Protect your investment from the weather and accidental damage with tailored maintenance for static and drive-away awnings. The UK's unpredictable climate, ranging from blistering sun to torrential rain and gusty winds, demands robust awning care. Unlike retractable models, static and drive-away awnings face unique challenges. This guide blends industry expertise with practical tips to extend your awning’s life.
Why Awning Care Matters
- Cost Protection: Awnings are a significant investment. Proper care avoids the premature need for replacement.
- Weather Battles: UV rays degrade fabric, rain encourages mould, and winds strain seams. Drive-away awnings face added stress from frequent attachment/detachment.
-
Longevity Boost: Well-maintained awnings last 5–15 years, weathering countless adventures
Daily On-Site Care & Weather Defence
Wind Protection:
- Retract roll-out and wind-out awnings where possible if wind speed rises above 15mph. Gusts or squalls of higher speeds can cause significant damage, and a roll-out awning blowing over the top of the vehicle can destroy the awning AND cause damage to the vehicle. Far better to be safe than sorry, especially overnight or if away from the vehicle. If in doubt, don't leave it out!
- Use storm straps or anti-flap kits to minimise movement
- For drive-away models, ensure the Kador strip is securely in the C-channel rail. Again, storm straps provide additional security and stability. It doesn't have to be a storm to use them.
Rain Management:
- Level ground is great for comfort; however, ideally pitch on slightly sloping ground if you're expecting heavy rain, so that rainwater drains away from the awning. Pooled water can become heavy on the fabric, causing sagging and stretching of the material over time. Always push off any pooled water as quickly as possible.
- Angle drive-away tunnels slightly downward to prevent "guttering" at the vehicle junction.
UV Protection:
- Apply UV-protectant waterproofer such as Fabsil annually. Polyester fabrics fade fastest; acrylic/polycotton resists UV rays for longer.
- Roll up during prolonged sun exposure when not in use.
Cleaning by Material Type
Always clean when the fabric is dry and shaded.
| Material | Method | Products to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Soft brush + mild soap. Rinse thoroughly. Air-dry 24–72 hours. | Bleach, petroleum cleaners |
| Polycotton | Vinegar/water (1:1) for stains. Use a quality reproofer post-cleaning | Detergents (strip waterproofing) |
| Vinyl | Antimicrobial cleaner + microfiber cloth. Gentle circular motions only. | Abrasive scrubs |
Stain-Specific Tips:
Bird droppings/tree sap
- Remove immediately with a plastic scraper (if you have any old credit card sized plastic cards without personal information of course, these are ideal emergency scrapers).
Mould
- Treat with diluted Milton sterilising fluid (no stronger than a 1:10 ratio). Test first on a hidden part of the fabric. Never pack away an awning with mould present, it is a living organism that WILL spread.
-
Never use pressure washers: Awnings are designed to cope with heavy rainfall but not high pressures, which can tear stitching, damage seams, and weaken fabric.
Storage & Off-Season Preparation
Packing away your awning properly is just as - sometimes even more - important as how you use the awning. Take care with packing away and storage to ensure your awning is ready for the next trip.
Dryness is Non-Negotiable:
- Packing away damp is an absolute guarantee of mould. Of course, unpredictable weather means that it's not always possible to leave the campsite with a dry awning. If packing away wet to travel home, pack as loosely as possible, don't zip storage bags tightly closed, and unpack to air dry as soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours.
Correct Packing:
- Fold loosely along original creases. Avoid compressing zips/poles.
- Use the awning's supplied breathable storage bag (never wrap in plastic) to prevent condensation.
Hardware Check:
- For steel-poled awnings, lubricate the poles with silicone spray (not oil/grease, which damages fabric).
- Inspect drive-away kits for worn clamps or bent figure-8 connectors.
Damage Repair & When to Replace
- Minor Tears: Patch with vinyl repair tape or adhesive patch kits.
- Small Leaks: Seam sealant can cure minor leaks
- Mould Invasion: Treat with RV-specific mould remover. If stains persist, reproofing may mask discolouration.
-
Replace When: Fabric frays, stitching unravels, or chronic mould returns.
UK-Specific Pro Tips
Pitch Smartly:
- Avoid oak/pine trees, these are sources of sap, acorns and bird droppings. Similarly, trees with berries can be a source of the dreaded purple droppings. Opt for open ground with natural windbreaks.
Drive-Away Specific Tips:
- Before detaching, mark wheel positions to realign perfectly on return. Domed groundsheet pegs are ideal on grass pitches as they will stay in position but not damage your vehicle's tyres.
- Secure any straps or flapping tunnels before leaving the awning in-situ.
Air Awning Tips:
- Keep an eye on the temperature, especially in summer. Air expands in hot temperatures. An awning inflated to its maximum pressure on a cool night may become over-inflated on a very hot day, with the possibility of bursting the air beam. Store air awnings with valves open
Winter Care:
- Remove snow immediately to prevent weight damage. Use polycotton awnings for better cold-weather flexibility.
Final Checklist:
☑️ Clean/reproof before winter storage
☑️ Log maintenance dates (e.g. >"Reproofed: 18 June 2025")
☑️ Inspect seams and poles bi-annually
