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Winter Maintenance for Your Harol Solar Shading: Keep Your Products in Top Condition

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Winter is the perfect time to give your solar shading — whether screens, awnings, roller shutters or pergola — a quick maintenance check. It helps extend their lifespan, prevents wear and ensures everything operates smoothly again in spring. In this guide, you’ll discover why winter maintenance is essential, which steps you can safely carry out yourself, and when it’s best to call in a professional installer.

Why Winter Maintenance Matters

Harol products are designed for many years of reliable use — but any system that stays outdoors year-round requires periodic care.

Maintenance helps prevent:

  • Dirt build-up in the headbox or guide rails
  • Deposits on fabrics or profiles
  • Wear caused by sand and dust
  • Blockages from leaves or debris
  • Squeaking or heavier-running mechanisms
  • Unnecessary damage from wind, rain or frost

A little attention in winter = a trouble-free spring.

Below are the clear, product-wide Harol maintenance guidelines.

Cleaning the Fabrics

Harol fabrics have a dirt-repellent treatment, but regular cleaning helps extend their durability.

How to clean the fabric:

  • When dry: remove dust with a soft brush, air blower or vacuum cleaner
  • Stains: moisten generously and gently rub with a clean cloth
  • Use mild soap only in exceptional cases
  • Never use aggressive cleaning agents or solvents
  • Never use a pressure washer
  • Always allow the fabric to dry completely before rolling it up

This routine keeps your screens, awnings and wind screens in good condition for longer.

Cleaning the Profiles

This applies to all solar shading: screens, roller shutters, awnings and pergolas with slatted roofs.

Clean the profiles twice a year using lukewarm water and a soft, neutral detergent such as car shampoo. Rinse thoroughly with clean tap water.
Never use abrasive products, scouring pads or corrosive cleaners, as they may damage the coating.
This simple routine keeps Harol profiles looking sleek and immaculate for many years.

Lubricating Moving Parts

For solar shading with guide rails or folding arms, it’s important to lightly lubricate hinge pins and bearings once a year using a Teflon or silicone spray. Take care not to spray the fabric.

For screens with guide rails, ensure the guide blocks are cleaned regularly and treated with a light dry lubricant.

Checking the Motor, Automation and Safety

Winter is the ideal moment to test your motors and sensors.

  • Does the awning operate smoothly?
  • Are there any unusual noises?
  • Does the io control respond correctly?
  • Is the wind sensor functioning properly?

If you notice strange sounds, contact your installer.

Reiniging van goten en waterafvoer

A frequent issue in spring with pergolas and pergolas with slatted roof is clogged gutters due to leaves.

  • Clean the gutters
    • Clear the drainage openings
    • Check for moss or sand

This prevents water accumulation and potential damage.

Preventing Damage During Winter

To avoid damage to your solar shading system during winter, keep these simple guidelines in mind:

Keep your system closed during snow, frost or strong wind, and never roll it up when leaves or twigs are lying on the fabric.
A wet fabric may remain rolled up for a maximum of three days, after which it must dry completely.

Be extra cautious when temperatures drop below freezing — ice can block components.
Never hang objects on the awning to avoid damage.

Have a Winter Check Performed

Although many tasks can be done yourself, a professional annual inspection is always a smart idea.

A Harol installer checks:

  • Mechanical components
  • System settings
  • Fabric tension
  • Motors & sensors
  • Fixation points
  • Wear you may not notice

This keeps your solar shading not only beautiful, but also safe.

Count on Harol

With proper winter maintenance, you extend the lifespan of your installation, preserve its appearance, and enjoy a flawlessly functioning Harol product when spring arrives. Small actions make a big difference — and Harol is ready to help with expert advice or professional service.

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