FAQs

We serve Greater Victoria, Sidney, the Gulf Islands and “up island” as far as Courtenay/Comox (including Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum, Port Alberni). Occasionally we are able to go even further – we have done installations in Tofino and Ucluelet before.

Yes, we offer best in class product warranty, depending on the supplier this can range from 5 years to a limited lifetime warranty. In addition, we stand behind our products and we offer service and repairs for product outside of warranty as well. We have been around for over 30 years and we are not going anywhere.

In most cases awnings are primarily sun protection products, but they can provide protection from light rain in the right circumstances. Our standard awning fabric is water resistant but not “waterproof”- that means that the fabric will not let water soak through freely, but it will get wet. After the storm has passed, it is best to let the awning dry out before retracting it again.

Yes, we have several products that are suitable for rain, including some that our designed specifically for rain protection.

Yes, we have retractable screens and fixed privacy walls that will block wind and allow you to use you outdoor space in windy conditions.

Yes, we carry several products that block sun from reaching your windows and therefore reducing your air-conditioning needs. Our retractable screens installed over your windows are knows to dramatically reduce the heat gain of the glass in your windows and offer significant energy savings.

Yes, our retractable screens installed on the outside of your windows will block the sun and heat, prevent glare and keep your interior space cool, while maintaining your view! You may not even need interior window treatments.

Yes, we have several products (StruXure Pergola, Cabana and patio covers) that can be installed as a free-standing structure.

Awnings by different manufacturers have different wind ratings, but we carry awnings, that can withstand up to 38 km/h winds or 50 km/h for our supported awnings such as the Stobag Pergolino.

Cassette awning includes an aluminum enclosure for the awning fabric and arms to retract into so that all the parts are protected from the elements. In addition, our Stobag cassette awnings offer a very sleek modern look so that the awning is not only a functional addition to your home, but also looks great.

Yes, we can roof-mount our awnings, patio covers or pergolas so that there are not posts in the way or when you have a low soffit/clearance.

Depending on use, awnings can last 20 years or even longer.

Depending on the product, supplier and season we may have products that can be installed in as little as 3 weeks, but some take much longer. We may also have some “stock” products available for immediate sale and installation – please check our “Specials” page.

Some of our products may require building permits. Please contact your local building department to find out the requirements in your area.

Most of our products can simply be cleaned with a garden house or a pressure washer (on a low setting) if necessary.

No, we actually see more service calls for manually operated awnings or screens. This is often due to “user error” or because manually operated products are not protected with automatic wind sensors, pre-set operation limits and other safety features that motorized products offer.

First of all; the price. You will pay less at a box store but you will get what you pay for. The quality of our awnings is second to none. All of our fabrics are high quality solution-dyed acrylic with heavy-duty aluminum frames and stainless steel hardware. The typical awning offered by retail outlets is constructed of light aluminum and steel, which will rust, and covered with polyester fabric which only lasts for a short time in the sun. Also, our awnings are custom made to fit your unique application. We offer a selection of awning models with many different features and they are all custom made to the inch. Box stores usually only offer a couple of sizes in a very basic model.

Yes, you should retract an awning during strong winds. As a rule of thumb, you know you should retract the awning when the wind is so strong that you do not feel comfortable being outside. If you have a motorized awnings with a wind sensor, the awning will retract itself when the wind is too strong.

Most of our awnings are completely custom made an can range from 5’ or 6’ wide to 30’ wide. The maximum projection for retractable awnings is just over 13’ and for our supported awnings it’s almost 20’

Yes we have an aluminum pergola system - StruXure Pergola which can withstand hurricane force winds or heavy snow.

We place quality over price to offer superior products for our customers, but we carry a broad range of products from very inexpensive to very high-end, best on the market solutions.

Our experienced sales team will ask the right questions and evaluate your space to offer the best solution for your needs and for your budget.

In some cases manually operated awnings or screens will work just fine, but consider your age and physical condition. What is easy for a healthy 17-year-old may not be so easy if you’re 75 and suffering from arthritis. In addition to being easy to operate, motorized products can protect your investment with automatic sensors, pre-set limits and other features. Another consideration is the ease of use and convenience. You may not need a motor, but it is surely a nice touch! When something is easier to use, you will definitely use it more often!

Yes. If you prefer, you can certainly install some of our products by yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Our installation teams are trained and experienced and can install our products more efficiently and safely. Some of our products are very heavy and several installers are needed for safe installation. We can sell some of our product as supply one, but if you install yourself, we do not guarantee the installation under warranty.