Awnings are a significant, and worthwhile, investment for a commercial property. They provide shade for customers and staff, protect windows and storefronts from the elements, and enhance curb appeal. However, like any exterior design feature, they are constantly exposed to sun, rain, pollen, and city grime. Over time, that exposure turns a sharp, vibrant awning into a faded, dirty eyesore.
A proactive approach to awning cleaning erases the grime left behind by the elements and protects the investment for years to come. Fortunately, the right commercial maintenance partner makes this process seamless.
The Real Value of Professional Awning Cleaning
A clean, vibrant awning creates a welcoming and professional appearance. This enhanced curb appeal is especially important for retail and hospitality industries where first impressions directly impact traffic.
Along with improved appearance, professional awning cleaning helps get the most useful life out of these expensive features. Dirt, mold, and mildew are inescapable outdoors, and if left untreated, they break down fabric fibers and seams. Professional cleaning removes these damaging elements, prevents premature deterioration, and extends the life of the awning.
Mold and mildew don’t just damage fabric surfaces but can also exacerbate health issues for tenants and customers. Professional cleaning removes these irritants to promote a healthier and more sanitary space.
Property managers can enjoy enhanced curb appeal, extended awning lifespans, and improved safety when cleaning is done right. However, there are many wrong ways to approach awning cleaning that not only sacrifice these benefits but also create new issues.
The Common Pitfalls of Awning Cleaning
Inexperienced cleaners often use harsh chemicals, like bleach, in an attempt to remove dirt and grime from awnings. However, these strong detergents strip the color from the fabric and break down protective UV and water-repellant coatings.
Further, commercial awnings are not designed to withstand high water pressure. A blast from a pressure washer can easily tear seams, rip fabric, and weaken the awning’s structure.
Finally, entrusting awning cleaning to a handyman or internal staff member often results in a subpar clean. These inexperienced cleaners frequently leave behind streaks, miss spots, or damage surrounding property.
In short, improper methods often implemented by general maintenance teams worsen curb appeal and shorten the awning’s useful life. Conversely, professional cleaners have the expertise to avoid these common pitfalls.
The Professional Cleaning Process
A professional commercial maintenance company will start by assessing awning materials and their current condition. Then, they will recommend a plan of action that includes the right chemicals, water pressure, and cleaning frequency to restore awnings and keep them clean. This plan generally includes three parts – a deep clean, protective treatments, and ongoing maintenance.
An Initial Deep Clean
If it has been a few months or years since the awnings were last cleaned, an initial deep clean is typically required. This generally includes fabric-safe solutions to gently break down dirt, grime, and organic growth followed by a low-pressure rinse to remove residue.
Protective Treatments
Following the initial cleaning, specialized treatments are used to protect the awnings from the most common sources of damage. These typically include a UV protectant to prevent fading and can also include water proofing or fungicides as needed.
Ongoing Maintenance
Dirt and grime will continue to accumulate, so a professional maintenance partner will recommend a schedule for continued cleanings. The standard length of time between cleanings is 6 months, but this timeframe could change based on local weather, condition of awnings, and the material being cleaned.
Choosing A Commercial Property Maintenance Partner
There are many companies offering awning cleaning services, and choosing the right one is essential to achieving optimal results while avoiding damage. To make the right choice, evaluate potential partners based on the following characteristics.
- Expertise and Equipment. The right partner should have vast experience with different types of awnings and commercial properties. They should also have the right equipment to manage water pressure and cleaning agents to avoid chemical damage.
- Safety Training and Insurance. Accidents are always a possibility, so the right commercial maintenance partner will provide safety training for their staff and carry appropriate insurance to reduce liability for property owners.
- A Holistic Approach. An ideal commercial property maintenance company will handle the entire exterior of a property to minimize the number of vendor relationships a property manager needs to maintain.
A clean, well-maintained facade reflects a professionally managed property. By partnering with a comprehensive commercial maintenance company, property managers can ensure awnings add to the impression of professionalism, not detract from it.
Your Awnings Will Look Brand New with Terra CPS
At Terra CPS, our team is highly skilled in removing years of buildup from your awnings and returning them to their former glory. We also keep them looking fresh with scheduled maintenance cleanings so you can preserve curb appeal year-round and protect your investment.
Awning cleaning is just a part of our comprehensive commercial maintenance solution. We also handle your ongoing tasks like pressure washing, sweeping, day portering, light maintenance, and landscaping. Our unique program allows you to bundle these services into one plan with a monthly payment structure and dedicated account manager.
To get started with the only commercial maintenance partner you will need, contact us today.