Metal Awning Covers

For UV coverage while in storage, I use a long piece of PVC rain gutter, tied onto the ends of the awning -- works great, as long as I remember to take it off as we leave. So far, so good . . . .

Francesca,
You are correct about UV protection. I forgot to mention that benefit in my post above.

I don't think you can install them after the fact. All of ours came as a package when we ordered the awnings...not sure if you can retro-fit them, but I could be wrong.

I'll follow this thread with interest since I've thought of installing such a cover on my awning, too. In my opinion, the biggest benefit would be protection from UV radiation for that last wrap that's exposed to the weather all the time.

I've read many "replacing fabric" threads where the only thing wrong with the original is that those last few (exposed) inches at the rigrail have dried out, cracked, and/or torn. Seems like a cover like the one you describe might prolong the life of the fabric by quite a bit.

We have the metal awning covers on our slide toppers. They do help some with the mold/mildew issue.
But, their main function is to protect the awning material from being torn, scuffed/abraded by over-hanging trees branches that might scrape against the rolled up awnings in tight situations.
They work great for this.