Awnings, canopies and shade sails protect a terrace or balcony for years, yet they face blazing sun, rain, frost, dust and wind every day. This affects not only the fabric but also the mechanisms: arms start to squeak, the cover unrolls in jerks and metal fixings rust.
That is why they need regular care, at least twice a year: in spring before the summer season and at the end of autumn, before you roll everything up for winter. Proper maintenance noticeably extends the life of the mechanism.
What you will need
Important: On motorised awnings, switch off the power first. Work from a stable stepladder, ideally with a helper. Do not spray lubricant onto the fabric: cover it and wipe off any overspray straight away.
Step 1
Lubricate the extending arms
On a retractable awning the arms pivot on joints at the sides of the roller, while an internal steel cable provides tension, manually or by motor. Brush the dust off the joints first, then lubricate all pivots, gears and drive mechanisms with WD-40 Specialist Silicone.
Silicone lubricates well, dries quickly, does not attract dirt and seals out moisture. Its formula is compatible with metal, plastic, rubber and wood, so it will not harm any part of the structure.
Step 2
Treat the side supports
Window and balcony awnings often have no extending arms and are held by cross supports instead: cable guides, drop-arm supports, wall-mounted arms or aluminium side guides. Lubricate their moving points just like the arms, then raise and lower the cover a few times.
Step 3
Lubricate the rails
On garden awnings the fabric slides along side rails fixed to the wall and the ground. Clear leaves, dust and cobwebs out of the profiles, then apply a thin coat of WD-40 Specialist Silicone along the rails. Run the cover fully out and back to spread the lubricant.
Step 4
Treat the joints
On dome and folding canopies, the sections are raised by a cord, manually or by motor, and pivot around two joints. Lubricate these joints and the cord pulleys so the sections move smoothly.
Step 5
Protect shade sail fixings
If you have a tensioned shade sail, check the turnbuckles, carabiners, shackles and pulleys. Treat them with WD-40 Multi-Use: it displaces moisture, protects against rust and makes adjusting the tension easier. For turnbuckle threads, WD-40 Smart Straw with its precision straw is ideal. Wipe off the excess so it does not mark the sail.
Tip: Before winter, only roll up the awning when the fabric is completely dry and the mechanisms are freshly lubricated. Damp fabric left rolled up grows mould, while fresh lubricant on the joints protects them from condensation until spring.
What next
Service awnings and canopies in spring and autumn, and check the mechanisms again after heavy storms or dusty spells. The same silicone is useful for garage doors, roller shutters and sliding patio doors.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».