Stitching in seams in awning disintegrated after a few Southern Ontario summers. Company wanted min $600 to repair. Stitching on top of awning facing sun was a single-thread, basting stitch. Obviously inferior thread and stitching used for outdoor sun exposure. Company did not respond to repeated requests to discuss. Just a money grabbing company.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $1,500.00
- Company Response
Hello,
Just wanted to set a few facts straight, This Awning was purchased in 2006. At that time we offered a 5 year warranty we are now into year 8. We always try to help our customers to the best of our abilities and pride ourselves on this fact. After speaking to the customer and giving them a verbal quote at a reduced rate they responded with a letter and we in turn replied to with at written letter which was mailed out (please see attached letter). We have installed thousands of Awning in the GTA since 1996 and have never had a negative response. We are here to please and are willing to work with you.Ann & John
Subject: Your awning installed in May 2006
Dear Mr. & Mrs.
I am sorry to hear that your awning has a seam separating after 8 years of sun and weather exposure. However, the thread used on your awning is the same thread used for thousands of awnings on the market including our competitors. It is not unusual to get a thread breaking after 8 years with the high ultra-violet exposure it faces.
We used the best thread available at the time. There has since been some improvements in the field of UV resistance but it was not available 8 years ago. We always use the best thread available to the trade.
Most customers replace their covers for retractable awnings after 10 years. However, it can occasionally happen that the thread goes before 10 years and obviously happened in your case. It is also possible that a bird could have picked at the thread but in any case, the 8 year is not out of the ordinary.
I don’t know what you expect from us but most of our many customers replace the cover (not worth repairing as the thread will break down somewhere else within a couple of years) plus the cost of the labor to take down and re-install does not justify repairing. That is why most customers elect to replace the fabric and hopefully get 10 years (or 8) with a new cover.
The temporary solution would be to use a double sided tape or we can supply a fabric glue that works fairly good but is visible. The glue is $20.
However, you will face the inevitable within a few years and have to replace the cover.The cost to replace your cover is actually $864 plus HST.
Best Regards,
Michel Bernard
Sunguard Products Ltd.
3600A Laird Rd. Unit #5
Mississauga, Ontario L5L 6A6Michel Bernard
Sunguard Products Ltd.
