How to Install and Remove Your Awning Valance
The valance is the fabric strip that hangs along the front edge of your Marygrove awning. It looks sharp, blocks low angle sun, and gives the whole setup a finished look. Since it’s built to come on and off, you can pull it down for winter and slide it back on in the spring. Takes about five minutes each way.
This guide covers both jobs, with a video for each one.
Why the Valance Matters
The valance isn’t just decoration. It pulls real weight:
- Extra shade. It blocks that low sun that sneaks under the front bar during morning and late afternoon hours.
- Clean look. The valance gives the awning a polished, finished appearance from the street and from your patio.
- UV protection for the front bar. The fabric shades the front bar hardware, slowing down UV wear.
- Style. Marygrove valances come in matching fabrics so everything looks like it belongs together.
Taking the valance down in the fall protects it from months of unnecessary weather exposure. Putting it back up in the spring keeps it looking fresh all season.
How to Install the Valance (Spring)
Watch the install video, then use the written steps as a quick reference.
Step 1: Extend the Awning
Use your remote to open the awning all the way. The valance attaches to the front bar, so you need it within reach. Adjust the pitch if it’s too high to work on comfortably.
Step 2: Find the Valance Channel
The front bar has a slot running along its length. That’s where the valance slides in. On most Marygrove awnings, it feeds in from one end.
Step 3: Slide the Valance In
Start at one end. Insert the reinforced top edge of the valance (the bead) into the channel opening and slide it across the full width of the bar. The fabric should glide smoothly. If it catches, pull it back a bit and try again.
Step 4: Center and Lock
Once it’s all the way in, center the valance so it hangs evenly on both sides. Some models have a small clip or screw at each end of the channel to keep the valance from sliding out. Secure those if your model has them.
Step 5: Check Your Work
Step back and make sure it hangs straight. Retract and extend the awning once to make sure the valance doesn’t snag or bunch up. It should roll into the cassette cleanly with the rest of the fabric.
How to Remove the Valance (Fall/Winter)
Watch the removal video below.
Step 1: Extend the Awning
Open it up with the remote so the front bar is easy to reach. Drop the pitch if you need to bring it closer.
Step 2: Remove the End Stops
If your model has clips or screws holding the valance in place at each end, take those off first. Put the hardware in a bag so you don’t lose it over winter.
Step 3: Slide It Out
Pull the valance from one end of the channel, sliding it the same direction it went in. Steady and even. Don’t yank it or pull at an angle. That can damage the bead or the channel.
Step 4: Clean It
Before you stash it, brush off any dirt and check for stains. If it needs a wash, hand wash with mild soap and cool water, then let it air dry all the way. Never toss awning fabric in a washing machine or dryer.
Step 5: Store It
Fold or loosely roll the valance and store it somewhere dry, like a closet shelf or storage bin. Skip the damp basement. Clean and dry fabric won’t grow mildew and will be ready to go next spring.
Keeping Your Valance in Great Shape
A little routine care goes a long way:
- Rinse monthly. While the awning is out, spray the valance with a garden hose to knock off pollen, dust, and light dirt.
- Spot clean fast. Bird droppings, sap, or food spills come off easier when you get to them quick. Soft brush, mild soapy water. No bleach.
- Dry before retracting. Just like the main fabric, the valance needs to be dry before you roll it in. Wet fabric in the cassette means mildew.
- Skip the pressure washer. It’ll damage the coating and weaken the material. A regular garden hose does the job.
When to Replace Your Valance
Marygrove valances use the same solution dyed acrylic fabric as the main panel, so they’re built to last. But nothing lasts forever. Here’s when it’s time for a new one:
- Major fading. Solution dyed fabric resists fading much longer than cheap alternatives, but years of sun will lighten any color eventually. If the valance doesn’t match the main panel anymore, a swap brings back that clean uniform look.
- Tears or fraying. Wind blown debris, animals, or rough handling can damage the fabric. Small tears get worse over time if you ignore them.
- Stubborn mildew. If mildew set in deep despite your best cleaning efforts, a fresh valance is the better call.
- Damaged bead. The reinforced edge that slides into the channel can crack or warp. If the valance won’t stay in the channel, it’s time to replace it.
Replacement valances are available through Marygrove in matching or updated fabrics. Browse options on our retractable awnings page, or check your warranty to see if you’re covered.
Need a Hand?
Installing and removing the valance is easy for most homeowners. But if you’d rather have a pro handle it, or if something seems off with the hardware, we’re here for you. Contact customer service or schedule an appointment and a tech will take care of it.
