The two retractable awning arms allow the awning to be extended or retracted as desired in order to provide shade and shelter. These arms, once installed, may, over time, develop problems due to constant usage, environmental exposure, or faulty design.
As long as the damage is not excessive, the retractable awning arm can often be fixed. So, what are the retractable awning arm repair tricks? We have detailed guidelines for this. Read on!
When Do You Need Retractable Awning Arm Repair?
Retractable awning arms provide structural support and ease of operation. If your awning is sagging, off-level, or has difficulty extending and retracting properly, there may be a problem with the arm.
The wind might damage the arm while also wearing out gradually or rusting, which could also make this part malfunction. Additionally, if it makes strange noises during operation, lubrication or correction may be needed.
You can save yourself from more damage and continue using your awnings for longer by promptly addressing these concerns through an expert.
Therefore, checkups would be very helpful in reducing the costs of repairs and renewals.
Can You Repair A Retractable Awning Arm?
The type and extent of the damage usually determine if a repair can be made to a retractable arm. Instances like misalignment, twisted arms, or simply worn-out springs are common issues in this category, and there is no need for complete replacement.
For instance, bolt and hinge loosening can be easily addressed by tightening them or applying some oil. On the other hand, an orthopedic expert might be required to treat a curved or fractured arm.
If it is highly bent, or if the springs are ruined, fixing may be needed on the arm.
Otherwise, an injured arm poses greater risks to one’s house covering safety and hence demands immediate attention. You can identify and fix these problems early with regular maintenance checks.
Common Retractable Awning Arm Issues
There are several problems that retractable awning arms develop. These include bent arms or broken retractable arms, misalignment, extended mechanical parts retraction, spring exhaustion, and loosened hinges/bolts. Let’s know about them!
Bent Arm
One of the most common problems is misaligned retractable awning arms. This can be caused by a number of things, such as strong winds, poor installation, or normal wear and tear.
The arm’s misalignment can result in an unequal extension or retraction of the awning, hence leading to a strain on one side causing other mechanical issues.
When the awning is not aligned properly, it leads to a twisted cover, which makes strange sounds when opening or closing it, and it may fail to extend or collapse correctly.
To avoid overtaxing the motor and fabric –which could require some major repairs- you need to address this issue quickly so that you can get your awning working like normal again.
If you want your awning to serve without any problem for an extended period, take advantage of expert assistance by realigning its arm.
Weak Springs
The springs in the arm play a crucial role in ensuring smooth extension/retraction movements of an awning. They provide the tension necessary for this effect.
As these springs become weak due to age, stretching and wearing out slow down their movements. If the springs are worn out, it may be hard to fully open or close an awning or let it stay in a certain position.
This problem can lead to further mechanical faults or fabric damage if not fixed. The most common repair that can considerably improve the performance of the shade is changing worn-out springs.
Regular maintenance is vital for accidents like this since you will know when springs become weak and replace them before bigger problems arise.
Loose Hinges And Bolts
Most bolts and hinges used on retractable awning arms become loose after being used for some time or exposed to extreme weather conditions.
A shaking sound, swaying arms, and failure by the awning to extend or retract evenly could indicate that one hinge or bolt has come off, hence putting your shade’s steadiness at risk.
Failure to address this issue will only make things worse, with even loose arms that are likely to fall off completely.
One important but simple maintenance activity that can end up saving someone from more serious issues is tightening these parts properly. You should inspect it regularly and tighten its bolts and hinges so that it remains in perfect condition over a long period.
How To Repair Retractable Awning Arm: DIY Ways
Screws and bolts tightening, babying bent arms, oiling bearings, spring replacement, and repairing snapped arms – these are all activities related to retractable awning arm repair. These DIY steps will keep your awning good for a long!
Step 1: Securing Any Loose Bolts Or Hinges
This is a common problem with retractable awning arms caused by regular usage or exposure to the outside. The first step in addressing this would be to look for loose or worn-out bolts and hinges.
Make sure you don’t overtighten, as it may damage the arm; use wrenches or other suitable tools to tighten any loose bolts. To evade additional corrosion, replace rusted bolts or hinges with stainless steel options.
Regular checks on these parts are necessary to maintain the stability of the awning as well as ensure it lasts for an extended period without wobbling or uneven extension.
This simple DIY fix will save you from more complicated problems that may require professional assistance.
Step 2: Straightening Out An Uneven Arm
If not properly aligned, the arms of a retractable awning will strain its fabric and motor, hence making it work unevenly.
