Sunlight

Overall I can say that I am somewhat happy with the Sunlight by Sunesta. I needed it to cover one half of my makeshift greenhouse/workspace since it can get really hot in the middle of the day. The one thing I have noticed is that even though it is pretty easy to open and close it seems like it can get stuck pretty easily. Not sure if the installation was wrong or that the product is just that way. Also, I was a little disappointed with how short the warranty is. Just worried that if a north Florida thunderstorm comes along when I am not home to retract the awning it could get damaged and I would be out of luck.

The Sunlight model by Sunesta is smaller than their Sunstyle or Sunesta models, and less expensive. We went with a 14’0″ x 10’0″ canopy to cover our deck. The metal is white coated aluminum (supposedly), scratches too easily and is showing signs of pitting. It was professionally installed, which added to the cost. After watching the installers, I realized it was simple to install and I could have easily done it myself. The manual crank is easier to turn when extending the awning than when retracting it. If the fabric cover was larger, I might need to go to fitness classes to be able to work the canopy! The fabric sags when fully extended, and it hasn’t been wet to my knowledge. It does provide shade, but for the price, it could be quieter when opening or closing.

I read as many reviews and testimonials I could find before purchasing Sunesta’s Sunlight motorized model. A local dealer installed the retractable awning (did a nice job) that my wife and I thought was on the expensive side. We had it mounted to the edge of the soffit to extend it further when open, and make it higher at the front bar. The tweed cover fabric isn’t as bright or as rich as the swatch we picked it from, which is disappointing. The backup manual override crank is stiffer than my neighbor’s retractable awning, and I’ve skinned my knuckles several times. Hopefully, it gets easier, or I learn to keep my hands away from the wall! The best thing is that the canopy extends our outdoor space and time, which is what we wanted.

Our motorized retractable Sunlight awning was installed a month or so ago. The install crew did a good job and cleaned up any mess. The canopy covers the patio well and extends our outdoor entertainment time. The awning frame is noisier than expected, especially when retracting the fabric. I’ve also had to put several of the protective plastic caps back on the nuts as they keep falling off. Not sure if I should glue them or not. We don’t leave the awning extended at night or in the rain, so we’re a bit concerned as the fabric now sags when extended. For the price Sunesta charges it shouldn’t sag. I’m was hoping there is a tension adjustment to pull it tighter but Sunesta now tells me the dealer should have ordered a torque sensing motor and not a standard motor. Oh well…….live and learn!