Retractable Awnings -- Make The Right Choice For Your Outdoor Shade

Retractable awnings for patios, porches, and decks offer an ideal solution for outdoor shade

. Screened-in enclosures, on the other hand, while they provide protection from the sun and other weather conditions, do not offer the kind of flexibility that many homeowners seek. Retractable awnings allow you to modify the degree of sun exposure and shade you'd like, and adjusting them is fast and simple. Knowing a bit more about retractable awnings can make choosing the right one a much easier process.

Retractable awnings are either manually operated or motorized. One of the many advantages of manually operated retractable awnings is that they require no electricity to operate. If an electrical outlet is not conveniently located near the awning, it doesn't matter. These awnings come with a hand crank that opens and closes the awning smoothly and quietly in less than a minute. Motorized retractable awnings, in contrast, come with a specialized motor and remote control which allows you to easily open and close the awning from the comfort of your chair or even from inside your house. They plug into any standard outlet, so the services of an electrician are not necessary if an outlet is located close by. The best advantage of motorized awnings is that they offer convenience, but they may also be the best choice for homeowners who have physical limitations that would prevent them from using a hand crank.

In general, retractable awnings, whether manually operated or motorized, should be able to connect, with an appropriate bracket, to most types of siding, including vinyl, brick, stucco, aluminum, wood, and masonry. They should also be able to affix to either an eave or overhang or to the outside wall of your house. While retractable awnings can be installed by the handy homeowner, it is usually recommended to hire someone with prior experience to complete the installation. This will cost a little more, of course, but any extra cost will certainly save you a good deal of frustration and hassle.

Also important to consider is the fabric that comes standard with retractable awnings. Insist on only the most durable, best quality outdoor fabric with superior UVA and UVB sun protection. Also, awning fabric should be resistant to mold, waterproof, and easy to clean. Settling for inferior fabrics in the beginning will become a regretted decision later on because poor quality fabrics tend to fade and wear quickly and are expensive to replace.

As a final point to consider, accessories for retractable awnings, even if they do not come with the awning, should be available to purchase so that you can customize your awning for more protection and comfort. A wireless wind sensor is a particularly useful accessory to have for motorized retractable awnings if you happen to live in an area that experiences occasional high winds. The sensor will automatically close the motorized awning if winds become strong enough to potentially damage it. Another beneficial accessory is a screen panel that can be attached to the side or front of manually operated or motorized retractable awnings to offer even more protection from rain, sun, wind, or other weather conditions. Yet another practical accessory is an awning cover that protects retractable awnings when they are closed and not in use. The cover helps keep awnings clean and free of cobwebs, leaves, dirt, and other debris.

A little information goes a long way when it comes to making significant home purchases. Even though retractable awnings offer first class outdoor shade for less money and less effort than a screened-in enclosure, it is still important to take some time to understand the product before buying. Knowing what to look for and what to insist upon in retractable awnings will allow you to make the best possible choice. When a decision is made with thoughtfulness, the choice you make is always the right one.

by: Trey Collier

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