How long does an awning last? It depends which part you mean

The frame and arms

Powder coated aluminium does not rust, and a good coating protects it from weathering for a long time. The folding arms contain springs and joints that work every time the awning moves, so they are the moving parts of the frame to watch. Arms that start to drop at the elbow or sit out of line are usually a sign of wear or a knock, and they can often be adjusted or replaced individually. Our guide to awning arms out of alignment covers the common causes.

The fabric

Fabric takes the direct sun, rain and whatever falls from trees and birds. Over time colours fade, the surface finish that helps it shed water wears, and dirt can work in. Fabric that is rolled up wet and left is the most common reason for early mildew marks. When fabric looks tired but the frame is fine, a fabric replacement brings the awning back without starting again.

The motor and controls

Electric awnings use a tubular motor inside the roller. Motors have a thermal cut out that stops them after repeated use in a short time, which protects them from overheating. Remotes and receivers can lose their pairing after a power cut. Neither of these means the motor is failing. A motor that hums without turning, or stops partway every time, is worth having looked at.

What shortens an awning's life

Almost every early failure we see comes back to one of a handful of habits.

• Leaving the awning out in strong wind
• Leaving it extended in heavy rain so water pools on the fabric
• Rolling it up wet and leaving it for weeks
• Letting leaves and bird droppings sit on the fabric
• Forcing a manual winder past its end stop

What helps it last

Bring the awning in when the wind picks up, or fit a wind sensor so it does it for you. If you have to close it wet, open it again to dry when the weather clears. Brush off debris with a soft brush and rinse with clean water now and then. A full cassette housing protects the fabric and arms when closed, which helps most on exposed walls. And have loose wall fixings or odd noises checked early, before they turn into a bigger repair.

Warranty and paperwork

Our awnings are covered by a warranty of up to 10 years, with the terms confirmed in writing for your particular installation. Keep that paperwork with the house documents, along with the model details, so a future repair or fabric replacement can be matched to the right parts.

Repair, replace fabric or replace the awning

If the frame is sound and the arms work, a new fabric is usually the sensible route. If the arms are worn, the motor is failing and the fabric is tired all at the same time, replacing the whole awning can make more sense. Our guide to fabric replacement versus a whole new awning goes through how to decide.