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How a retractable awning works by Retractable Awnings Reviews

Know It all – How do retractable awnings work?

retractable awnings work

Due to retractable awnings’ versatility and improved functionality, many businesses and homeowners choose them over traditional non-retractable awnings. People unfamiliar with the term retractable awnings sometimes refer to them as roll-out awnings or movable awnings, but they all mean the same thing. 

The term “retractable” refers to all adjustable awnings that you can roll out (extend) when the sun is intense or for use with light rain during the day or roll in (retract) in the evening when you want to enjoy the night sky and stars. 

Buying an awning is an excellent investment for your backyard, patio or business outdoor area. You can easily create a shady and private relaxation area or entertainment zone without building a permanent structure, but are retractable awnings worth it, and how do they work?

What parts do retractable awnings have?

To fully comprehend how a retractable patio awning works, it’s essential to understand its main components. Of course, it’s natural that different models can consist of elements that differ in nature. There are also some differences between motorized and manual versions and between retractable awnings and pergolas. 

Retractable outdoor awnings consist of nine primary components, which are listed below:

  • A fabric cover or canopy
  • A roller tube 
  • Protective hood/cover and frame 
  • Retractable arms
  • A front (header) bar
  • Cables, chains or belts
  • Springs
  • Mounting brackets
  • A motor or a detachable hand crank

These components may differ depending on the awning model and the manufacturer, and I will discuss each in detail below. So let’s take a closer look into the various parts of its mechanism and see how they work together to protect from the different weather conditions.  

retractable awning fabric cover

Top picks for retractable awning fabric cover or canopy.

The awning covers are often referred to as canopies and are made of a fabric material that is essential to retractable deck awnings. They typically cover all the rest of the components and can retract back into the awning cassette. This vital part of the awning is the one that guarantees families or customers will have a pleasant and sheltered outdoor area to enjoy

The retractable cover is the awning’s part that can protect you from the sun and harmful UV rays. They are typically made of canvas, polyester, duck, vinyl, PVC or solution-dyed acrylic fabric and are the primary source of shade

However, it’s essential to note that retractable patio awnings do not have additional support structures and, thus, don’t have the ability to handle heavy covers.

That said, solution-dyed acrylic is a water-resistant fabric that can handle only light rain and drizzle, not heavy rain. If a storm approaches, you should retract the awning manually or use the remote control in case of a motorized version. 

If you want to shelter an outdoor area from heavy rain, snow or hail, you might be more interested in retractable patio pergolas.

Types of fabrics and their features

Vendors choose different fabric brands to work with, but it’s common to offer canvas, duck, polyester, acrylic, solution-dyed acrylic or PVC canopies. However, remember that the cheapest retractable exterior awnings are made from low-quality materials. The cover fades, mildews, rots or tears sooner than later, and the overall awning life will be significantly shorter.

What is the best option?

The top pick and best fabric for rolling awnings are solution-dyed acrylics. Such quality material is offered by major European fabric brands such as Para, Dickson and Recasens and US fabric brand Sunbrella. 

It is a low-maintenance option that requires minimal effort to maintain, its colors will last for decades, and it’s resistant to rotting, mold, mildew, fading and wear and tear.

What are retractable awning roller tubes and cassettes?

Patio retractable awnings have another vital component: a frame with a roller tube which serves to keep the fabric tight and under proper pressure. When partially or fully retracted, the awning fabric wraps around the roller tube and unwraps when extended. 

The frame and roller tube are attached to the building surface (wall, beam, roof, rafter, soffit/eave/overhang) using special mounting brackets, which we’ll discuss in the following sections.

Types of cassettes

Depending on the model and cassette, retractable awnings can be classified as open, semi-cassette or full cassette. Open awnings leave the fabric wrapped up around the roller tube and exposed to the elements if no hood/cover is used. If a rigid aluminum hood/cover is used, some coverage occurs.

Semi-cassette awnings provide partial coverage for the material and other awning components, while the full-cassette covers all parts completely and offers complete protection.

support arms

What are the types of support arms?

Retractable awning mechanisms can vary in support arms used for extension and retraction. The support arm consists of two elements (sections) and a connecting elbow joint that performs movements similar to flexion and extension. 

We divide the components into articulated spring-loaded (folding mechanical) or telescopic (hydraulic). Both types of structural support have some similarities and differences that we need to consider.

Similarities between articulated spring-loaded and telescopic arms

Let’s begin with the similarities between the two types of awning support arms. In both cases, you can extend or retract the retractable patio awning to any movement point up until its full projection, so you are not restricted by the mechanism. 

Another similarity is that you can adjust the canopy’s pitch (angle) so rainwater (light rain only) runs off and doesn’t pool on top of the fabric with both types of support arms.

Differences between articulated spring-loaded and telescopic arms

The main difference between articulated spring-loaded and telescopic arms is their working mechanism. Spring-loaded arms work by extending one section, which “unlocks” the next section’s spring, so it also begins to unfold. Vendors use gas pistons that move gas across the arms to extend and retract them for awnings with telescopic arms.

Generally speaking, articulated arms are more commonly used and preferred than telescopic ones because of their longer lifespan and lower cost. With telescopic arms, you may need to fix potential leaks in the gas piston, while with articulated arms, you don’t have to worry about such maintenance.

What is a front (header) bar?

The front bar, also referred to as the header bar, is a long aluminum extrusion attached to the front of the canopy cover via the arms. Its function is to keep the fabric taut when partially or fully extended and connected to the awning’s support arms. 

The front bar increases wind resistance by keeping the material tight and helps keep the awning sturdy in the low wind.

drivetrain in a retractable awning

What is the drivetrain in a retractable awning?

