Awning fabric needs very little routine maintenance if it’s looked after regularly. Brush off loose dirt, leaves and debris every few weeks during the main season, and hose the fabric down from time to time to prevent build up.

For marks or light staining, use a soft brush with lukewarm water and a mild, non‑detergent soap, then rinse thoroughly and allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting. Treat any bird droppings, tree sap or stubborn marks as soon as possible so they don’t have time to set into the material.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, bleach or pressure washers, as these can damage the fabric and seams. Do not retract the awning while it is wet for long periods, as this can encourage mould or mildew in the folds.

We also recommend a quick visual check of the arms, brackets and fixings a few times a year to make sure everything is secure and moving freely, and to clear any debris from around the cassette. For cassette awnings, an additional protective cover or hood can help shield the unit and fabric from the worst of the weather when not in use, extending the life of the awning.

Some features are best and easiest to specify at the time of order because they’re integrated into the cassette and arms, particularly LED lighting and certain heating options. Others, such as wireless sensors and smart home control, can often be added later.

The majority of folding arm awnings we sell now have an IO protocol as standard meaning they are future proof for any smart app control at a later date. This means for most people control by smart phones from anywhere but also access to creating actions autonomously, such as open the awning at 10am on a weekend and close at 8pm.

Many modern infra red heaters ca be bought separately at any time and there are some LED lighting systems which also can be a retro fit, but usually fixed separately from the awning cassette itself.

If you think you might want lighting, heating or a drop down valance in future, it’s worth telling us at the quote stage so we can recommend a model that allows it.

In the vast majority of cases, no. A retractable awning is generally treated as a temporary fixture and does not require planning permission for a typical domestic property. As it retracts fully when not in use then it is very unobtrusive and is a preferred shading method for anyone wanting nothing seen when not required.

Exceptions can apply to listed buildings, properties in conservation areas, and flats/maisonettes, where consent may be needed. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your local planning authority will confirm your situation.