If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about the sun or rain, a Solara awning is a great option. Solara awnings are retractable, meaning you can extend them when you want to use them and retract them when you don’t. This makes them a versatile addition to any home. However, if you need to extend your Solara awning manually, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you need to locate the manual override crank. This crank is usually located on the side of the awning. Once you have found the crank, you need to turn it clockwise to extend the awning. As you turn the crank, you will hear a clicking sound. This sound is the awning’s gears engaging. Continue turning the crank until the awning is fully extended.
Once the awning is fully extended, you need to secure it in place. To do this, you need to lower the support arms. The support arms are located on the sides of the awning. Once you have lowered the support arms, you need to tighten the knobs on the arms. This will help to keep the awning in place.
Preparing the Awning for Manual Extension
Before attempting to manually extend your Solara awning, it’s crucial to ensure proper preparation to prevent damage or injury. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to assist you:
Pre-Extension Safety Measures
- Check for Obstructions: Before operating the awning, thoroughly inspect the area around it for any obstacles, such as furniture, trees, or power lines. Ensure there is sufficient clearance for the awning to extend and retract without interference.
- Confirm Wind Conditions: Solara awnings are not designed to withstand high winds. Check the weather forecast before extending the awning, and avoid using it in strong gusts or storms.
- Position the Awning: Determine the desired position for the awning and mark it with tape or a similar object on the ground. This will serve as a reference point for aligning the extended awning.
- Secure the Support Legs: Ensure that all support legs are securely in place and properly adjusted to provide a stable foundation for the awning. Failure to do so may cause the awning to collapse or sway dangerously.
- Lubricate Joints: Periodically apply a silicone-based lubricant to the joints and moving parts of the awning mechanism. This will help reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
Step-by-Step Extension Process
- Locate the Crank Handle: Identify the crank handle at the end of the awning roller tube. This handle is used to manually extend and retract the awning fabric.
- Disengage the Safety Ratchet: There is a small lever located near the crank handle that acts as a safety ratchet. Disengage this lever by pushing it outward or inward, depending on the awning model.
- Turn the Crank Handle: Slowly and steadily rotate the crank handle in the appropriate direction to extend the awning fabric. Continue cranking until the desired extension is achieved.
- Lock the Crank Handle: Once the awning is fully extended, re-engage the safety ratchet lever to lock the awning in place and prevent accidental retraction.
- Adjust Support Legs as Needed: If necessary, fine-tune the support legs to ensure that the awning is level and securely positioned.
Additional Tips
- Avoid overextending the awning fabric beyond its recommended limit. This can put excessive strain on the awning and damage the fabric or mechanism.
- If the awning becomes stuck or shows signs of difficulty extending, do not force it. Re-check the safety precautions and seek professional assistance if required.
- Regularly inspect your Solara awning for any signs of damage or wear and address any issues promptly. This will help maintain the awning’s functionality and longevity.
Engaging the Crank Mechanism
The crank mechanism is the central component that allows you to manually extend and retract the Solara awning. Follow these steps to engage the crank effectively:
- Locate the crank handle: The crank handle is usually attached to the side of the awning frame. It may be hidden by a small cover or cap.
- Insert the crank handle into the crank socket: The socket is located on the end of the awning tube. Align the crank handle with the socket and insert it firmly.
- Secure the crank handle: Some models may have a locking mechanism that prevents the crank from slipping out of the socket. Engage the locking mechanism if available.
Proper Cranking Technique
To extend or retract the awning smoothly and efficiently, follow these additional guidelines:
- Use both hands: Grip the crank handle firmly with both hands for increased stability and control.
- Turn the crank clockwise to extend: Rotating the crank clockwise will extend the awning outwards.
- Turn the crank counterclockwise to retract: Rotating the crank counterclockwise will retract the awning back into its casing.
- Extend or retract the awning gradually: Avoid jerking the crank or moving it too quickly. Allow the awning to extend or retract at a steady pace to prevent damage to the fabric or mechanism.
- Check the awning tension: As you crank the awning, observe the fabric tension. Adjust the cranking speed to maintain even tension throughout the awning.
By following these steps, you can engage the crank mechanism and extend or retract the Solara awning manually with ease and safety.
Aligning the Awning Fabric
Once the awning is extended, check if the fabric is aligned properly. If not, you can adjust it manually by following these steps:
- At the end of each rafter, locate the tension adjustment screws.
- Using a wrench or screwdriver, turn the screws clockwise to tighten the fabric or counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Adjust the screws evenly on both sides of the rafter to ensure the fabric is aligned.
- Continue adjusting until the fabric is taut and free of any creases or wrinkles.
- Once the fabric is aligned, tighten the screws to lock it in place.
- Repeat steps 3-5 on each rafter to ensure the entire awning is aligned properly.
Tip: If you have difficulty aligning the fabric, use a level to ensure the rafters are straight and the fabric is parallel to the ground.
Troubleshooting Fabric Alignment Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Fabric sags in the middle | Tighten the tension screws on both ends of the rafters. |
| Fabric is loose on one side | Tighten the tension screws on the loose side of the awning. |
| Fabric is wrinkled | Loosen the tension screws and re-align the fabric, then tighten the screws evenly. |
How To Manually Extend Solara Awning
Solara awnings are a popular choice for homeowners who want to add shade and protection to their outdoor living spaces. While Solara awnings are typically motorized, they can also be extended manually. Here are the steps on how to manually extend a Solara awning:
- Locate the manual override crank handle on the awning frame. The crank handle is usually located near the center of the awning.
- Turn the crank handle clockwise to extend the awning.
- Continue turning the crank handle until the awning is fully extended.
- To retract the awning, simply turn the crank handle counterclockwise.
People Also Ask About How To Manually Extend Solara Awning
How do I reset my Solara awning?
To reset your Solara awning, simply follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the awning.
- Locate the reset button on the awning frame. The reset button is usually located near the motor.
- Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds.
- Turn the power back on to the awning.
How do I troubleshoot my Solara awning?
If you are having trouble with your Solara awning, you can troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:
- Check the power supply to the awning.
- Check the wiring connections to the motor.
- Check the motor for any signs of damage.
- Check the awning fabric for any tears or holes.
- If you cannot find the problem, you can contact a qualified electrician or awning repair technician.