The drivetrain in retractable awnings with articulated spring-loaded arms can be a cable, a chain or a belt. They apply tension on the springs when they are fully stretched (when you retract the awning fully). 

While some vendors offer retractable awning models with cables and belts, I recommend choosing high-quality non-rusting stainless steel chains as they will last the longest.

What are mounting brackets made of?

High-quality mounting brackets are essential for outdoor retractable patio awnings since they are constantly exposed to the elements. 

A few different mounting brackets exist, depending on the installation surface for which they are intended : 

  • Wall, beam or fascia brackets
  • Soffit/eave/overhang brackets
  • Roof brackets
  • Rafter brackets

The production materials of extendable awnings mounting brackets are of essential importance for safety reasons and the longevity of the construction of a retractable roof. 

Some vendors offer plastic brackets, which are not reliable and recommended. I recommend purchasing only non-corroding and non-rusting materials such as powder-coated stainless steel or aluminum for essential components like brackets, nuts and bolts, which need to keep the retractable awning in place.

What are a retractable awning handle/crank and a motor?

Home retractable awnings can be separated into manual (mechanical awnings) and electric (motorized retractable awnings). Based on the extension mechanism, you can manually retract and extend the canopy using a detachable hand crank or electrically, using a wall switch, remote control or a mobile app. 

Detachable hand cranks

Detachable hand cranks are long metal rods that you can use to extend and retract your manually operated awning, and with some retractable awnings, adjust the pitch/angle of the canopy. 

The rod has two ends – one is a hook that attaches at either end of the retractable roof, and the other is a handle that you turn to create motion and rotate the roller tube. 

Manual operation is generally suitable for smaller-sized awnings that are not so heavy and difficult to operate. They do not require electricity and come at a lesser cost than motorized versions.

Electric motors

Electric motors are used to extend and retract motorized awnings. You can operate them via remote control, a wall switch, home automation or a mobile application, and they require 110v or 220v electricity. 

Motorized models typically are available with an optional manual override for cases of an electrical power outage. They are suitable for larger-sized awnings with heavy canopies, and the best motors are Simu and Somfy.

retractable awnings works

How do retractable awnings work?

You can use a retractable patio awning to cover driveways, patios, backyards, decks, windows, hot tubs etc. Its mechanism allows you to extend and retract the fabric when you wish, and it serves to create shade on hot and sunny days or protect you from light rain and drizzle. 

The retractable mechanism is a fantastic opportunity to extend the awning’s life by retracting it back into its hood/cover or cassette when snow begins to fall or heavy rain or storm approaches. Extendable awnings also protect people from harmful UV rays and furniture fading and can add privacy to the outdoor area.

How do manual retractable awnings work?

Manual patio awnings are typically equipped with articulated arms that you can control, thanks to a hand crank. The crank is detachable, meaning you can leave it anywhere and use it only when you need to adjust the awning’s projection length.

The extension and retraction process is manual and begins when you insert one of the crank’s handles into the designated hook and start rotating it. If you rotate the crank clockwise (to the right), the awning’s arms and cover will begin to extend to provide shade and protect your outdoor furniture and space.

In contrast, turning the handle counterclockwise (to the left) will cause the awning’s components to retract back towards the cassette, uncovering the overhead space and allowing you to enjoy the view of the open sky.

How do motorized retractable awnings work?

Motorized awnings are electrically powered and have wires connecting their motors to a power supply. Depending on the model and its features and additional accessories, you’ll be able to operate it via a wall switch, remote control or an app installed on your smartphone.

Motorized retractable patio awnings can be equipped with additional weather sensors, which allow them to automatically retract if the weather changes unexpectedly. As we all know, you cannot be sure when it will rain or be at home at all times. These sensors are beneficial when harsh weather conditions are dangerous for the structure.

Since such models depend on electrical supply, most manufacturers equip them with a backup manual override. The override is an alternative way to control the awning in case of a power outage.

types of awning models

Which type of awning should you choose?

There are countless types of awning models, production materials, and built-in and additional components that serve different purposes. Since we cannot analyze them all in just one paragraph, I created a comprehensive guide on picking the perfect retractable awning for your house or business, which you might find interesting.

In a nutshell, and based on what we learned today, there are a few things to consider. First and most important is what you want to use the awning for. After clearing that up, you’ll know what components would be most beneficial for you and what production materials you need them to be made of.

For example, if you live in an area with a long and sweltering summer, you might want to upgrade your outdoor space with lots of cool shade and protect it from UV rays and light rain

However, if rainy seasons are predominant in your location, you probably want to use your commercial or residential outdoor space during storms and heavy rain. If that’s the case, it’s best to look into sturdier structures such as retractable pergola roofs.

Another thing to consider is the level of automation you prefer. Small manual awnings find excellent application in residential houses, the owners of which want to cover a small outdoor area (e.g., patio, backyard, deck, terrace, etc.).

Business owners of commercial properties might prefer higher automation levels and invest in motorized awnings equipped with additional sensors. Since larger shelters are heavier and more difficult to operate manually, an electric motor comes in very handy, extending and retracting the cover instead of you.

Conclusion

Retractable awnings offer diverse capabilities and protection qualities for businesses and homeowners. The standard structures mainly consist of a fabric cover, roller tube and cassette, hood and frame, arms, front bar, springs, cables, chains and brackets. Manual models come with a hand crank, while motorized versions are equipped with electric motors.

Motorized and manual awnings work differently as their operation relies on different components. Your final choice of a model and manufacturer should be based on thorough research and your individual needs.