How to Tension a Folding Arm Awning

A folding arm awning loses tension with use: the fabric starts to flap, pockets form where water collects, and the arms stop closing properly. Learning how to tension a folding arm awning lets you restore its performance without calling a technician every season. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to do it safely.

Why does a folding arm awning lose tension?

Over time and with exposure to wind, the folding arms gradually lose the pressure of their internal springs and the fabric gives by a few millimetres. The result is visible: the fabric no longer sits flat, it vibrates in the wind and, above all, water pockets form when it rains. Those pockets are the awning's main enemy, because the accumulated weight strains the structure and can even tear the fabric.

Tensioning the awning periodically corrects the drop of the arms, restores the correct drainage angle and prevents greater damage to the fabric and mechanism.

What you need before you start

• An Allen key matching the size of the adjustment screws (usually supplied with the awning).
• A stable ladder and, if possible, a second person to hold it steady.
• A spirit level or a level app on your phone to check the inclination.
• The manufacturer's manual: each model indicates the exact adjustment point.

Always work with the awning half extended, never fully retracted or fully open, so you can comfortably reach the screws.

How to tension a folding arm awning step by step

1. Locate the adjustment screws

On a folding arm awning, tension is adjusted at the arm elbow or at the bracket connecting the arm to the front bar. You will normally find an Allen screw that regulates the drop angle. Identify it before touching anything.

2. Adjust the inclination of the arms

Turn the screw in the direction indicated by the manufacturer (usually clockwise to increase the drop and tension). Do it half a turn at a time and equally on both arms: if you tension one more than the other, the awning will sit crooked.

3. Check the fabric tension

With the arms adjusted, the fabric should sit flat and firm, with no transverse creases or pockets. Extend the awning fully and look at it against the light: if it is still flapping, repeat the adjustment half a turn more on each arm.

4. Verify the levelling and the drop

Using the level, confirm that the front bar sits parallel to the ground (or with the slight drainage incline it had from the factory). Retract and extend the awning two or three times to make sure it closes without rubbing or forcing.

Common mistakes when tensioning an awning

The most frequent mistake is tensioning only one arm, which leaves the fabric out of square and overloads one side. Another common error is forcing the screws to the limit: the springs have a limited travel and overtightening can damage the mechanism. It is also unwise to tension in strong wind or to leave the awning retracted while wet, something we also cover across our range of awnings and their maintenance.

When to call a professional

If the fabric keeps giving after the adjustment, if the arms make noise or fail to close, or if you notice play in the anchors, the problem is not tension but the mechanism. On motorised or large-format awnings such as the cassette models, adjustment requires specific tools. In those cases, the safest option is a technical service: you can contact our team for an inspection.

Frequently asked questions about how to tension a folding arm awning

How often should a folding arm awning be tensioned?

As a reference, it is worth checking the tension once a year, at the start of the season. In windy areas or with intensive use (hospitality), the ideal is to check it twice a year.

Can I tension the awning myself?

Yes, on manual or semi-automatic awnings with an accessible adjustment screw. An Allen key and equal adjustment on both arms is all you need. On motorised or large systems, a technical service is preferable.

Why does water collect on my awning?

Because the arms have lost their drop and the fabric has become too horizontal. By tensioning and restoring the drainage incline, water runs off the edge again instead of pooling.

Can tensioning the awning damage the fabric?

No, if done gradually. The risk appears when the screws are forced all at once or one arm is left far more tensioned than the other, creating tension points that fatigue the fabric.