Common awning faults
Motor not working
An electric awning that does nothing may have a power, remote or receiver fault, or a motor that has failed. We test each part to find the cause.
Remote or switch faults
Lost or broken remotes can be replaced and paired, and faulty wall switches or receivers repaired.
Arms and springs
Folding arms hold the fabric under tension. Worn joints, broken springs or snapped arm cables make the awning sag or stop extending properly.
Cassette and roller
A damaged cassette or roller tube can stop the awning rolling back in neatly, leaving fabric exposed to the weather.
Fabric
Torn, faded, stretched or mouldy fabric can be replaced with a new made-to-measure cover in a choice of colours.
Manual gearbox and handle
On manual awnings, a slipping gearbox or broken winding handle is a common fault and can usually be replaced.
What to do if your awning is stuck
If the awning is stuck open, avoid using it in wind or heavy rain, as a part-extended awning can catch the wind and damage the arms or the wall fixings. Do not try to force it in by hand or release tensioned arms yourself — they are spring-loaded.
If it is electric, check the power and try the remote and any wall switch. Let us know the make if you know it, whether it is manual or electric, and what happened before it stopped. A photo helps.
Repair or replace?
Many awnings only need one part putting right: new fabric on a sound frame, a replacement motor in the roller tube, or a new arm. That is usually far cheaper than a new awning and keeps the same fixings on your wall.
If the frame is corroded, the fixings are loose in the wall, or several parts are wearing out together, a new awning is often the better investment. We will explain both options so you can decide.
New awnings
If you decide to replace your awning, or are adding one for the first time, see our awnings supply and installation page for made-to-measure patio and commercial awnings, manual or motorised, with a free survey and quote.
For a repair, send us the details on the enquiry form or call us and we will arrange a visit.
Awning repair questions
- Can a retractable awning motor be repaired?
- Often, yes. A motor that has stopped can have a fault in the power supply, the remote, the receiver or the limit settings rather than the motor itself, and those can be put right. If the motor has failed, it can usually be replaced inside the roller tube without replacing the whole awning.
- Can you replace just the awning fabric?
- Yes, if the frame, arms and roller are in good condition. Faded, torn or mouldy fabric can be replaced with a new made-to-measure cover, which gives an older awning a new look at a lower cost than a complete replacement.
- Repair or replace an old awning?
- Repair makes sense when the frame is sound and the fault is limited to one part, such as the fabric, an arm or the motor. Replacement is usually better value when the frame is corroded, the arms are worn throughout, or several parts are failing at once. We will give you both options after looking at it.
Ready to book?
Send us the details on our enquiry form or call us — we're open 24 hours, 7 days a week.