Awning/Screen Room

[Retired and Happy]

We use a screen room under our 22' patio awning when we are to be set up for a week or so but have had problems lately we haven't encountered before.

My current awning fabric was somewhat slack when it was installed, but I expected it would tighten as it aged. Wrong! I caught some water during a sudden storm that bent the roller tube . I was able to partly straighten it, and I added a tension rafter with ground support. All this seems to do is create two pockets for the water instead of one.

With the rear support lower somewhat, we spent one night at WDW pushing a broom up against the fabric to drain the water from the front section. We also had some leaks inside the screen room near the M/H wall, probably due to the weight of the water over time.

I have an appointment to have the awning inspected for possible warranty replacement, but I expect them to say it collects water because of the bent tube, when it actually collected water before the tube bent.

I would be interested in anyone who has had water problems with awnings, and from anyone with experience using a screen room when away from the coach during the day.

I know awning manufacturers say they are for shade, not rain protection, but how can you use a screen room and retract the awning when it gets cloudy? Needless to say, this is not an automatic awning, which would likely not be possible with the screen room anyway. This is the first awning we've had substantial problems with, although we have had other awnings and have used a screen room in the past.

[Retired and Happy]

We use a screen room under our 22' patio awning when we are to be set up for a week or so but have had problems lately we haven't encountered before.

My current awning fabric was somewhat slack when it was installed, but I expected it would tighten as it aged. Wrong! I caught some water during a sudden storm that bent the roller tube . I was able to partly straighten it, and I added a tension rafter with ground support. All this seems to do is create two pockets for the water instead of one.

With the rear support lower somewhat, we spent one night at WDW pushing a broom up against the fabric to drain the water from the front section. We also had some leaks inside the screen room near the M/H wall, probably due to the weight of the water over time.

I have an appointment to have the awning inspected for possible warranty replacement, but I expect them to say it collects water because of the bent tube, when it actually collected water before the tube bent.

I would be interested in anyone who has had water problems with awnings, and from anyone with experience using a screen room when away from the coach during the day.

I know awning manufacturers say they are for shade, not rain protection, but how can you use a screen room and retract the awning when it gets cloudy? Needless to say, this is not an automatic awning, which would likely not be possible with the screen room anyway. This is the first awning we've had substantial problems with, although we have had other awnings and have used a screen room in the past.

[Allegro Happy]

Ken was it a downpour? Sometimes they fill too fast.Also are you sure your side arms are real real tight? That should take up any slack on the sides. And if you ahve a middle support and bracket, it must be the awning is too big? When you lower the one end are you about 3 pegs lower? HOpe they can fix it for you. Good luck

[Retired and Happy]

Yes, it was an unexpected downpour when I was away from the site, and the side arms are as tight as ever. The edges of the awning are tight, but the center just drapes a little over the center rafter no matter how much tension I put in. I don't recall how many pegs I drop the rear arm, but it is several, maybe 6-7 at times. The rear corner is visably angled down compared to the front. I agree the fabric is too big and hope the inspectors agree it was too big before the storm. Thanks for the moral support.

[troth]

Ken, it's good that you bought & installed a center rafter. Point that out to the 'inspector'. Somehow I think that your awning should have come with the center rafter from the dealer/factory. I've heard, as a rule of thumb, any awning greater than 16' in length should have the center rafter. Good luck and keep us posted on the results.