Aluminum Siding Awning Repairs

About Aluminum

• Aluminum is an inexpensive material that is highly malleable and can be worked into an infinite variety of shapes. It does not react chemically with moisture in the environment and does not develop rust. Aluminum is available in a wide range of forms, including sheets, tubes, solid stock and plate. It can be coated to produce a range of colors that match any home exterior.

Advantages of Aluminum Siding

• Aluminum is less expensive than stone or brick for home siding and is not damaged by insects like wood siding. Aluminum siding can be repaired or replaced easily. It can last for up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Aluminum For Awnings

• Aluminum may be used for the frames of fabric awnings, or the entire awning may be made of aluminum. All-aluminum awnings last much longer than fabric types and require little maintenance. Fabric awnings need scrubbing to remove mold and mildew, as well as periodic application of sealers to maintain the fabric's water-resistance. Aluminum awnings only require washing with soap and water.

Aluminum Siding Repairs

• Dents, cracks and fading are common problems as siding ages. Dents are repaired by drilling a 1/8-inch hole into the center of the dent and attaching a washer to a 1-inch self-tapping screw. This is screwed into the dented area and the dent is then pulled outward, according to the Home Siding Center website. Remove the screw and fill the hole with aluminum filler. Then, prime and paint the small area to match the surface. Cracks can be filled with metal filler compound and then sanded to a smooth surface. Prime and paint the siding with an acrylic paint to match the color.

Aluminum Awning Repairs

• Aluminum awnings generally become broken from high winds or salt damage that can corrode the materials. The frames of the awning may break apart. These breaks can be repaired by welding them by metal inert gas or tungsten inert gas methods. MIG welding uses a spool of metal filler that is consumed in the process of welding and uses a variety of gases. TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode that is not consumed during the process and uses mainly argon gas. MIG welding is generally more cost-effective for simple home repairs. The material must be cleaned thoroughly before attempting to join the parts. Cracks in the sheet metal surface of the awning can be repaired with metal filler, which is then sanded, primed and painted to match the surrounding surface.