Wind tore awning at seam--repair?

[jholder]

Last night while we were gone, a storm shot across the lake out of nowhere. I pulled up at just the right time and got our awnings closed, but the smaller one on the side opposite the door whipped and ripped along about 25%. How in the world would I repair?

First time I forgot to put awnings away! Could have been worse!

[dznf0g]

That thin strip of fabric with twin beads is available from zip dee. The entire awning roll must be removed to slide in a new strip. Study up on how to remove the awning safely, as the roll is under spring tension. Best to do this with 2 people.

[dznf0g]

It is common for this strip to deteriorate over time, as it is expose to the elements and sunlight.
Probably time to replace them all as a preventative measure. If one is weak, the rest are too.

[jholder]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

That thin strip of fabric with twin beads is available from zip dee. The entire awning roll must be removed to slide in a new strip. Study up on how to remove the awning safely, as the roll is under spring tension. Best to do this with 2 people.

Thanks so much! Would this most likely mean the entire fabric of the awning will have to be replaced? Wasn't sure if it's one piece design.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by jholder

Thanks so much! Would this most likely mean the entire fabric of the awning will have to be replaced? Wasn't sure if it's one piece design.

Probably not, as the rest of the fabric is protected by the metal cover when rolled up.

[jholder]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Probably not, as the rest of the fabric is protected by the metal cover when rolled up.

Ah. Ok. I hadn't inspected closely yet, as I wanted to let it rest some today. Ha!

[dznf0g]

Zip dee has repair instructions on their website.

[jholder]

Thank you so very much for taking this time!

[dznf0g]

No problem!

[CRH]

Originally Posted by jholder

Thanks so much! Would this most likely mean the entire fabric of the awning will have to be replaced? Wasn't sure if it's one piece design.

Check the awning seams. At the 20 year mark, the threads in my awnings seams were rotten. The fabric was solid. I had to have it restitched.

[dznf0g]

OP's trailer is a 2009....so I doubt the seams are rotten, unless the awning has been deployed an inordinate amount of time. However, his experience with the connector section makes me suspicious of my 2007, which has been outside most of its life.

[jholder]

As always, looks like you guys were right :-) hopefully it is just that strip next to the track and then connects to the metal flap. While not used a lot, this one did sit in Miami for several years and I think received some dry rot issues.

[CRH]

FWIW.... The strip is called Flex Key

[jholder]

Originally Posted by CRH

FWIW.... The strip is called Flex Key

Thanks SO much.

[jholder]

So relieved it's not a full replacement! Thank you Lord!

[cwf]

I just received a new 'flex key' from ZipDee for our street side awning which tore. Thankfully, we do not expect more damage.

ZipDee sends the replacement promptly. You will need the width and length of the Flex Key... then ring them up..

I will do ours after Easter... If possible, I will video the process... at least the steps, not all the fussing and beer drinking....

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by cwf

I just received a new 'flex key' from ZipDee for our street side awning which tore. Thankfully, we do not expect more damage.

ZipDee sends the replacement promptly. You will need the width and length of the Flex Key... then ring them up..

I will do ours after Easter... If possible, I will video the process... at least the steps, not all the fussing and beer drinking....

Channing,
Did you make the video of the flex key replacement?
I rolled out my longest curb side awning this afternoon. The 2" cloth part is ripped at one end and has a hole near the center of the awning. The hole is large enough that a tree frog moved in
Looks like replacement is going to happen soon.
Any advice/instruction would be appreciated!
Thanks!