Alternative Awnings: When Retractable Isn't Right

Retractable awnings are a popular solution for outdoor shade

. Because they can be fully or partially closed and opened, either by hand crank or motor, they give a homeowner the ability to control the amount of shade or sun exposure that a patio, deck, or porch receives throughout a day. Traditional retractable awnings, though, are not the right choice for all situations. Luckily, not all awnings are built the same. Two alternatives to standard retractable awnings which meet the particular needs of many homeowners are Fiesta patio awnings and freestanding awnings.

Fiesta patio awnings are a favorite shading option when a patio, deck, or porch receives a substantial amount of sun exposure throughout the day. In a situation like this, retractable awnings are not usually ideal because homeowners may prefer to keep their outdoor areas covered at all times. Fiesta patio awnings are simply awnings that do not retract. Because of this, Fiesta patio awnings are supported by their own legs at the front of the canopy, unlike retractable awnings which have no front support legs. The advantage to support legs is that they take a large portion of the awning's weight off of your home's outside wall to which the awning is attached. That weight is then distributed to the support legs. Fiesta patio awning frames are constructed of a rugged and heavy duty galvanized steel tubing for superior strength and durability. A couple of additional features of Fiesta patio awnings include a choice of multiple widths to accommodate just about any size deck, patio, or porch as well as a choice of valance styles.

Another alternative to retractable awnings are freestanding awnings. Unlike retractable awnings or Fiesta patio awnings, freestanding awnings do not attach to the side of the home. Rather, the awning's legs are sunk into the ground or mounted to a deck surface, or they are supported by two freestanding bases. Freestanding awnings are a unique and appropriate shading solution when mounting a structure to the side of a home is not desired or simply not an option. These awnings offer a significant amount of flexibility, too, which cannot be matched by awnings that attach to the side of a home. Freestanding awnings can provide room-sized shade on the deck, porch, and patio, but also by the pool side, in the garden, or in any sitting area located away from the house. Freestanding awnings can tilt from front to back to provide the best coverage over the course of the day as the sun's position changes in the sky. Furthermore, the canopy on some freestanding awnings retracts with the help of a patented drawstring. This feature provides the homeowner with control over the amount of sun exposure or shade.

To ensure that Fiesta patio awnings and freestanding awnings continue to work effectively over a long period of time, they should be protected from heavy accumulations of snow. In the case of Fiesta patio awnings, this means removing the canopy fabric and putting it safely in storage until spring. For freestanding awnings, this means closing the canopy and using a protective cover to prevent damage from extended periods of harsh weather. Regardless of which patio awning type best suits your needs, one feature that every homeowner should insist upon is a high quality, durable, and weather-resistant fabric canopy. A fabric, such as Sunbrella fabric, that is mildew and fade resistant, is easy to clean, and that blocks out most of the sun's harmful UV rays is the best choice and will last for many years.

On the whole, when retractable awnings are not a viable or desirable option for providing shade, it's good to know that there are alternative types of awnings that can meet the specialized needs of many homeowners.

by: Trey Collier

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