How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Awning?

Cost of Replacing Awning Parts

Sometimes, repair isn't possible, or a full repair requires replacing individual parts. However, replacing the entire awning is often more cost-effective than replacing one or two parts.

Fabric Replacement Prices

Replacing the fabric on your canopy ranges from $350 to $1,000 including installation. You will need to replace the vinyl if it's severely ripped and no longer protects the area underneath from the elements.

Depending on the situation, you might be able to only replace parts of the fabric for a lower cost. For larger tears or fraying around the awning’s edges, replacing the canopy is the only solution.

Aluminum Awning Strips

You can repair aluminum awnings by replacing individual strips, which costs between $200 and $550 including labor. This is an essential step to take if your awning leaks.

Manual Retractable Arm

A new retractable arm might be as little as $80. The arm both holds your canopy and makes sure it can retract manually. Units that support large canopies are more expensive, costing up to $300.

Manual Worm Gear

A worm gear, which acts as the mechanism to retract a manual canopy, costs between $100 and $300 to replace. When it breaks, you will not be able to move the unit. Replacement is typically your best option.

Automatic Retractable Motor

Replacing the motor can cost between $200 and $600. While small issues are fixable, most motor problems call for replacement. Depending on the brand, motor replacement might include a new retractable arm, as well.

Brackets and Springs

Brackets fasten the canopy to the wall, while springs make sure it stretches tightly even when fully extended. Both are relatively small parts in the larger unit and cost between $50 and $100 each, including labor. However, they’re essential to the awning’s use and structure.

SunSetter Shades

SunSetter parts are on the high end of the range, costing between $100 and $700 for replacement parts alone. The brand recommends using its own parts to repair your awning. SunSetter will also recommend approved contractors for the re-installation, with project-based parts varying.

Removing and Discarding Old Pieces

You can discard old metal and fabric awning parts at your local transfer station for minimal fees, usually less than $20. Professional part replacement typically includes removal and disposal costs. For motorized parts, check with your transfer station for proper disposal.

Fixing Parts

Fixing individual parts of your awning will cost between $100 and $500. It's a good choice for minor issues in cases where the individual parts can still function.

Electrical Problems

Repairing an electrical problem will cost between $80 and $250. This range includes materials and hiring an electrician. If you have a retractable awning and the mechanism isn't working correctly, the problem could be electrical. This could be a minor electrical issue like a blown fuse or a short.

Wiring is the issue if other electrical devices on the same circuit aren't working. If they work, the problem is elsewhere.

Motor

Repairing the motor ranges between $150 and $500. Your awning not retracting could be an issue with the motor, which could need replacement or repair. Motor issues range from minor to major. For major issues, replacement is typically your best option.

Rolling Mechanical Arm

Repairing minor problems with the mechanical arm costs as little as $80, including labor. However, because of the low cost of a new part, replacement is best for any issue beyond a small or cosmetic fix.

Rips, Leaks, Snags, or Fraying

Fixing a small leak or rip in your awning fabric ranges between $100 and $400, including labor and materials. If the needed repair is a cosmetic one, how you decide to repair it will affect the budget. For small tears, you could choose to simply have them patched, a minor cost that lasts a short while. For larger tears or fraying around the edges of the awning, there really is no long-term repair other than to replace the awning.

Stains on Wood

When your wood awning stains, you might need to clean it through a pressure wash for between $200 and $400. In some cases, you’ll need new paint or stain which costs between $3 to $7 per square foot or $300 to $700 for a 10x10-foot surface area.

Valance

Repairing your canopy’s valance is typically a minor cost, between $50 and $150. The process is similar to repairing rips, leaks, snags, or fraying in the awning itself. Larger patches can cost more.

Cost of RV Awning Replacement Parts

When your RV canopy begins to fail, replacing individual parts often makes more sense than covering RV awning repair costs. The repair cost will depend on the exact parts you're looking to replace. Professional labor for re-installation will increase prices. Talk to your RV dealership to get an estimate depending on your exact problem.

Replacing vs. Repairing Patio, Window, or RV Awnings

Installing a new awning makes sense in some situations. Plan with a budget between $1,200 and $3,600. Like other repairs, this investment makes sense when repairs are more expensive than a new unit. Patchy looks or other cosmetic changes can reduce your home's curb appeal, and might be another reason for complete replacement.

Repairs of individual parts can also compromise the integrity of the structure. Minor repairs are not a problem, but when you have to take on major projects repeatedly, the price tends to multiply. Three major repairs in five years cost more than a single replacement. If a patio awning is at the end of its life and you want to upgrade your outdoor living space’s look, you may want to budget for a covered patio instead of a standard patio awning.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Taking on awning repair by yourself can save between $50 and $400 of the project cost. The major reason is labor. You pay less if you don't have to hire an awning professional. However, consider the following downfalls of a DIY job:

• Lack of expertise can result in a damaged awning or danger for those underneath it.

• Improper repair can lead to leaks and breaks in the canopy.

• Shoddy repair work can be more expensive in the long run than one professional job.

• An incorrectly applied canvas repair kit or tape can cause further rips and tears.

• The cosmetic outcome of an obvious patching job can decrease the aesthetic.

DIY Repair Kits & Canvas Tape

A canvas repair kit will cost between $20 and $100. You can buy it at most home improvement stores. However, this type of kit only works for small patches in the vinyl itself, not for larger repair projects. Most kits are limited to holes that are 6 inches in diameter or less.

An even simpler solution is canvas tape, available for $10 to $20 online and at most home improvement stores. This tape simply repairs tears and punctures, but not actual holes. It does offer enough strength to hold your vinyl together.