subject: In Focus: Retractable Awnings [print this page] Retractable Awnings are any type of awnings that allow manual or automatic control to roll and unroll awnings. Retractable awnings are very popular in Australia because they allow the home or business owner flexibility in deciding when they want the protection of awnings, and when they want their windows to be open to the elements.
What types of Retractable Awnings exist?
Retractable awnings exist in a number of styles; notably automatic sun blinds, drop arm awnings and fold arm awnings. Choice of retractable awning is based upon personal taste, desired location and budget. Whilst fold arm awnings are perfect for decks, fold arm awnings are generally more suited to windows and doors.
Retractable awnings may be manually or automatically operated. Manually operated awnings are generally cheaper, however automatic awnings are more convenient.
What are the benefits of Retractable Awnings?
Retractable awnings have many benefits for home and business owners. The following checkpoints provide insight into these advantages:
Shade
Awnings provide the advantage of shading windows and glass doors which assists in keeping the inside temperature cool. Awnings are also environmentally friendly, limiting the need for air-conditioning without adding to the energy bill. Fitted on verandahs they can also shade your outdoor area- keeping you cool while enjoying the outdoors.
Protect Furniture and Carpet
Furniture and carpet near windows can fade in sunlight, creating unwanted variations in colour that are costly to remedy. Awnings protect furniture from direct sunlight, limiting these effects.
Protection From Wind
Awnings can protect outdoor spaces from wind, increasing the versatility and all year round usefulness of your deck or patio. Mist and bugs can also be decreased in your outside area by a drop arm awning.
Low Ongoing Costs
Awnings have extremely low ongoing costs when compared to other cooling methods such as airconditioners or even fans. The only real ongoing cost of awnings is service and repair. The need for such repair is minimised by the ability to retract awnings in high winds.
Value Adding
Awnings add value and style to your home or business, creating versatile and stylish shading that prospective owners or tenants notice.
Versatile Control
Retractable awnings, whether automatic or manual, give home and business owners options as to whether or not they would like their windows, doors and outdoor spaces shaded, or not. In winter, you can benefit from warm sun, whilst in summer you can keep temperatures low inside, without blowing your gas budget.
