Water in rolled up awning?

bchahn1950 · 08-15-2021, 01:09 PM

I've posted this a few years ago without much responce. I am hoping someone has found a solution...or tellme why I might be one of few with this issue.

Every time it rains we get water in our rolled up awning. Maybe a cup worth but enough to spread out thru the awning and cause mold. Its not just the first roll which is where most of the mold occurs but clear to the final turn. I try to open it each time but would like a solution to prevent this from happening.

Thanks for any and all ideas.

Craig

APD · 08-15-2021, 02:16 PM

Would an awning cover help? Or make it worse?
Here's a place that sells 'em:
https://www.recpro.com/rv-awning-cov...hoCjsIQAvD_BwE

bchahn1950 · 08-15-2021, 03:38 PM

It would be nice if they showed one installed. I assume you would have to remote it when in use. It does give me a thought about covering the ends if I can figure that out.
Thanks for the idea.

APD · 08-15-2021, 05:28 PM

How about a couple of 2 liter soda bottles? Cut the bottom out and slip 'em over the ends.

bchahn1950 · 08-15-2021, 05:58 PM

Oh. Yeah. Definitely worth a try and replaceable if I loose them of forget and travel with them on.
I was thinking about the white sewer pipe with a cap, but how to get them on and off. ??

RipVan · 08-16-2021, 06:26 AM

Last week we had some torrential rain on two separate days. I’m quite sure that there’s some water that’s been drawn into the rolled up awning. I’m going to roll the awning out today and let it dry out. If the water isn’t allowed to sit there for too long, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Drying the awning and placing some sort of cover prior to Winter storage would be a good idea though.

RipVan · 08-16-2021, 06:54 AM

Quick follow up to my post. Rolled out the awning and yes there was some water but nowhere near a cup

. Today’s forecast of “mostly sunny with no chance of rain” (hope I didn’t jinx myself) should allow the awning to dry out. I’ll roll it back up this afternoon.
I will say that I have had some mold issues in the past and was able to clean that up with a bleach solution and some elbow grease

. The underside of the awning suffers the most as it is never subjected to direct sunlight.
I make sure that the awning is dry before the final roll up prior to Winter storage (indoor) but I do think that I’ll be looking at ways to cover the exposed ends while our FF sits on its parking pad awaiting its next journey

Eagle · 08-16-2021, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bchahn1950

Every time it rains we get water in our rolled up awning.

Same here. I usually extend the awning and let it dry out.

It hasn't been much of an issue here this year as we are in a drought situation but have had a few 12" - 16" rainfalls ... that is 12" - 16" between rain drops!

Haven't really ever had a mold issue but bugs crawl in and die, leaving a messing awning when extended.

bchahn1950 · 08-16-2021, 01:03 PM

Thank you, RipVan. I have done pretty much the same. I'm concerned on what damage the bleach might cause but it does a pretty good job on the mold. I'll let you know if covering the ends does stop the accumulation. Now to find someone who drinks soda in bulk.

bchahn1950 · 08-16-2021, 01:06 PM

HaHa. 12" rains. Never had the bug problem. Without others chiming in here with the same issue I'm wondering if my awning install has been the problem.

Eagle · 08-16-2021, 01:22 PM

It seems with 'open/exposed ends' the rain has easy access especailly with a little wind to drive it into small spaces.

The bugs will leave dark stains on the underside of the awning which is white so they show up magnificently.

I haven't used bleach to clean the underside - rather I've used a bathroom cleaner like 'Home Armor Instant 2X Mold and Mildew stain remover' or 'Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter' that removes soap scum and is an excellent vinyl shower curtain cleaner - or similar product works well. sometimes tough spots required some brushing with a long handled brush used to wash the camper and when finished, a good rinse with clear water.

bchahn1950 · 08-16-2021, 01:29 PM

I get a brown leftover stain even after I wash and rinse. But I limit the time exposed to the bleach. Many products have bleach in them so be careful to not oxidize the fabric too much.

RipVan · 08-18-2021, 08:55 AM

The bleach solution doesn’t have to be very strong. (Can’t remember what the dilution is ?) Most of the removal work is done by elbow grease ��! I do rinse/wipe with straight water after the bleach treatment.

Dleit53 · 08-22-2021, 11:26 AM

I have owned 3 RVs. Every one of them got water in the awning. I guess it's normal.

APD · 08-22-2021, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dleit53

I have owned 3 RVs. Every one of them got water in the awning. I guess it's normal.

You're correct.
Any rolled up item will do the same. Capillary action will draw water/moisture into the roll if the ends get wet.

randyjames · 08-23-2021, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bchahn1950

Thank you, RipVan. I have done pretty much the same. I'm concerned on what damage the bleach might cause but it does a pretty good job on the mold. I'll let you know if covering the ends does stop the accumulation. Now to find someone who drinks soda in bulk.

Better than bleach for mold control, Concrobium. You can get it in the paint department at Home Depot (probably Lowe's too). Bleach evaporates fast but Concrobium stays on the surface quite a while.