A retractable awning can make a huge difference in the aesthetic of a home or business. They come in a wide variety of sizes and can be operated manually or automatically.
Awning maintenance includes regular cleaning and inspections to address any damage as soon as it occurs. It also requires understanding how awnings work and the relationship between size and projection.
Motorized
Adding an electric retractable awning to your home’s exterior can increase its value and add functionality. These awnings protect people, outdoor furniture and other possessions from the sun’s heat while providing privacy by shielding windows and doors. They can also reduce your air conditioning bill by reducing the amount of direct sunlight entering the home.
Awnings come in a variety of colors, sizes and fabrics to suit any decor. Synthetics like polyester, acrylic, and pliable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are highly durable and easy to clean. Some have antimicrobial treatments to resist mildew and mold while others feature a water-resistant coating to keep them from fading in the sun.
A retractable awning motor needs electricity to operate, so it will either need a powered outlet or will require installation of a qualified electrician’s electrical system. Other state-of-the-art features that may be included with your awning include remote controls and wind, motion, and sun sensors. Additional accessories can cost a bit more, but can greatly enhance the overall experience of your awning.
Manual
A manual retractable awning mounts on a wall, soffit/eave/overhang or roof above a window, doorway, patio or deck of a house, business or other permanent structure. It features a detachable crank that a person turns by hand to extend or retract the fabric awning. Manual awnings don’t require electricity to work and are less expensive than their motorized counterparts.
Motorized retractable awnings feature an electric motor that replaces the manual crank, and they can be operated with a button, switch or remote control. Because they’re easier to operate, studies show that people use motorized awnings four times more often than manually operated ones. The retraction process is also simpler, and if any issues arise, troubleshooting and repair can be done by the homeowner without professional assistance. Moreover, they tend to have a sleeker design than manual awnings. This means that they can be installed in a space where a manual awning might not fit. They are also made of sturdy materials like aluminum that resist rusting and corrosion over time.
Freestanding
With a freestanding model, you can create shaded, rain, hail and snow protected areas that aren’t attached to your home. Like other types of retractable awnings, freestanding options can be either motorized or manual and feature frames that are made from aluminum or steel with rust-resistant powder coatings. Lateral arms and front bars connect to the frame and help extend and retract the awning when you pull on a hand crank.
The best freestanding awnings include polyester fabrics that are coated for protection from sun fading, mildew and water. Look for fabric with a Beaufort wind rating of four to five and consider having a friend on call who can help you out if your awning is caught in the elements.
Custom
The beauty of custom awnings is that they can be as stylish as they are functional, acting as an eye-catching design element to elevate the look of any property. Choose from a variety of colors, patterns and fabrics, both for the fabric and frame, to customize your awning to match any aesthetic.
McCallister recommends a retractable awning with a high-quality fabric that is fade-resistant and water-resistant, especially if it will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. He also stresses the importance of choosing a motorized awning with a wind sensor that will automatically retract during strong winds, and an optional remote control that can be integrated into your smart home hub. Investing in these features will protect your investment, making it last longer and provide you with peace of mind that your awning is safe from damage. Lastly, consider the cost of maintenance and repair for your awning. It is important to budget these costs, as well as the upfront cost of buying and installing a custom awning.