How to Care for Your Outdoor Screens in Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado

Keeping Routine Screen Maintenance Simple

Outdoor screens make patios and outdoor living spaces more comfortable by adding shade, privacy, and protection from the elements. Like any exterior product, they perform best with regular care.

Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado homeowners deal with intense UV exposure, wind-driven dust, and seasonal temperature changes that can affect outdoor shading systems over time. The good news is that Eclipse screens are designed for outdoor conditions, and routine maintenance is simple.

This guide covers the basics of cleaning your screens, caring for moving components, preparing for seasonal changes, and knowing when it's time to call for service.

Simple Steps for Routine Screen Care

Regular maintenance doesn’t require complicated tools or a time-consuming schedule. Most screen care comes down to keeping the fabric, frame, and tracks free of dirt and debris. During periods of regular use, a few simple tasks help maintain your screen's appearance and operation:

• Wipe down the frame to remove dust and buildup

• Rinse screen fabric with a garden hose after dusty or windy conditions

• Check guide tracks and bottom bars for debris

• Inspect the screen for visible changes in tension or alignment

A quick rinse after heavy wind events can prevent dust and grit from collecting in the fabric weave or moving components. Homeowners can handle routine cleaning and visual inspections, but adjustments involving motors, hardware alignment, or screen tension should be left to a professional.

How to Clean Eclipse Screen Fabric

Eclipse screen fabric is built for outdoor use, but the right cleaning method helps protect its appearance and performance. Avoid harsh products or aggressive scrubbing that can affect the fabric over time.

For routine cleaning, follow these steps:

1. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water.

2. Apply the solution using a soft-bristle brush or cloth.

3. Gently clean the fabric using light, even strokes.

4. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose on a gentle setting.

5. Allow the screen to fully dry before retracting it.

Avoid bleach, solvents, abrasive cleaners, and pressure washers. High-pressure cleaning can put unnecessary stress on the fabric and may affect the way the screen operates. Proper cleaning helps protect your screen's appearance while supporting the long-term performance covered by Eclipse's Lifetime Fabric Warranty.

Caring for Motorized Screen Components

Motorized Eclipse screens require a little additional attention because they include moving parts and electronic components. Keep guide tracks and bottom bars clear of dirt, leaves, and other debris that can create resistance during operation. A soft cloth or brush is usually enough to remove buildup.

During routine inspections, look for:

• Debris collecting in tracks

• Damage around the motor housing

• Cracks or impact damage after severe weather

• Changes in how smoothly the screen moves

If the screen hesitates, operates unevenly, or doesn’t respond properly, avoid forcing the system or attempting adjustments yourself. Professional service can identify the issue before a small problem becomes a larger repair.

Eclipse provides Lifetime Motor and Electronic Warranty coverage, and proper care helps protect the performance of those components.

Seasonal Screen Care for Colorado Weather

Outdoor screens in Colorado face conditions that can change quickly throughout the year. High-altitude sun exposure, wind, dust, and freezing temperatures all affect long-term performance.

Summer Screen Care

During warmer months, focus on managing UV exposure and keeping debris under control:

• Retract screens when they aren’t needed for extended periods

• Rinse away dust after windy conditions

• Check fabric and hardware before regular use after long periods of storage

Keeping screens retracted when they’re not providing shade can help limit unnecessary exposure to sun and weather.

Winter Screen Preparation

Before freezing temperatures arrive, inspect your system and prepare it for the season. Our E-Zip systems are built for durability, with wind ratings ranging from 80 to 130 MPH depending on the configuration, but seasonal maintenance still helps protect performance and extend the life of your screens.

• Retract screens when they will not be used regularly

• Clear debris from tracks before it freezes

• Check for fabric tension issues or hardware changes

• Look for signs of misalignment before storing the system for the season

If you notice anything unusual during a seasonal inspection, addressing it early can help prevent larger issues.

What’s Included With Your Free 1-Year Maintenance Plan?

Every Eclipse screen installation from Around The House Home Solutions includes a free 1-year maintenance plan. This gives homeowners additional support after installation and helps address adjustments or concerns that may appear during the first year.

The maintenance plan includes professional check-ins and adjustment support. If your screen develops an issue with alignment, operation, or performance, our team is available with a two-day response commitment. This ongoing support is part of the experience that comes with choosing a locally supported Eclipse screen installation.

