Removing your Valance

Remove the valance of the awning in the fall and store it for the winter so it does not get weather-beaten.
Here are the steps to remove the valance:

• Use a screwdriver to take off one of the plastic end caps on the front bar.
• Loosen the fabric lock screws inside the track on each end of the valance, (these look like a little brass bullet) using an Allen wrench/hex key.
• Slide the valance out of the track and roll it up.  Roll-up your valance, Do NOT fold the valance as the small PVC piping will bend and make it hard to slide it back in when springtime comes.
•  In addition, do NOT remove the PVC piping from the hem of the valance. The piping is much harder to get back into the valance than one would think.
• Be sure to replace the end caps and store the fabric lock screws (bullet-like screws) from the track in a safe place.
• Finally, store your valance in a dry place such as your garage, basement or attic until spring.

Additional tips to help preserve the life of your awning:

• Hose awning down occasionally with a garden hose on a hot summer day (be sure it is dry again before you retract it).  Do NOT use a power washer as it will stretch the fabric creating pockets.
• Keep the underside of awning free from spiders, cobwebs, and bird nests. Simply brush them away with a household broom.
• Keep shrubbery and vines away from awnings since many bushes contain an acid that can be harmful to the fabric.
• Do not allow water to stand on the awning as it could cause the fabric to stretch.

If you have other questions or if you would like information about professional awning cleaning, give Otter Creek Awnings a call at 802-864-3009 or 888-284-4680.