Adding an awning to your patio is a great way to create a more comfortable outdoor area to share with your family. Unfortunately, awnings can sometimes need a little help opening and closing. Here, you'll find a few tips to help you when the awning's motor stops operating as it should. The main problems that cause this issue include:

Electrical Issue – The problem could be as simple as a blown fuse or tripped breaker. Before you begin ripping things apart, go to your breaker panel, shut the breaker off and then turn it back on. Check to see if that fixed the issue. Did you check to make sure that the motor is plugged in? If it's plugged in and the breaker is good, get a lamp and plug it into the outlet. Turn the lamp on. Did it light up? If not, you'll be needing an electrician to come out and repair the issues causing the outlet to no longer work. If the outlet is good, there's something going on with the motor itself.

Sensor Failure – Some motorized awnings are equipped with small sensors that monitor the weather and can tell the awning to close when the winds pick up. If this sensor goes bad, it will not relay signals back to the motor as it should and it could prevent the awning from opening or closing when you try to do it manually. Replacement sensors can be ordered from your awning supplier, but they should be professionally installed to ensure that it is done properly and it will fix the problems you're having.

Junk Motor – Unfortunately, not every motor is not made with the same quality. It could be that you opted for a cheaper awning set-up and the motor has just failed. You can upgrade the motor, but you'll need professional assistance to do so. If you choose a motor that's too small, it won't have the power to pull the awning closed. If you choose a motor that's not compatible with your set-up, it may not work at all and you could have to pay to return it.

Talk with the awning professionals near you. They will help you get your awning operating as it should, and if they can't, they'll be able to guide you towards buying a new one that won't fail.

For more information, contact companies like Lockhart Gene & Son Canvas Awnings.