Understanding Your Eclipse Screen Warranty Coverage

Eclipse screens are backed by comprehensive warranty protection, including:

• Lifetime Frame Warranty: Covers structural frame components

• Lifetime Fabric Warranty: Covers screen fabric against manufacturing defects

• Lifetime Motor Warranty: Covers motorized drive systems

• Lifetime Electronic Warranty: Covers electronic components and controls

Routine maintenance doesn’t just keep your screens looking better. It helps you get the long-term performance that these warranties are designed to support.

When Should You Call for Screen Service?

Some maintenance tasks are simple DIY projects, but certain issues require professional attention. Contact us if you notice:

• Fabric tears, holes, or visible damage

• A screen that pulls to one side or loses tension

• Tracks that catch, stick, or make operation difficult

• Motor hesitation or failure to respond

• Hardware that appears loose or misaligned

Addressing these issues early can help prevent additional wear and keep your screen operating properly.

Screen Maintenance in Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado

Around The House Home Solutions provides Eclipse screen installation and support throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Monument, Woodland Park, Pueblo, Fountain, Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch.

As an exclusive Eclipse dealer, we provide outdoor screen systems backed by professional installation, warranty support, and ongoing service after your project is complete.

Other Outdoor Shading Solutions

Outdoor screens are one way to make your patio more comfortable throughout the year. Depending on your space and goals, other shading options may also be a good fit.

Explore:

• Privacy Screens for patios and pergolas

• Solar Screens for heat reduction and energy efficiency

• Retractable awnings for adjustable shade coverage

• Motorized pergolas for a more permanent outdoor structure

Each system offers different benefits depending on how you use your outdoor space.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Screen Care

How often should outdoor patio screens be cleaned?

Most outdoor screens benefit from seasonal cleaning, with additional rinsing after dusty or windy conditions. Homes with more exposure to dirt, trees, or frequent outdoor use may need more frequent attention.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean Eclipse screen fabric?

No. Pressure washers can place unnecessary stress on the fabric and moving components. A mild soap solution, soft brush, and gentle hose rinse are safer options.

Does cleaning my screen affect the Eclipse warranty?

Routine cleaning with mild soap and a soft brush supports proper maintenance and does not affect warranty coverage. The Eclipse warranty covers manufacturing defects, while regular care helps maintain performance.

What should I do with my screens before winter in Colorado Springs?

Retract screens that will not be used regularly, clear debris from tracks, and inspect the fabric and hardware before freezing temperatures arrive. If you notice alignment or operation issues, schedule service before the problem worsens.

How quickly can Around The House Home Solutions respond if my screen needs service?

Around The House Home Solutions maintains a two-day response commitment for existing customers who need screen service or support.

Are outdoor patio screens maintained differently than interior window screens?

Yes. Outdoor screens are designed to withstand UV exposure, wind, debris, and changing temperatures that interior screens do not experience. The care recommendations in this guide apply specifically to exterior screen systems.

Does the free maintenance plan apply to all Eclipse screens?

The free 1-year maintenance plan is included with Eclipse screen installations from Around The House Home Solutions. The team can explain what maintenance support applies to your specific system during your consultation.

How should I prepare my outdoor screens before or after a hailstorm?

Before a hailstorm, retract your screens whenever possible to reduce the chance of impact damage. After severe weather passes, inspect the screen fabric, tracks, bottom bar, and hardware for visible damage or changes in operation. Avoid using a screen that appears damaged or misaligned, as continued operation could create additional issues. If you notice tears, dents, unusual movement, or impact damage, contact our team for service.

How long do outdoor patio screens last?

A properly maintained outdoor patio screen system can typically last 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the system’s quality, weather exposure, and how well it’s maintained. Eclipse screens are designed for outdoor conditions with durable fabrics, aluminum components, and warranty coverage for key system components. Regular cleaning, seasonal inspections, and addressing small issues early can help maximize the life of your screen system. 

Keep Your Eclipse Screens Performing Their Best

Proper screen care doesn't have to be complicated. Regular cleaning, seasonal inspections, and professional service when needed help protect your investment. Schedule a free estimate with Around The House Home Solutions to discuss Eclipse screens and the right shading solution for your home.