How to Prevent Water from Pooling on Awning

Water pools on awnings because the pitch is too flat, the arms have lost tension, or debris is weighing the fabric down. Any of those will turn your awning into a paddling pool after a shower. Most of the time, it’s a five-minute fix.

What You’ll Need

Tools

• Step ladder (stable, appropriate height for your awning)
• Spirit level
• Adjustable spanner or wrench
• Soft-bristled brush or broom

Materials / Replacement Parts

• Replacement arm tension springs (if arms are slack)
• Awning pitch adjustment hardware (check your model’s manual)
• Waterproofing re-treatment spray (optional, for older fabric)
• Dry cloth or towel

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How to Fix It: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check and Adjust the Pitch Angle

This is the most common cause. Awnings need a downward pitch of at least 14 degrees to shed water properly. If yours is sitting near horizontal, that’s where your puddles are coming from.

• Extend the awning fully before assessing
• Stand back and look at the angle from the front. If it looks flat, it is flat
• Locate the pitch adjustment mechanism on your wall bracket or arms (usually a bolt or locking lever)
• Use your adjustable spanner to increase the downward tilt
• Use a spirit level to check you’ve got a consistent angle across both sides
• Most manufacturers recommend between 14 and 20 degrees for effective run-off

Step 2: Check the Arms for Sagging or Loose Tension

Over time, the spring tension inside retractable arms weakens. When that happens, the arms don’t hold the fabric taut and it dips in the middle where water collects.

• Extend the awning and look at the arms from the side
• Press lightly on the fabric midway along. If it gives more than a couple of centimetres, the tension’s gone
• On spring-loaded arms, access the tension adjuster at the pivot point (refer to your model’s manual, as this varies)
• If the springs are worn or broken, replace them before doing anything else. Adjusting pitch on a slack arm won’t fix the root problem
• Re-check the arm height on both sides once tension is restored

Step 3: Clear Debris and Check the Fabric

Leaves, dirt and bird droppings build up fast. A pile of wet debris on the fabric adds weight and creates a low point where water gathers, even on a well-pitched awning.

• Brush the fabric from the back of the awning towards the front edge with a soft bristled brush
• Pay particular attention to the area around the roller bar where debris tends to accumulate
• Check for any areas where the fabric has stretched or distorted, as these create dips that hold water
• If the fabric is old and no longer water-resistant, treat it with a suitable awning waterproofing spray. Apply when dry and leave to cure fully before use

Step 4: Dry the Awning and Test

Before you retract the awning, make sure it’s dry. Storing a wet or damp awning speeds up mildew growth, weakens the fabric, and can warp the roller over time.

• Leave the awning extended for at least an hour in dry conditions after cleaning or adjusting
• Run a dry cloth along any edges or seams that hold moisture
• Once dry, retract slowly and listen for any catching or resistance that might indicate the pitch adjustment has affected the mechanism
• Extend it again and pour a small amount of water onto the fabric to test run-off. It should sheet straight off the leading edge within a few seconds