Do I need to do anything special for winter storage?

Winter Storage Tips for Your SunSetter Awning

Whether or not you need to prepare your SunSetter Awning for winter depends on the type of awning you own and any features or accessories you’ve purchased. In general, no special winter maintenance is required, as SunSetter awnings are built to withstand winter weather.

That said, based on our 20+ years of experience servicing SunSetter products, we’ve gathered practical recommendations to help ensure your awning remains in excellent condition through the winter months. These tips are based on real-world scenarios our customers have encountered and the solutions that have worked best for them.

General Rule of Thumb

Awnings are designed to provide shade and protection from the sun—not to endure extreme weather. If you wouldn’t want to be outside in certain conditions, your awning wouldn’t either. As a best practice, avoid operating your awning during:
✅ Snow, freezing rain, or ice storms
✅ High winds
✅ Heavy rain

Winter Storage Recommendations

For Windy Environments

Some customers have noticed that their valance fabric flaps in the wind while the awning is closed, creating an unnecessary nuisance. If this happens, we recommend removing the valance fabric, which is a simple process. If you need guidance on how to do this, feel free to give us a call—we’re happy to walk you through it.

For Motorized Awnings

To prevent accidental operation during harsh weather, we suggest:
✔ Unplugging the unit for the winter months
✔ Deactivating the breaker/GFCI outlet that powers your awning

This extra step completely disables the motor, ensuring your awning remains safely stored until spring.

For Awnings Without the Aluminum Hood Assembly

If your awning does not include the SunSetter Protective Aluminum Hood Assembly, we recommend installing a SunSetter Awning Cover. This durable tarping system, made from SunSetter’s Traditional Laminated Fabric (Cream Color), provides additional protection from snow and ice buildup.

✔ The cover wraps around the fabric roller bar and is secured with tie-downs.
✔ It’s designed for seasonal storage only and must be manually installed.
✔ D. L. Gibson Enterprises can order and install it for you!

Need Help? We’re Here for You!

If you have any questions or need assistance with winter preparation or awning storage solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Douglas L. Gibson Enterprises, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your SunSetter Awning—all year long.