First, completely withdraw your awning so that there is no pressure on its arm, and go ahead re-adjusting it. Identify any kinks or twists in your arm’s positioning and concentrate on them alone. Close them up if any are found.
Ensure your arm is straight and put it back into place by tapping lightly with rubber mallets until it falls into line again.
For minor misalignments of how to adjust retractable awning arms, this procedure often works without needing expert help.
It’s important to inspect your blinds yourself and promptly adjust them regularly. Otherwise, you may face more serious issues.
Step 3: Lubricating The Arm’s Joints
Over time, dirt, debris, and lack of lubrication can cause stiffness in the joints, hinges, and tracks of a retractable awning arm. Before anything can be done about that, make sure that all moving parts are clean.
Just wipe a dry cloth against them when they are set in motion again after being retracted. After that, you need to apply a silicone-based lubricant over the tracks, hinges, and joints uniformly.
They should not be oiled as they prefer getting dirtier than before, which will worsen the situation. The next step is to spin your awning several times in order to allow the lubricant to spread throughout all moving parts.
By doing this, there will be fewer instances of worn-out parts, meaning that you will spend less on repairs.
Step 4: Changing Out Damaged Springs
The springs of a retractable awning arm are responsible for its smooth extension and retraction. As they get older, these springs may lose some of their tension, eventually causing either slow or jerky movements.
Before you can replace the spring, however, first remove the arm from its mount and fully retract the awning. Carefully disconnect the worn-out spring, noting its position and orientation with it off, putting in place a new one, and making sure it’s properly tensioned and fixed.
Before you attach your arm back onto your blind, make sure that it is operating smoothly when tested out. Replacing old springs can mend blinds without ruining the arms and motors in them.
Retractable Awning Arm Maintenance Tips
For the case of retractable awning arms, maintenance consists of examining the arms for wear and lubrication as well as shielding them from extreme elements. Lets know how you can keep them well:
Conduct Regular Inspections
Regularly check the awning arms for corrosion, loose connections, or obvious signs of wear and tear. The joints, bolts, and screws get loose easily due to their constant use and exposure to the environment.
However, by quickly tightening any loose parts, further damage can be prevented. Inspect for rust on the arms and apply a rust inhibitor to any corroded areas so they will last longer.
Lubricating
If you lubricate your awning arms properly, they will last long and move more smoothly. Make sure you use silicone-based products to reduce friction in the joints as well as the hinges of the arms, thus extending its service life.
Do not use oil-based lubricants since they have a tendency to attract dirt and hence clog up mechanisms. Regularly oiling the awning makes it easier to open or close while reducing strain on these limbs.
Sanitizing
Using mild detergent and a soft cloth, wipe down your arm supports on a frequent basis to keep them tidy. Dirty, debris-filled, and salt-laden air can eventually ruin these appendages with time passing by.
After rinsing off all cleaning agents from them with water, leave them out until dry. This simple step will ensure that the retractable system does not fail as a result of built-up crudity.
Protective Measures
While retractable awnings are weatherproof by design, extra precautions should still be taken to prolong their lifespan, especially for ones made from fabric.
During severe storms, heavy snowfall, or strong winds, remember to roll back such an awning so as not to exert undue tension on its supporting structures.
At certain times, bending, warping, or snapping may occur after prolonged exposure to harsh weather patterns. Those residing in areas with recurrent extreme climatic conditions could also procure a cover to shield their awnings when not in use.
Check For Misalignment
Over time, awning arms may become misaligned, resulting in a non-uniform extension or retraction process. On a regular basis, ensure that your arms are parallel with the track and that they extend or retract equally well.
If the arms and motor aren’t aligned properly, they may wear out faster. In case of any misalignment, you will have to either adjust those mounting brackets yourself or hire an expert.
Minimize Overworking
Do not exceed your awning manufacturer’s limits in order to avoid overloading it. When snow is allowed to accumulate on it, or heavy objects hang from its arms, the chances that they may bend or break are very high.
To make sure that your arm supports have the longest lifespan practicable, always fully stretch them up as much as indicated by the manufacturer’s maximum reach and weight specifications.
Professional Maintenance
It’s advisable to have a professional check this once a year, even though you need to do your maintenance work. However, this won’t identify issues like engine strain or internal joint wearing, which could go unnoticed during such routine visits hence requiring an expert eye.
Additionally, any necessary adjustments can be made by them so as to maintain the good working condition of your retractable awning arms at all times.
Bottom Line
You need to do a retractable awning arm repair quite carefully, as it guarantees long-term and efficient usage. Many small problems can be solved easily with self-repair, and these problems should never be sustained to the extent that they incur unnecessarily high repair bills.
