Retractable Awning

Find out everything you need to know about most retractable awnings, including what they are, why you need one, the different types and what to consider before buying them.

What is a retractable awning?

Retractable awnings are an easy-to-deploy shading and light rain solution suitable for residential, institutional, industrial and commercial buildings. They consist of a solid frame with an attached canopy that you can extend up to any depth of the available projection thanks to a retractable mechanism. 

Depending on the awning model, you can choose from several installation methods which do not require additional support structures. 

You can use retractable patio awnings for protection from the sun and harmful UV rays during hot summer days. Canopies can also protect you from light rain and drizzle, but that depends on the fabric, which I’ll discuss in the following paragraphs. 

These shading solutions are a fantastic way to expand your outdoor space or business space without investing in a much more costly permanent structure that will require a permit, an architect and an engineer.

Why do you need one?

You may need a retractable awning for your home or your business. You might want to invest in an awning for several reasons. The reasons vary between people and available space. 

Reduce outdoor and indoor temperature

You may own residential property with a backyard or a patio, or you may be a business owner with lots of outdoor deck space, which the blazing summer sun makes unusable. 

Installing a retractable awning might be the best solution to increase outdoor comfort and turn the space into a pleasant area where everybody can enjoy relaxation and entertainment activities. When attached to a home or building, an awning also decreases the indoor temperature. 

Protect your family, clients, pets or furniture

Another reason you might need a retractable awning is if you want to protect your family, clients, pets or furniture and flooring from damaging UV rays and excessive heat. 

Nobody wants to sit on a hot leather sofa during the summer or burn their hand leaning against heated metal. UV rays can harm people’s health and skin conditions. Thus, additional protection is always recommended during the hot season.

Increase energy savings

A retractable awning mechanism benefits people who want to increase their energy savings and reduce their energy bills. During summer, awnings help decrease the air conditioning usage for indoor cooling. In winter, they can stay retracted to allow more sunlight to come through and naturally warm up the home or building.

Other uses

People use retractable awnings for various reasons, so let’s see what other common uses are :

• An inexpensive way to expand your commercial or living space
• To add curb appeal to properties that you’re trying to sell or want customers to visit, such as a restaurant
• To make your brand recognizable
• To improve customer satisfaction and loyalty
• To customize your property

What types of retractable awnings can you find?

Although there are various retractable shading products on the market, most people refer to all of them as retractable awnings. 

However, we can generally categorize them into several different groups :

• Retractable Lateral Arm Patio & Deck Awnings
• Retractable Pergola Roof Covers
• Retractable Side Arm|Drop Arm Awnings
• Retractable Screens
• Retractable Canopies
• Retractable Free Standing Awnings
• Retractable Shade Sails
• Retractable And Rotating Louver Roof Systems

What to consider when choosing a retractable awning?

There are a few things in addition to size, color and style that everyone needs to consider before choosing a retractable awning for their house or business. 

What type of awning?

What type of awning do you want to invest in? Think about what you need – a retractable screen, a retractable lateral arm awning or maybe a freestanding awning. Where do you want to install it, and how much space do you have?

What do you want to use it for?

Do you need only sun and UV protection, or do you also need to use the structure in light or heavy rain and possibly for snow protection? If yes, consider sturdier structures such as retractable pergolas or rotating/retractable louver roof pergolas. Do you live in an area with high wind speeds? If yes, make sure to check if your retractable awning model is Beaufort wind force scale rated.

What are the production materials?

Production materials are critical to a retractable awning’s longevity and overall quality. Check what materials the vendor uses for the frame, canopy, mechanism, fabric, sewing thread, motors, controls, sensors and other awning elements. Are they produced in the United States or Europe? Does the vendor offer any acquired engineering or technical certifications?

How does the awning operate?

You can choose between two main types – manual awning or motorized awning. You can operate all motorized models remotely via a mobile app and automate them all with high-tech weather sensors. It’s also essential to check what kind of cassette the vendor uses for the particular lateral arm awning model. 

Why choose Retractable Awnings Reviews?

Retractable Awnings Reviews is an independent source of information focused on retractable shading solutions to help readers select the best product and supplier for their needs. On this website, you can find everything you need about retractable products and the vendors who offer them.

FAQs

How to find a retractable awning company?

Finding an excellent retractable awning company requires research and comparison. Retractableawningsreviews.com offers all of that information summarized and structured to aid your purchase decision.

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Retractable Awnings Reviews provides valuable and practical information in blog posts and answers all retractable awnings questions beginning with “what,” “how,” “why,” “when,” and “who .” Here you can find product reviews and comparisons between vendors and their retractable products.

Why should I choose you to find my retractable awning company?

I have over 40 years of experience and extensive knowledge in the retractable awning industry. I created this website to help educate regular customers to make the best decision for their properties. No paid ads or sponsored reviews are allowed or published on the website. 

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