The decision to retract or extend an awning when it s raining is more a matter of responsible judgment and your discretion.
Putting up an awning in the rain.
Just do not leave for more than a day or so if wet.
When it rains you have vegetable matter in the rain most awning cloths have anti mould treatments.
Aspects to keep in view the important aspect to keep in mind is that the awning should be installed at a proper pitch or slope.
Packing up a wet awning.
Water trapped in a rolled up awning is the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow.
You need to sure to put the head of the bolt on the outside to avoid tearing fabric.
Repeat this on opposite side.
Rain and rain water pooling will add weight to the canopy and can damage the awning.
Never leave more than 24 hours in this condition.
If the poles are damp wipe them down before putting away and if the awning is wet dry it out at the earliest opportunity.
We have all been stuck packing up camp in the rain but once you get back home or to your next destination get that awning open as soon as possible.
If you need it you put it up.
Quality awnings are specially designed to have a proper pitch or slope that allows moisture to run off and not add continuous weight to the awning fabric and frame.
Moisture and a rolled up awning are a bad combination.
Here s my method for preventing rainwater build up on my awning.
Attach the support arms to the camel back bracket that are already mounted on the edge canopy rafter at the front of the awning.
However most awning manufacturers will recommend that awnings be fully retracted in difficult weather conditions.
If you pack it wet and leave to long or in a warm locker or van the wet combined with the vegetable matter will fester into mould and spores leaving a nice mess.
Adding a rain sensor to a motorized awning will automatically close the cover if it rains which will protect your investment too.
Attach outer canopy rafters to pre installed front edge trim.