Patios and decks are popular gathering places, but it is not enjoyable to stay outdoors if it is very sunny or rainy. In order to get more use of your patio or deck, you can install a retractable awning on these areas. Retractable awnings or overhangs shade doors, windows, decks and patios just like stationary overhangs do. However, retractable awning can be pulled in either by an electric motor or manually.
Retractable overhangs are useful in areas where stationary awnings can be damaged by heavy snow and where sunlight can warm indoor air during the winter season. Retractable awnings are usually made of sturdy, weather resistant fabric or lightweight aluminium. They can make your home more energy efficient by helping to reduce electricity consumption.
After you install a retractable awning on your deck or patio, you can accessorize or decorate this area more freely since you will have an extra level of protection. You can accessorize a patio with patio furniture such as chairs, tables, a grill or a picnic table. Awnings help keep leaves and other debris from getting into outdoor hot tubs.
What is included?
- A manual retractable awning comes with the awning cover, which is usually fabric, a frame, a retracting mechanism, a cord or crank, installation brackets and assembly hardware.
- A motorised retractable awning has a remote control and motor for retraction, an awning cover, installation brackets, frame and a manual retraction crank that you can use to retract the structure if its motor fails to work.
- A high end motorised retractable overhang may have a weather sensors and an automatic switch that will retract it automatically in heavy rain or high winds, and extend the overhang on bright, sunny days.
Differences in cost
- Manual retractable overhangs are less expensive than motorized retractable overhangs both in terms of initial cost and maintenance. If you do not want to install a big or heavy awning and you will not be pulling it in and out often, you can opt for a manual retractable awning. A pre-made retractable awning usually comes fully assembled and ready to be installed.
What to consider when shopping for awnings
- Size – In order to determine the size of the awning to buy, you should consider the purpose the structure will serve. Prior to buying a retractable awning, measure the patio, deck or the window area that you want to shade so that you can know the exact size. Make sure that you include the clearances of the window since some awnings require about a foot of clearance around a window.
- Location – Determine whether a manual or motorised awning will work best for your patio or deck. Make sure that the awning will not block any views. For instance, an awning that covers a window can significantly decrease the amount of heat entering your home.
- Quality – It is also important to choose high quality retractable awnings, so that you will not have many problems with it in the future. When installing a retractable awning, it is advisable to hire a general contractor or handyman to install it for you.