Tips for fixing awning fabric

November 3, 2015

If your awning is damaged, there are cleaners and repair patches that, with patience, can save your awning. The following are instructions on how to use these tools to repair your damaged awning.

Tips for fixing awning fabric

1. Damage from mildew

  • Rips and holes in awnings may be common, but in wet climates, damage from mildew is even more problematic. Fortunately, a number of retailers sell awning cleaner, which, when sprayed on to the affected awning, can break up mould spores.
  • From there, the mould can be scrubbed off with the help of a high-quality scrub brush.
  • Use a hose or a bucket of water to rinse off the awning. Let the awning dry completely before returning it to its usual site.

2. Repairing awning rips

  • There is no need to ditch a perfectly good awning simply due to one or two small rips. If your awning is made of fabric, invest in an iron-on fabric patch.
  • Vinyl awnings require special vinyl repair tape. Cut a piece of matching fabric to fit the size of the repair patch. Rip off the backing of the patch and place it firmly over the rip. Turn the awning over and repeat the patching process.
  • For canvas awnings, these patches may need to be ironed on.

3. Small awning holes

  • As with an awning rip, a hole in an awning can be repaired with the help of a patch. First, however, it is essential to pursue preventative measures in order to ensure that the hole does not grow larger.
  • Heat an awl over a stove and use it to melt the awning's acrylic. The frays around the hole will fuse together, ensuring that it remains the same size.
  • From there, the awning can be covered with the help of a small adhesive patch.

4. When an awning requires full replacement

  • If an awning is impacted by mould, it can nearly always be restored to its original level of quality. However, rips and tears, if large enough, may be impossible to fix.
  • If attempts at patching the awning do not work or simply look too tacky, it may be time to consider a full awning replacement. This approach may also be required for awnings that have experienced severe colour fading.
The material on this website is provided for entertainment, informational and educational purposes only and should never act as a substitute to the advice of an applicable professional. Use of this website is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Close menu