Awning Valance: What It Is and What Style to Choose
When you have an awning installed, you of course want it to not only be functional, but also beautiful. When you have an awning valance, that is exactly what you get. Thanks to the variety available today, you can have an awning with a valance that will perfectly match your building’s architecture. If you’re eager to learn more about awning valance styles and retractable awnings, our team here at Rollac has all you need to know.
What is an Awning Valance?
When you see valances on windows, they are there primarily to cover up hardware such as curtain rods or blinds, rather than just add more beauty to the window itself. However, that’s not the case with valances that are on retractable awnings you may want installed on your patio or elsewhere. Instead, the valance will hang on the bottom edge of your awning, helping to provide shade as well as beauty and class to your surroundings.
What is the Best Length for a Valance?
When you are choosing your drop arm awning for your home or business, getting the valance length correct can make a world of difference. On most awnings, the standard valance length is eight inches. However, if you know your awning will be located in a spot that gets a large amount of early morning or late afternoon sun, it is possible to have your valance length be extended to 12 inches.
This will not impact the overall look of your awning, since the valance will be the same color as your awning’s main fabric. Along with offering protection from the sun, an extended valance can also provide additional wind protection to your awning and give you and your guests a bit more privacy.
What are the Different Types of Valance Styles?
The great thing about valances is that they come in so many styles. But remember, you can also have a retractable awning without a valance if you so choose. However, unless you simply want a very no-frills look, you will be like most of our customers and select a valance that enhances the beauty of your awning.
Some of the most popular awning valance styles include:
- French
- Roman
- Riviera
- English
- Southwestern
- Spanish
- Greek
- Rolling Hills
- Straight-Hemmed.
If you desire a clean and minimalist look to your awning, we recommend the Straight-Hemmed Edge valance. Should you have a home or business in a coastal area, the Riviera valance fits in great in such locations. For many customers, the stunning stepped pyramid design usually found in Native American art is incorporated into the Southwestern valance. The great thing is whatever look you want for your retractable awning at your home or business, there is a valance style for you.
How Do You Remove or Replace an Awning Valance?
While you may think this process is hard, it’s actually very easy. Actually, it only involves two steps. First, use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws at each end of the valance, then remove the awning valance end caps. When doing so, always keep them together. Next, you just slide the fabric out of your awning. Once you completely remove the valance from the awning, the removal is finished. To replace the awning, simply reverse these steps.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Awning Valance
Caring for your awning should include some maintenance for the valance too. To maintain your awning valance, remove it just before the winter weather arrives. Whether you live in an area that has very harsh winters or just in an area where the weather gets below freezing now and then, removing the valance will keep it and the awning’s piping from fraying and sustaining other damage.
As for cleaning your awning valance, it’s not very different from cleaning your awning in general. Follow these steps:
Rinse it off
Use a garden hose to rinse off your awning and valance.
Scrub with soap and water
Use warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush to clean the fabric and remove dirt and grime from its surface.
Clear Off Dust and Fuzz
This will help maintain the fabric’s look and allow it to last longer.
Let it Dry
Before storing it, let it dry completely so that mold and mildew won’t form.
Store in a Dry Place
Store in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. Keep the valance, end caps, and screws together.
What Not To Do
Don’t Store in Bad Weather
Even though your retractable awning is waterproof and very well-made, don’t store it in bad weather. By keeping it out of direct sunlight and other elements, you will extend its life.
Don’t Fold the Valance
Remember to never fold the awning valance when preparing it for storage. If it is folded, you will soon notice creases. Instead, coil the valance.
Don’t Store the Screws and Caps Separately
If you store the screws and caps apart from the valance, they may get lost. Instead, keep everything together.
How Much Does an Awning Valance Cost?
In most cases when you purchase a retractable awning, there is no additional cost for the valance. Should you at some point need or want a replacement valance, the cost can vary depending on its size and style. For smaller valances, you may pay between $40-$50. If the valance you need is larger or requires specialties such as a unique pattern, your costs could go up to $200-$300.
Contact Us Today
If you have questions about retractable awning fabric repair and replacement or want to learn more about the various types of awning valance styles, contact us today here at Rollac. Once you do, you will be able to learn about awning valance pricing, care and maintenance, and much more. By placing your trust in us to give you the best customer service and outstanding expert advice along the way, you’ll soon have a retractable awning and valance you’ll love.