Maintenance & FAQ

Ensure your Unicanvas products longevity with our maintenance and cleaning tips.

Maintenance & FAQ
Maintenance & FAQ

Maintenance procedures

Unicanvas Inc. vinyl products are made with very high quality materials. However, it is normal, after several years of use, and on some occasions, that a slight change in the color of the material is observed. This does not alter the quality of the product and we advise you not to try to rectify this situation by using non-recommended products.

Core materials have been treated to be resistant

  • to ultraviolet rays,
  • to weather conditions,
  • to pollution
  • as well as sudden temperature changes.

Water cleaning

Usually, the vinyl used in the manufacture of our products can be cleaned simply with running water. Never apply caustic, insecticide, hairspray or any bleach-based cleaner directly to the vinyl surface. The chemical composition of these products may damage the waterproofing layer of the fabric and threads.

Storage

We recommend storing your awning in a dry, dark place. Be sure to clean and dry it well before storage. Too much moisture can cause mildew on the seams and dirt on the surfaces and damage your product.

Tough stains

1

Vinyl cleaning is done with a soap designed for this purpose (vinyl cleaner diluted according to the product manufacturer's recommendation).

2

Once diluted, cleaning is done with a sponge or a soft brush.

3

Apply the mixture to the brush or sponge, not directly to the surface to be cleaned. Limit the use of this process to surfaces that require it.

4

Avoid excessive rubbing, especially on the seams.

5

Be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of cleaning product.

Important

Avoid the car wash method, which consists of coating the kitchenette or awning with foam and then rinsing it off with large jets. This method quickly reduces the impermeability of the product and can lead to leakage problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. If you have a roll-up awning which has an aluminum roller tube with three grooves. The first groove is for the fabric, the second groove is for the valance and the third groove is for different accessories such as the add-a-room's front walls. This groove must be facing the ground when the awning is open.

The roll-up awning has a mechanism with 2 springs which allows to open and close the awning without having to manipulate the fabric. Two vertical arms support the roller tube and act as hinges during the opening and closing of the awning. The roller tube is mobile. This type of awning is for travelers with travel-trailers, fifthwheels and motorhomes. The fixed awning is a complete structure of pipes which are assembled to support the fabric. We have inserted springs in the diagonal pipes in order to provide a tension on the fabric. The installation of this type of awning will require more manipulations. The awning must be taken down completely if you wish to travel. On the other hand, this awning is recommended for the seasonal campers. The solidity of this structure will allow to support of good quantity of rain and will also resist to stronger winds. The retractable awning has a roller tube similar to the roll-up awning, however, this roller tube is immobilized close to the trailer wall. The two arms which support the front of the awning are in a horizontal position. A crank out handle or a motor will permit to open and to close the awning. This awning is particularly for the motorhomes. It is the most simple type of awning. This awning requires a constant surveillance in case of rain or winds.

Yes. If your fabric is damaged and the balance of awning is in perfect condition, you may order the universal replacement fabric. This fabric will fit perfectly all makes of awnings. Be sure to well measure the fabric as well as the diameter of the beads inside the roller tube and inside the awning rail on the trailer. Note: It is risky to change by oneself the fabric on a roll-up awning. We recommend you have an expert perform this for you.

Yes. We manufacture all our products and therefore have all the intended spare parts available for maintenance, repairs or modifications of our products. In most cases, you will receive your parts in less than 24 to 48 hours from the date and time you placed your order.

Yes. The first step however is to visit the rubric "Find a dealer" this will provide you information on the closest retailer near you. We strongly encourage you to obtain the Unicanvas products at one of our excellent retailers. If however you were unable to find a retailer to answer your requests, you may communicate with us.

Yes. Our retailers have in their possession the complete Unicanvas repair kit. This kit contains a quick drying filling (VLP) and the wide variety of paint colors used by Unicanvas. A so made repair is permanent.

No. These awnings have a weight related factor. You must have a hold on the building structure or on the vehicle. As an example an awning fixed to a brick wall can represent a risk. An awning fixed to the structure behind the brick wall be the appropriate method of installation.

You can obtain the Unicanvas products among one of our numerous retailers. Consult the "Find a dealer" rubric to find the retailer closest to you or you may contact us.

The height of a valence is 7 inches flat including the bead to insert it in the groove of the roller tube.

The applied tension is calculated in number of turns according to the length of the awning. For awnings up to 12 feet, 6 turns on the left and right springs. For awnings from 13 to 15 feet, 7 turns on the left and right springs. For awnings from 16 to 18 feet, 8 turns on the left and right springs. For awnings from 19 to 25 feet, 9 turns on the left and right springs. Note : The Unicanvas springs are coated with grease at the plant and therefore have a long life expectancy. If you need to check a less recent awning, verify the condition of the springs and apply a good quality grease if necessary. If you notice an important corrosion, consider replacing the springs.