Roll up awnings, roll out awning, or rollup awnings as as they are referred to, can be stored very easily. Storing the roll out awning itself is best done with the help of two people, one on each side of the awning, instead of having to go around to each side to do the same step.
Place the arm portion of the porch awning into a position that is not extended. I’ll refer to this as a rest position. Next, loosen the rafter knobs so that it releases the catches that are holding the awning in place. Each side should snap into place if you have positioned it properly to release the catch.
Next, slide the rafters down into the rest position. Be sure to hold onto the roll up awning tightly so that it does not retract or roll up on you before grasping it. Then, move the ratchet part to the roll up position while controlling the roll up with the pull strap and awning rod.
When you have finished the rolling up process, secure the travel locks and tighten the rafter knobs. These are the same knobs that you had originally loosened up to start the roll up process. It will be of great help to you if you make sure you and your helper both know how to do these steps easily and quickly. If the weather becomes bad, you may need to do this hurriedly and efficiently.
Practicing rolling your awning in and out will not only give you practice, but will let you know that all of the parts are working and functioning as they should. You might also find that one of the parts might be sticking and not working properly. The ratchet lever is a common part that can very often stick in place and cause you a little stress. Just keep working it to loosen up the parts. You might even try a little spray of WD-40 or some type of lubricant that will keep your awning parts from sticking.
If your problem is not with the actual lever, it might be remedied by using your other hand to pull down a little on the awning support arm at the same time that you are releasing the awning lever. Make sure that the ratchet is working as it is the part that locks the awning into an open or closed position. The ratchet direction is controlled by the way you pull the lever.