FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

♦ Is there really a difference between Awning Companies or is it all a matter of price?

You bet there is a difference! Awnings are CUSTOM MADE. Each manufacturer has their own production techniques. Even though they may be made from similar materials there will be differences in construction. Our firm and its predecessor companies have been in this business for over 95 years. We know what makes quality, durable Awnings.

Beware of the "two guys in an old pickup truck" who offer to sell you an Awning at a lower price and in a lot quicker time. If it sounds too be good to be true... It probably is too good to be true!

Check out How We're Different for a more detailed explanation!

♦ How long will it take to get my new Awning(s)?

All Orders are processed, manufactured and installed in the order in which they are received, subject to materials availability, WEATHER and our seasonal schedule. The product you have ordered has a life expectancy, depending on conditions, use and care of five to ten years. A little patience on your part now will allow us to concentrate on QUALITY which is our main concern.
In the "Off Season" delivery dates generally (but are not guaranteed to) run four to six weeks from ORDER ACCEPTANCE.
During the "Season" delivery dates can be (but are not guaranteed to be) as much as eight to twelve weeks from ORDER ACCEPTANCE.
Due to the custom nature of our work we regret that we cannot accept Orders with delivery deadlines related to events such as graduation parties, bridal/baby showers and such. If you are planning such an event around your Awning purchase, please let us know immediately so that we may decline your Order so that you may make other arrangements. We would rather decline an Order than disappoint a Customer.
You can check the progress of your Order at any time by clicking on the
Order Status link on our Home Page.

♦ Can my Patio/Deck Stationary Awning Frame be taken down for the winter?

We do not recommend taking stationary frames down for the winter. The covers never fit properly when put up in the spring and damage can occur to your deck/patio.

♦ What is the difference between a "Pull Up Drop & a "Roll Up Drop"?

A "Pull Up" drop folds up in accordion fashion (sometimes referred to as a "Roman" shade). A "Roll Up" drop winds up like a window shade.

♦ Does Laurel Awning Company sell Retractable Awnings?

YES - We sell our own Valerium(tm) brand of Retractable Awnings.
A big advantage to dealing with us is that we are a FULL SERVICE Awning Company with over 95 years experience.
As such, we can assess your needs and make recommendations that best fit your particular situation including retractable, fixed frame, aluminum and loose frame Awnings.
Many retractable awning dealers are not FULL SERVICE awning companies. They carry retractable awnings only as a sideline. These companies may not be in a position to offer you the range of solutions that we can. Further, they may not be able to offer service for your retractable Awning in the future such as replacement of the canvas.
Each season we receive phone calls from folks that have purchased a retractable Awning through the mail & cannot install it. Or, they have purchased a retractable Awning from a sideline company and cannot obtain service. It's unfortunate, however, in these instances we must advise that we cannot help them.

♦ What is the Warranty on my new Awning(s)?

Please see our Warranty Info page for warranty details.

♦ Can my Awning(s) be cleaned?

Yes. Please see our Awning Care page for more details.

♦ How often should my Awning(s) be professionally cleaned?

We recommend that you have your Awning(s) professionally cleaned every two (2) to four (4) years depending on their location. When awning fabric is professionally cleaned, the coating placed on the fabric by the manufacturer is removed. This necessitates applying a factory approved water resistance treatment to the fabric. Cleaning and treating awning fabrics will improve their appearance but will never make them look "new".

♦ Does Laurel Awning Company clean Awnings?

Yes. We offer this service at all three of our Shops: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Baltimore.

♦ Will my Awning(s) be waterproof?

NO! Awnings are water resistant not waterproof. Never leave televisions or other items which would be damaged by water under your Awning(s)... And never believe anyone who tells you that a canvas Awning should be waterproof!

♦ Can I leave my Residential Fabric Awning(s) up year round?

We do not recommend that you do so. Awning(s) are particularly sensitive to damage from accumulations of snow and ice. Also, leaving Residential Fabric Awnings up over the winter months will void your warranty.

♦ When will my Awnings be Taken Down & Stored for winter?

Our standard "Take Down & Storage" season begins October first. We try to have all the awnings down by Halloween. (NOTE! This is an optional service not included in the purchase price of your new Awnings.)

♦ If Laurel Awning Company Takes my Awning(s) Down for winter can they be stored at my home or business?

Sorry! Our policy is to store all Awnings we Take Down over the winter in our warehouse.

♦ When will my Awning(s) be Put Up in the spring?

Our Standard "Put Up" season begins April first. We try to have all the awnings up by May 20. (NOTE! This is an optional service not included in the purchase price of your new Awnings.) We Put all Awnings Up by geographic area and not by requested date. This ensures that your Awning(s) are Put Up around the same time as your neighbors.

♦ I'm planning a special event for next spring. Is there an option so that I'll know my Awning(s) will be Put Up in time?

We do offer "Week Certain Service" at an additional cost to accommodate situations like this. This provides you with a way to have your Awning(s) Put Up the week before the week of your event. IF YOU ELECT WEEK CERTAIN SERVICE, WE WILL BE OUT ONE OF THE DAYS, MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, OF THE WEEK YOU CHOOSE.
Have additional questions? Please call us
OR Click here to send us an email!