarantee is the best way to ensure this. Strong warranties are one of the best quality indicators available to our consumers. So we offer a reliable and trusted warranty for your new retractable awnings. Preventive Maintenance Support will deliver comfort and a long-lasting guarantee of all the work done.
Wrap Up
After you get your newest retractable awnings, there are some points you should check. Does the strength of all joints are good, and how do the materials use? Is it following your needs and requests? Extra protection and most importantly, a warranty for your new installment are the signs that you have met with a good quality contractor.
It shows their result and service after the installation has been done. This is what Preventive Maintenance Support gives you. A full guarantee after the job has been done and openness to communicate.