FAQs

Let’s try to answer your shade product questions.

Weather

Issues related to handling weather conditions

4 answers

Retract the awning or canopy for winter. If your awning has a hanging valance, remove it by sliding it out from the front bar. Put it in a well-ventilated dry area where it won’t be bothered by squirrels or mice. Don’t store it in a plastic bag, as this will trap moisture and could produce mildew.

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A light rain is okay – but water should not be allowed to collect in an extended awning. This could stretch the fabric or leave a stain…and could add so much weight that the awning could fall. Awnings are primarily a sun shade, not a rain cover. As such, the fabric is designed to “breathe” so you don’t swelter under your awning. Our Teflon® coating helps repel moisture, but it is not waterproof. Keeping the awning extended during a heavy rain will cause water to collect in the fabric and could cause the awning to collapse.

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State of the art electronic sensors extend your awning automatically when the sun comes out and retract it at night. The wind sensor retracts your awning automatically when the wind gusts above 20 mph. The wind sensor overrides the sun detector for damage protection.

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When you unplug your awning for an extended period of time, you will lose the programmed settings for automatic stop and the awning will have to be re-programmed.

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Fabric & Motor

Issues related to your fabric, motor, or other moving parts.

4 answers

Aristocrat Awnings come in your choice of beautiful, solution dyed acrylic fabrics. Unlike old fashioned canvas awnings, acrylic dyed fabrics will not mildew or rot. There are more than 100 choices in solids, stripes, and tweeds, and all fabrics are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Fabrics in the Craft-Bilt fabric collection carry a 12-year warranty and are Teflon® coated to help repel dirt and water without diminishing air permeability. Acrylic is a synthetic or manufactured fiber that is both soft and lightweight. It resists rot, discoloration, and mildew, dries easily and retains its shape and texture. A solution dyed acrylic yarn is a yarn where the color has been added into the polymer before it is extruded into a yarn form. Because the color is part of the polymer, the fade resistance of a solution dyed yarn is superior to the fade resistance of package dyed yarn and piece dyed fabric. The solution dyed acrylic fabrics used in Aristocrat Awnings have been especially chosen for their ability to resist fading and retain fabric strength.

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Awning fabrics should be cleaned regularly before dirt, bird droppings, and debris from your roof accumulate and become embedded in the fabric. The fabric can be cleaned while on the awning frame. Use a soft brush to brush off any loose dirt and hose it off with water. IMPORTANT: Cleaning should be performed when the awning is completely dry. If additional cleaning is needed, use a mild soap, such as dawn dishwashing liquid or woolite, and lukewarm water. Wash the fabric with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse completely to remove all soap from the fabric. Do not use detergent, steam or power washers on your awning fabric.

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The aluminum components have a durable finish and the joints are self–lubricating. Aristocrat Awnings are designed so that maintenance is not normally required. However, it is a good idea to hose off the framework and wipe it with a soft cloth at the start of the outdoor season. Lubricate the moving parts yearly with a dry silicone spray to maintain optimal, quiet operation. If unusual creaking occurs when operating, try lubrication before calling your dealer. The most prevalent place where an awning needs lubrication is at the end of the roller tube, on the side opposite the motor or gear. A bit of spray lubricant on the axle bushing at this point eliminates almost all squeaking noises. Be sure to keep the spray away from the fabric.

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Shade products come with a variety of motors, and you should refer first to the operating instructions that came with your awning, canopy, or shade. For troubleshooting information, you can also visit the website for the motor manufacturer here. Be sure to avoid thermal overload in the motor, which will result from repetitive use. The motor will disable itself for a 15–20 minute cooling period rather than allow itself to be damaged by excessive heat. This is a safety feature. Children should not be allowed to play with the remote control or the awning operating switch.

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Other Related Questions

If you didn’t find what you needed, these could help!

Can I adjust the pitch of the awning?

The pitch of the awning can be adjusted by the installer to meet your shade requirements. The Vario Valance is a great addition to protect you from the glare of low sun and provides privacy.

Why don’t the elbows of my retractable awning straighten out when the awning is open?

The lateral arms will be flexed, but locked, at the elbow when fully extended. This is a normal part of the frame design. They will never fully straighten out.

What if I get tired of the color?

The fabric can be replaced. A professional installer can replace the fabric at your location, or the awning can be shipped back to the factory and recovered.