How To Solve The Biggest Problems When Repairing Commercial Canopies

Like many things in life, what constitutes the “biggest” problem for your commercial canopies might not match someone else’s interpretation. Nonetheless, during the life of your commercial canopies, you could face a few problems, so it’s helpful to know in advance how to solve them in the best way.

Sometimes problems are so extensive that repair just isn’t an option. But many times you’ll find repair is not only possible but eminently practical.

Call “awning 911.”

In general, the first and best solution for any problem affecting your commercial canopies is to place a call to your local full-service awning company. They make house calls, so to speak, but you can start by emailing them photos of your damaged commercial canopies. That way, they can get an idea what you’re talking about when you call.

You may be quite surprised to find how many types of repairs can be made on site for your commercial canopies. That’s the fastest solution, so it’s always a first choice. But if it’s not an option in your case, your canopy can be dismantled and taken to the shop for repairs.

The worst case: wholesale failure dictates replacement.

No doubt everyone would agree the biggest single problem is comprehensive damage. A powerful natural disaster, fire or some type of accident can all put a definitive end to commercial canopies.

You can replace commercial canopies with an exact match, if you were really happy with the look of your previous design. Or you can turn a tragic loss into a delightful opportunity to think anew about how you want your place of business to appear to the outside world. Commercial canopies offer a blank slate just waiting for your creative imagination.

It’s possible your original awning wasn’t constructed well enough or from appropriately sturdy materials to fit your conditions, in which case you’ll want professional advice to ensure you don’t repeat those mistakes. It may turn out you’ll be better off with all-metal Mapes commercial canopies instead of a traditional fabric-covered design. Or you may require heavier-duty framing or a different installation technique such as additional support posts.

Structural damage.

Short of a physical accident of some kind, it’s not likely your commercial canopies will suffer structural damage. This damage can be hard for you to assess, unless the severity is obvious.

An exception is rust and peeling paint, if you have steel framing rather than aluminum. You can avoid these problems with regular upkeep, but if you’ve been lax or you’ve inherited problems with a new business purchase, repairs shouldn’t be too difficult. If rust is pervasive, a first-hand inspection by your awning professional might be in order, to see if any fittings need to be replaced. Otherwise, proper prep and repainting will make your commercial canopies good as new.

Fabric damage.

Even top-of-the-line fabrics for commercial canopies can’t last forever. And, of course, sometimes they suffer unintended consequences, too. If you find small tears or loose stitching, those things can usually be repaired quickly right in place by a professional. The repairs will be unobtrusive, too, extending the life of your commercial canopies without diminishing their beauty.

That’s why it’s so important to inspect your commercial canopies on a regular basis – the smaller the repair, the less costly and time-consuming the solution will be.

On the other hand, older fabrics can stretch, sag and fade, and if they aren’t cleaned regularly they can develop unsightly stains from accumulated dirt or debris. There’s no “fix” for these problems, so you’ll have to consider replacement. You can replace fabric without replacing the framing, if you want to retain the overall design.

The longer you let commercial canopies that are past their prime remain on your façade, the more you advertise your lack of commitment to quality. That can permanently impair sales, and that’s probably the biggest problem of all.

Commercial Awnings