Your Ultimate Guide to Retractable Awnings
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Retractable Awning
Retractable awnings are a great addition to any outdoor space, yet it can be daunting to figure out which is the right one for your home. An awning is an overhanging cover, typically consisting of canvas or other durable material, that is attached to a building’s exterior. Retractable awnings provide the added benefit of being able to retract or extend depending on the weather and personal preference. They’re often found over a window, deck or patio and can come in a variety of sizes and styles.
In this article, we’ll discuss factors such as size, installation, cost, durability and more – giving you the perfect buyer’s guide to envisioning the best awning for your home.
With our help, you’ll be able to confidently select an awning that suits both your aesthetic preferences and practical requirements, with additional tips and tricks about maintenance and care. So, let’s get started!
Types of Retractable Awnings and Their Benefits
There are several different types of awnings to consider when it comes to selecting the right awning for your home’s exterior. Some popular types include patio awnings, window awnings, and awnings for decks.
- Patio awnings are great for reducing sun exposure and adding an extra layer of protection to seating and dining areas.
- Window awnings are a stylish addition to any home and offer sun protection while also helping to keep your home cool.
- Deck awnings, on the other hand, provide shade and protection from the elements over your deck or other outdoor spaces.
Factors To Consider Before Buying
When it comes to retractable awnings, size, installation, cost, and durability are all important factors to consider. Our goal is to help you choose an awning that’s best suited to your lifestyle.
Retractable Awning Size
Not only does the awning need to fit your home or business’s space correctly, but you should consider how much shade and protection from the elements you actually need. For instance, many homeowners have outdoor furniture they want protected on their patio or deck area.
Consider where the sun is coming from when making purchasing decisions about an awning. For example, if the sun always shines on the side of your house where you’re considering adding an awning, then you might want to get a larger size so that more of your outdoor living space is shaded.
Additionally, many retractable awnings allow the consumer to change the pitch of the arms to lower or raise the end of the awning, which can help you customize the coverage even further.
Retractable Awning Installation
Retractable awnings can be installed in a variety of ways, including wall-mounted, soffit-mounted, and roof-mounted. Before purchasing an awning, it is important to consider the location and structure of the installation site.
Wall-mounted awnings are the most common type of installation and are mounted directly onto the exterior wall of a home or building. They are typically the easiest to install and provide great shade and protection from the sun.
Soffit-mounted awnings are installed onto the underside of the roof overhang and are a great option for homes with limited wall space.
Roof-mounted awnings are installed onto the roof of a home or building and require more specialized installation.
It’s best to have experienced professionals handle the installation for you so that it’s done correctly and safely. At Pacific Awnings, our installers take specialized training and are experienced at installing awnings in all the methods mentioned above.
Retractable Awning Cost
When looking to determine the cost of a retractable awning, there are a few factors to consider:
- Retractable awnings come in a variety of prices, so there’s something to fit almost any budget – typically anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000
- Factors like size, colour, customization options and fabric type can affect pricing – if you want something truly unique or need special features, then expect to pay a bit more
- Motorized awnings are more expensive than manual ones, but they offer added convenience and ease of use and even tend to last longer
- Minor maintenance costs such as batteries, lubrication oil, cleaning and repair of components should be considered
- Awning installation – installation of your awning is done by our professional awning installers here at Pacific Awnings. This cost is included in the quoted price of your awning. Contact us for a quote!
Retractable Awning Durability
The durability and quality of your retractable awning are important factors to consider when making a purchase. All of our awnings are made from quality fabrics that can stand up to the elements and frequent use. The most common material we use is acrylic fabric, as it’s the most durable and can last 25 years or more. However, we do offer other materials that are fully waterproof or fire-resistant for some special applications.
The metal frame is made from high-quality aluminum and is resistant to corrosion which works well on the “wet coast.”
Motorized vs Manual: Which is Best for You?
Motorized retractable awnings offer added convenience and ease of use, as they can be easily opened and closed at the push of a button. They’re ideal for larger or hard-to-reach areas, as they can extend and retract without manual effort. All of our motorized, electric retractable awnings also come equipped with sensors that can detect changes in the weather and automatically retract the awning to prevent damage.
Manual awnings are operated using a hand crank, which allows you to extend or retract the awning by hand. These awnings are less expensive than motorized options and work well for smaller areas or where electricity is not readily available. However, they require manual effort to open and close, which can be less convenient than a motorized option.
Maintenance And Care
Maintaining and caring for your retractable awning is key to keeping it looking its best. Regular cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, and checking the fabric condition are all important steps in ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. Here are some tips and tricks we recommend:
- Use a mild soap and water mixture to clean the awning fabric and a silicone-based lubricant for the moving parts.
- Make sure to keep an eye out for any potential wear or tear on both the hardware and fabric components with an inspection of your awning each season. Additionally, check if any nuts or bolts need tightening once in a while.
- If you notice any damage or missing pieces, be sure to address them right away with either repairs or replacements as necessary.
By taking these steps into consideration, you’ll be able to maintain your awning effectively and get many years of use out of it!
Trust the Experts at Pacific Awnings
When looking for an experienced provider of retractable awnings on Vancouver Island, look no further than Pacific Awnings. We have the largest showroom for exterior patio covering products, including awnings on Vancouver Island, so you can be sure to find something for your situation and your budget.
With our expert staff guiding you through the process from start to finish, we can provide you with all the information needed to find the perfect solution for your outdoor space. We offer top-of-the-line products backed by decades of industry experience so that you can rest assured knowing that your investment is secure.
With so many options to choose from, we’re confident that we can help you find the perfect awning for your home or business. Give us a call today!