If you have an older awning outside your home, then it might not look as good as it did when you first installed it. While you might think about replacing the awning completely, don't assume that this is your only option.
In some cases, you can simply reskin the awning. Here, you take the old fabric down and fit a new covering into the existing system.
When might a reskin be the best way to deal with your awning problems?
1. Your awning's fabric is damaged
If the fabric on an awning is damaged, then it can't do its job. A tear or even a fray in the fabric stops the awning from keeping out rain and the sun's rays. You lose full cover protection.
You might also notice problems if the awning's weatherproofing seal wears away. The fabric might be intact and undamaged, but it lets rain through.
Sometimes, awning fabrics also change shape. For example, if a fabric loses its weatherproofing and gets wet regularly, then it might warp out of shape as it dries in the sun.
If this happens, you might not be able to open and retract the awning. The fabric might get caught in its track system and prevent it from working smoothly.
In all these cases, a reskin fixes your problem. As long as the underlying support system is sound, a new covering will make the awning fit for purpose again.
2. Your awning doesn't look good
As awnings get older, they can lose some of their original appeal. Some fabrics fade in the sun over the years.
Sometimes, an awning gets dirt or stains on it that you just can't clean away. For example, if mildew or mould set on to the fabric, then you might not be able to clean off every trace. Other problems like tree sap can leave stains that are hard to remove.
If you've tried to clean your awning a few times but can't find a solution that works, then think about starting afresh with a new fabric. At this stage, talk to your supplier about fabrics that have some kind of sealant protection to avoid having the same problems in the future.
3. Your awning no longer matches your home
While you might have chosen an awning colour or design that originally matched the exterior of your home, you might have a mismatch now. If you've recently painted the outside of your house a different colour, then your awning might not match your outdoor decor anymore.
If this mismatch bothers you, then you can solve the problem quickly and easily by having a reskin. You can switch your awning colour so that it fits in with your paint colour again.
4. You want to switch to a new fabric
Sometimes, you don't know how well an awning fabric will work for you until you try it out. After a while, you might wish that you'd chosen a different kind of awning at the start.
If your current fabric doesn't do the job you want, then a reskin gives you an upgrade. For example, you might want to boost the sun and heat blocking you get from the awning by switching to a fabric that has higher levels of UV and thermal protection. Or, you might want to install a more waterproofed fabric if your current one lets in rain.
5. You have a limited budget
If you w ant a new awning but don't have the cash to go for a complete replacement, then a reskin is a cost-effective solution. You spruce up your awning without having to pay full costs for a new system.
