How Much Does it Cost to Repair an Awning?

Cost of Replacing Awning Parts

Fabric Replacement Prices

Aluminum Awning Strips

Aluminum awning can be repaired through replacement of individual strips, which costs between $200 and $550 including labor. This is an essential step to take if your awning leaks.

Manual Retractable Arm

The arm both holds your canopy and makes sure it can retract manually. A new retractable arm might be as little as $80. Units that support large canopies are more expensive, up to $300.

Manual Worm Gear

A worm gear, which acts as the mechanism to retract a manual canopy, costs between $100 and $300 to replace. When it breaks, you will not be able to move the unit. Replacement is typically your best option.

Automatic Retractable Motor

Replacing the motor can cost between $200 and $600. While small issues are fixable, most motor problems call for replacement. Depending on the brand, motor replacement might include a new retractable arm, as well.

Brackets and Springs

Brackets fasten the canopy to the wall, while springs make sure it is tightly stretched even when fully extended. Both are relatively small parts in the larger unit, and cost between $50 and $100 each including labor. However, they are essential in the use and structure of the awning.

SunSetter Shades

SunSetter parts are on the high end of the above ranges, between $100 and $700 for replacement parts alone. The brand recommends using its own parts to repair your awning. SunSetter will also recommend approved contractors for the re-installation, with costs varying based on project.

Removing and Discarding Old Pieces

You can discard old metal and fabric awning parts at your local transfer station for minimal fees, usually less than $20. Professional part replacement typically includes removal and disposal costs. For motorized parts, check with your transfer station for proper disposal.

Fixing Parts

Fixing individual parts of your awning will cost between $100 and $500. It's a good choice for minor issues in cases where the individual parts can still function.

Electrical Problems

Repairing an electrical problem will cost between $80 and $250. This range includes materials and hiring an electrician. If you have a retractable awning and the mechanism isn't working correctly, the problem could be electrical. This could be a minor electrical issue like a blown fuse or a short.

If other electrical devices on the same circuit aren't working, wiring is the issue. If they are working, the problem is elsewhere.

Motor

Repairing the motor ranges between $150 and $500. Your awning not retracting could be an issue with the motor, which could need replacement or repair. Motor issues range from minor to major. For major issues, replacement is typically your best option.

Rolling Mechanical Arm

Repairing minor problems with the mechanical arm costs as little as $80, including labor. However, because of the low cost of a new part, replacement is best for any issue beyond a small or cosmetic fix.

Rips, Leaks, Snags or Fraying

Fixing a small leak or rip in your awning fabric ranges between $100 and $400 including labor and materials. If the needed repair is a cosmetic one, then how you decide to repair it will affect the budget. For small tears, you could choose to simply have them patched, a minor cost that lasts a short while. For larger tears or fraying around the edges of the awning, there really is no long-term repair other than to replace the awning.

Stains on Wood

When your wood awning stains, you might need to clean it through a pressure wash at a price between $100 and $150. In some cases you will need new paint or stain which costs between $1 to $5 per square foot or $100 to $500 for a 10x10 foot surface area.

Valance

Repairing the valance on your canopy is typically a minor cost, between $50 and $150. The process is similar to rips, leaks, snags, or fraying in the awning itself. Larger patches can get more expensive.

Cost of RV Awning Replacement Parts

When the canopy on your RV begins to fail, replacing individual part often makes more sense than a completely new product. The cost of repair will depend on the exact parts you're looking to replace. Professional labor for re-installation will increase prices. Talk to your RV dealership to get an estimate depending on your exact problem.

Replacing vs. Repairing Patio, Window or RV Awnings

Installing a new awning makes sense in some situations. Plan with a budget between $1,200 and $3,600. Like with other repairs, this investment makes sense when repairs are more expensive than a new unit. Patchy looks or other cosmetic changes can reduce your home's curb appeal, and might be another reason for complete replacement.

Repairs of individual parts can also compromise the integrity of the structure. Minor repairs are not a problem. But when you have to repeatedly take on major projects, the price tends to multiply. Three major repairs in five years cost more than a single replacement.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Taking on awning repair by yourself can save between $50 and $400 of total project cost. The major reason is labor. You pay less if you don't have to hire an awning professional. However, consider the following downfalls of a DIY job:

• Lack of expertise can result in damaged awning or danger for those underneath it.

• Improper repair can lead to leaks and breaks in the canopy.

• Shoddy repair work can be more expensive in the long run than one professional job.

• An incorrectly applied canvas repair kit or tape can cause further rips and tears.

• The cosmetic outcome of an obvious patching job can decrease the aesthetic.

DIY Repair Kits & Canvas Tape

A kit to repair your canvas will cost between $20 and $100. You can buy it at most home improvement stores. However, this type of kit only works for small patches in the vinyl itself, not for larger repair projects. Most kits are limited to holes that are 6 inches in diameter or less.

An even simpler solution is canvas tape, available for $10 to $20 online and at most home improvement stores. This tape simply repairs tears and punctures, but not actual holes. It does offer enough strength to hold your vinyl together.

Tips for Hiring a Repair Service in Your Area

Professional awning repair only makes sense if you hire the right experts. Labor costs will vary based on the type of repair you need and the professional you choose. Your budget may also be affected by whether or not the professional can come to your home to do the repair or will need to remove the awning. These 5 tips can help you make sure that once you spend the money, you know the job will be done right.

1. Get multiple quotes from local contractors.

2. Look for customer reviews and other proof of credibility online.

3. Check with your awning brand for approved contractors.

4. Understand the scope and price of your project before you hire a pro.