Salt air is always working
Living near the ocean has a price. Salt rides the breeze and settles on everything. It dulls finishes, spots glass, and speeds up corrosion on the wrong metals.
The good news: a little care beats salt easily. This routine takes an hour or two a year. Your cover will look new for a decade or more.
The quarterly rinse
Hose the cover down every three months. Top, underside, posts, and gutters. Plain water is enough for routine cleaning.
Work top to bottom so dirty water runs off, not onto clean parts. A soft brush helps on stubborn spots. Skip the pressure washer — it can force water into seams.
Gutters twice a year
Clean gutters in spring and fall. Scoop out leaves, seed pods, and the sandy grit that collects. Flush with the hose until water runs clear.
While you are up there, check that downspouts point away from the house and the posts. A misdirected spout erodes soil and stains concrete.
Fasteners and sealant
Once a year, look at the fasteners you can see. Surface rust on a screw is a warning. Replace rusty screws with stainless ones before they stain the frame.
Check sealant lines where the cover meets the house. Cracked or peeling sealant lets water in. A fresh bead takes minutes and stops leaks before they start.
Screens and fabric
Rinse screens with the hose when you rinse the frame. Salt buildup cuts airflow and looks dingy. A soft brush lifts what the hose leaves.
Awning fabric gets mild soap and water once a season. Let it dry fully before retracting for a long stretch. That stops mildew in the folds.
After storms
Walk the cover after every big storm. Look for loose trim, shifted panels, and torn screens from the ground. Do not climb on the roof.
Small damage fixed fast stays small. A loose trim piece becomes a lost trim piece in the next storm. Call for repairs early.
Call (301) 679-9193 or send the form for a free on-site estimate.