There are many benefits to investing in a retractable awning, but that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the right type of shading for you. If you’re still debating whether a retractable awning fits your needs, the following facts might help you in your decision.
Benefits of a retractable awning
Below are reasons as to why you should choose a retractable awning for your outdoor area.
Versatility
Retractable awnings are extremely versatile. You can alter between complete sun protection to no protection at all with just the push of a button. Therefore, if the sun’s rays become too strong, you can extend the awning. If the weather begin to cool down or should the sun begin to set, you can retract your awning in order to maximize your time in the open air. A retractable awning is not a permanent fixture, so it provides you with more choices in terms of shading.
Protection
If you find yourself wanting to spend more time outside, but are afraid of getting a sunburn, then a retractable awning is a good choice. The materials that retractable awnings use are UV and fade resistant, and offer amazing sun protection. In fact, Sunbrella fabrics are even recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation . Not only do they protect you from the sun, but they also protect you from the rain and debris while being mold and mildew resistant.
Style
Retractable awnings can give your home a sleek and elegant style by perfectly complementing its exterior. When extended, retractable awnings offer an added visual appeal that is both attractive to onlookers as well as functional for owners. The most important decision to make when purchasing a retractable awning is to choose its fabric colour. Luckily, there are many guides you can find online that will allow you to make the perfect choice.
Lower cooling costs
If your patio is uncovered, then you’ve likely experienced how hot your home can get in the summertime due to the sun light piercing through the windows. That’s probably why you have your air conditioner functioning consistently whenever the weather starts to warm up. Luckily, if you use a retractable awning to cover your windows in the summertime, you’ll experience lower cooling costs because your house won’t be getting as warm. You can easily control how hot or how cold it gets by extending or retracting your awning.
Disadvantages
Although there are many advantages to retractable awnings, that doesn’t mean a retractable awning is right for you. Below are disadvantages to retractable awnings as well as the choices that might better suit your needs.
Limited to patio area
Since retractable awnings are structures that are fixed to your home, they’re usually only limited to the patio area. So if you’re looking for a standalone structure to place in your backyard, one that isn’t attached to your home, then a pergola or gazebo might be a better choice.
Costs
The most popular retractable awnings are the motorized ones because they provide owners with an extra convenience that you don’t get from manual ones. However, like all things that are motorized, there is the possibility of having to replace or fix the motor. Replacing a motor can be costly. However, if you choose to invest in a manual retractable awning, then you might have to deal with the possibility of the awning being difficult to retract over time. So if you don’t want to have to deal with replacement costs, but are interested in alternating between sunlight and shade, consider a pergola. Pergolas usually allow some sun to peak through the lattices — but if you don’t want any sun, you can add a fabric over top.
Maintenance
One of the biggest drawbacks for some owners of retractable awnings is the maintenance that comes it. Granted, there isn’t that much more maintenance to a retractable awning than a stationary one, but it can still put some people off. In order to take good care of your retractable awning and ensure a good lifespan, you need to take care of the fabric as well as the metal parts. You’ll also need to make sure to replace the battery. Moreover, keeping track of weather conditions is of utmost importance, because you’ll need to retract it in inclement weather like heavy rains, thunderstorms, snow, and strong winds. If this sounds like too much work for you, but you’d like a structure that is fixed to your home, consider a stationary awning instead.
Price
The upfront price of a retractable awning can be pretty high, but considering the amount of money it could save you on electricity costs in the long run, it’s a pretty good deal! However, if saving on electricity costs isn’t your priority and you don’t have a need for alternating between sunlight and shade, then a stationary awning, gazebo, or pergola might be right for you.
If you’re still unsure of the right shading product for your needs, contact an awning expert who will have all of the knowledge and expertise at his disposal to help you make the right decision.
