As the leading company providing beautiful custom residential awnings in Los Angeles, our installation crew at Van Nuys Awning Co. answers numerous questions from clients daily. For example, many people want to know how to make aluminum awnings look better to boost their curb appeal.
Keeping your aluminum awnings clean with periodic sanitation and mold removal is only half the battle. You can also create textures and designs with acrylic paint, an oil-based primer, and various brushes for a custom finish. Your awning is among the first things people notice when they enter your home or business, so having them look presentable and unique is a logical concern.
1. Know When to Clean Your Aluminum Awnings
Aluminum awnings are immune to rust and mold growth. You can find them in various medical settings across our service areas because of their health and safety-related benefits. However, bird droppings, dust, and debris can accumulate on their exterior surfaces, preventing them from looking their best.
Creating a cleaning schedule with a professional pressure washing company is the best way to keep your aluminum awnings looking well-maintained and brand-new. It will save them from fungal growth and discoloration.
We’ve seen many cases where owners had to take an entire awning down because of poor cleaning habits. You might get by with mops and soapy water for the first few months. However, as grime and debris build up, you will need something stronger.
Aluminum awnings near bodies of water will have more algae and fungus than those in inner city areas, where their main opponents are pollution and allergens. Your cleaning frequency will depend on your location and facility type, so consider what factors may affect your schedule.
2. Shielding Your Aluminum Awnings from Weather-Related Damage
Most questions about how to make aluminum awnings look better deal with weather-related damage. Aluminum is lighter and more aerodynamic than galvanized steel and most metal alloys. However, it is more likely to crack and dent when it bangs against opposing structures during weather events with high winds.
We recommend using retractable models you can fold away when you find rough weather in your local forecasts. Install aluminum awnings in open areas where objects are less likely to crash or fly into them.
3. Decorating and Painting Your Awnings
You can revitalize your entire awning with a few spray bottles and self-priming paint. Latex primers react adversely to aluminum molecules, so we recommend using ammonia-free acrylic exclusively. Search for a few design ideas from Pinterest and home improvement websites to get started.
Decorating lights, planters, and curtains are also popular additions to an otherwise industrial-looking aluminum awning. Bougainvillea and morning glories can brighten up outdoor living spaces while requiring little to no additional maintenance.
Contact an Awning Expert Today
Learn how to make aluminum awnings look better, get shed awning ideas, or ask questions about solar canopies by contacting our experts at Van Nuys Awning Co. Call us at (818) 782-8607 and request a free consultation.
