Are Aleko Awnings Waterproof? (A Beginner’s Guide)

Aleko awnings are lightweight, waterproof, and affordable. They are a perfect option for outdoor spaces that need a little extra protection from the sun and rain. Aleko is a popular option for homeowners who want a great value. 

Aleko allows customers to choose from multiple sizes ranging from 6.5×5 to 20×10. Awnings can even be combined to cover larger areas like decks and patios for commercial and residential purposes. 

Are Aleko Awnings Waterproof?

The most common reason customers have for purchasing a vinyl awing is to block the sun and rain. An awning provides privacy and shelter, giving customers a way to enjoy the outdoors practically  year-round.

So naturally, one of the first questions they have is whether or not the Aleko awnings will stand up to the elements. 

Yes, Aleko awnings are waterproof. Aleko awnings are made with a thin yet strong vinyl fabric that is resistant to rain, dew and other moisture. This fabric also resists mold and mildew and is easy to clean.  Across the web, it is rare to find any customer complaints about the waterproof qualities of these awnings when new or even after a few years. 

Customers rave about the Aleko awnings’ effectiveness in drizzle and light rain conditions. In the spring and summer when the weather is mostly pleasant – but also unpredictable – an awning can be a lifesaver. Whether you are hanging out by the pool or grilling burgers, a waterproof Aleko awning provides just the right amount of protection in case of a pop-up shower. 

Aleko awnings are also effective in heavy rain as long as it isn’t blowing in at an angle. In that scenario, you probaly wouldn’t want to be outside anyway. Just roll up your awning before going in so that the wind and weight of pooling rain doesn’t damage the framing. 

Who Are Aleko Awnings?

Aleko is a major provider of residential and commercial products in the U.S. and Canada. The family-owned company has been in business since 2005, growing steadily thanks to a focus on quality and convenience. 

Over the years, Aleko has expanded their line of exterior products to include solar panels, residential and commercial gates, saunas, and more. The company prides itself on fast, reliable customer service, often replacing products with no questions asked. 

Aleko products can be purchased in a few brick and mortar stores, but the majority of the company’s sales come from online sources. So whether it’s seeing something for yourself or relying on customer reviews, you’ll be able to find the perfect waterproof awning. 

Are Aleko Awnings Any Good?

Customers agree that Aleko awnings are an excellent value.

They are priced at or below the average cost for similar products with comparable quality and durability. There are several color options to choose from, including natural colors, brights, and patterns. Colors are vibrant and resist fading. 

Using the instruction manual – and maybe a little help from the internet – installation only takes a few hours. You do need a second set of hands to make installation go a little smoother. Once your awning is in place, it’s a snap to operate. 

Aleko offers hand crank and motorized options, so regardless of your priorities, physical ability, and budget, you will find an Aleko awning to meet your needs. Non-motorized awnings are a little less expensive but do require some physical strength and endurance. Both motorized and non-motorized styles work well and operate quietly. 

Another great feature that we haven’t discussed yet is that an Aleko awning can be placed virtually anywhere because they are so light. RVs, patios and pergolas are some of the most common places to install an awning because these are areas where an overhead covering can greatly improve the quality of the time you are spending outdoors! 

Aleko awnings can be mounted to brick, wood, and vinyl surfaces. 

How Long Does the Waterproofing Last?

With proper care and cleaning, you can expect your awning to last at least 5 years. However, many homeowners experience 10-15 years of enjoyment from their Aleko awning.

The lifespan of your awning will depend on the following factors: 

  • How much use it gets. If your awning stays out all the time, it’s going to wear out quicker than one that stays retracted most of the time. Understand that using your awning often does affect its lifespan and waterproof characteristics. 
  • The amount of rain, sun and wind it is exposed to. Awnings are designed to protect against sun and a moderate amount of rain. Sunny, warm climates are optimal locations for outdoor awnings. 
  • Cleaning and maintenance. As with most things, the better care you take of it, the longer your awning will last. If you allow dirt, mold and mildew to remain – especially  when the awning is retracted – it will wear down faster. 
  • Damage. Aleko awnings are slim and lightweight. These are desirable qualities when you are installing and using them, but this also means that your awning can be damaged by wind and debris. If your awning experiences damage, it can reduce its water repellant capabilities. 

If you notice after a year or two that your awning does not seem to have the water resistance that it had when it was new, you can add a spray-on water repellent. These products are often used to waterproof tents and other outdoor gear. 

Some homeowners choose to apply a waterproofing agent when they purchase their awning to give it an added layer of protection. This will not damage your awning or void the warranty. It’s a precaution that may be worth your time and effort, extending the life of your awning another few years. 

Another way to extend the life of a waterproof awning is to purchase replacement fabric directly from Aleko and re-cover your awning. This would only be necessary if your owning was torn due to storms or some other type of damage, but you can always opt to change out the awning fabric for a brand new look! 

What About Snow and Ice?

Aleko awnings are not designed to stand up to harsh conditions like snow and ice when extended. If snow is in the forecast, it’s a good idea to roll up your awning so that snow and ice don’t accumulate on it. 

It can take days or even weeks for snow and ice to melt, and while they are types of moisture, Aleko awnings are not designed to hold heavy weight for extended periods. 

The cassette is the hard casing that an awning rolls into. Not all awnings have a cassette, and not all awnings need one. If you live in an area that receives a fair to heavy amount of snow and ice, we recommend that you purchase an awning with at least a half cassette. This will protect the awning fabric during severe weather. 

What Should I Do if Water Pools on the Awning?

Pooling water can ruin your awning. Understanding why the water is pooling is the key to preventing it. 

Water pools on awnings when the fabric sags. This happens for 2 reasons: 

  1. The fabric being pulled or twisted. This happens when wind gets underneath the awning, such as during bad weather when wind blows from different angles. It’s common for lightweight outdoor fixtures to be affected by severe weather. 
  2. The fabric stretching as it ages. No material is resistant to aging. During routine cleanings, inspect your awning to determine how well it is holding up to use. Most awnings that are used on a regular basis need to be repaired or replaced every few years. 

Depending on the reason for the sagging, you can probably put an end to the problem yourself. 

A temporary fix is to push the awning up in the sagging area. Using a tool with a blunt end (so you don’t poke a hole in the awning) push the awning up at the top of the area where water has begun to pool, then work your tool down slowly until all the water runs off. 

This isn’t a permanent solution, of course, but it will relieve the added weight off of your awning so you can make necessary adjustments. If you leave your awning extended most of the time, you can also place a soft, waterproof object between the frame and awning fabric to prevent pooling in the future. 

To solve the problem, you have a couple of DIY options.

  • You can straighten the fabric on the frame to ensure that there is no improper tension. If water just started to pool after a storm, you can bet that wind, rain, or falling debris has caused the awning fabric to move slightly. Even a small change in the angle of the frame or fabric can lead to pooling.
  • You can also purchase replacement fabric and recover your awning. If your awning is several years old, this is a really good idea anyway, since constant sunlight and exposure to moisture weaken it over time. 

Alright, that’s it for this article guys, if you found it useful then a share on social media or your website would be cool!

All the best

Steve

ps here’s a few articles related to this one you might find interesting:

Are Acrylic Awnings Waterproof? (Key Facts)

Are Aluminum Awnings Noisy – We Looked at 5 Models!

Do Awnings Get Hot? 7 Popular Materials Reviewed!

Steve Foster

Suburbanite, tech geek, handy man, automation enthusiast who started blogging about the stuff I do around my home and found he had a knack for it.

Recent Posts