Have just fitted a new roll out awning, replacing one which suffered badly from sun damage and disintegrated.
Not wanting to have it happen again, I want to know how you protect your vinyl awnings.
Ours was washed with mild detergent and vinegar regularly to remove dirt and dust, but I think there is a protectant spray available...anyone used it?
2weis said
11:52 AM Sep 22, 2016
your best bet is to wash with chemically neutral soap and warm water
most manufacturers recommend this and when Nylex was manufacturing they discouraged after market
cleaners
if you want to you could get a protective cover made for when it is rolled up and not in use
how old was your last awning ??
brian
erad said
05:04 PM Sep 22, 2016
Whenever you travel and it rains - your awning gets wet. Even if you don't open it, it is still wet inside due to spray and general hard driving rain. Given time, this can induce mould. It pays to open out the awning before you put your van away. If you don't have a garage or whatever for the van, it would still pay to open out the awning and dry it before storing.
There was a cover which looked like half a pipe and it sat over the awning roll, hingeing up when the awning was extended. This would protect the fabric from direct sun. Sorry - I cannot remember wher I saw it, but I think it may have been EBay.
-- Edited by erad on Thursday 22nd of September 2016 05:05:06 PM
Rip and Rosie said
08:28 AM Sep 23, 2016
Thanks to you both for responding.
The old awning was only about 5 or 6 years old.
It wasn't mouldy etc, but was sun damaged on the exposed section near the top when rolled up. It peeled off in a layer really when we were travelling through wind and rain recently, just peeled off, leaving the bottom/underside layer.
I would love to source that cover, Erad.
Moorey said
09:18 AM Sep 23, 2016
Hi Rip and Rosie
There is a cover available I do not know the price but fits over the retracted awning to protect the cover. There are also you tube clips on constructing your own using a section of house gutter on hinges attached to the van/MH.
http://www.specialisedawnings.com.au
Moorey
erad said
03:55 PM Sep 23, 2016
Hip and Rosie: Look up www.specialisedawnings.com.au/ On the right side of the screen is what you are after. No idea as to how much. Also, you would probably need some form of latch to keep the cover down when travelling.
Rip and Rosie said
09:47 AM Sep 24, 2016
thanks.
Over our caravanning career this is the second time we have had an awning damaged by the sun.... I know vinyl is subject to UV damage, but its an expensive exercise
Have just fitted a new roll out awning, replacing one which suffered badly from sun damage and disintegrated.
Not wanting to have it happen again, I want to know how you protect your vinyl awnings.
Ours was washed with mild detergent and vinegar regularly to remove dirt and dust, but I think there is a protectant spray available...anyone used it?
most manufacturers recommend this and when Nylex was manufacturing they discouraged after market
cleaners
if you want to you could get a protective cover made for when it is rolled up and not in use
how old was your last awning ??
brian
Whenever you travel and it rains - your awning gets wet. Even if you don't open it, it is still wet inside due to spray and general hard driving rain. Given time, this can induce mould. It pays to open out the awning before you put your van away. If you don't have a garage or whatever for the van, it would still pay to open out the awning and dry it before storing.
There was a cover which looked like half a pipe and it sat over the awning roll, hingeing up when the awning was extended. This would protect the fabric from direct sun. Sorry - I cannot remember wher I saw it, but I think it may have been EBay.
-- Edited by erad on Thursday 22nd of September 2016 05:05:06 PM
The old awning was only about 5 or 6 years old.
It wasn't mouldy etc, but was sun damaged on the exposed section near the top when rolled up. It peeled off in a layer really when we were travelling through wind and rain recently, just peeled off, leaving the bottom/underside layer.
I would love to source that cover, Erad.
Hi Rip and Rosie
There is a cover available I do not know the price but fits over the retracted awning to protect the cover. There are also you tube clips on constructing your own using a section of house gutter on hinges attached to the van/MH.
http://www.specialisedawnings.com.au
Moorey
Over our caravanning career this is the second time we have had an awning damaged by the sun.... I know vinyl is subject to UV damage, but its an expensive exercise