Are there any other weather conditions I should be concerned about?

Retractable awnings primarily are designed to provide protection from the sun's rays and not from rain. However, it can be used in drizzle or misting rains with proper unit pitch. In heavy or driving rains or wind, the unit must be retracted to keep water from "pooling" on the fabric and causing damage or irreversible fabric stretching.

How will my retractable awning mount to my facility?

Installers locate the structural framework and pre-drill the mounting bracket holes through any siding to tie in directly to either the wall studs or headers. On roof-mount applications, the installers tie into the rafters, pre-drilling to avoid cracking and silicone-caulking the hardware and brackets to prevent leaks.

If there are no poles, what supports the unit?

Retractable awnings have been designed to be self-supporting. This style of awning relies on secure mounting in conjunction with spring-loaded arms. The arm tension is created with internal springs, and large radius elbows keep the fabric tight by applying outward force.

What does an average-sized retractable awning cost?

Because most retractable awnings are customized for each residence, prices cannot be given without verified measurements and on-site inspection. Your awning supplier typically can meet with you for a free, in-home consultation to design an awning that's right for you.

What kind of wind loads can a retractable awning handle?

Retractable awnings primarily are for sun protection and should not be left out in windy conditions. However, wind is a very unpredictable force, with a tendency to change direction and speed very quickly. In a wind-tunnel test, which is a very controlled environment, a retractable awning withstood straight-on wind forces at over 50 mph. In "real-life" applications, the general rule of thumb is: If you are comfortable sitting outdoors dining or reading the paper, then it is probably safe to operate your awning. The concern with wind is the up-lifting effect on the awning rather than the downward force; therefore the greater the pitch, the more wind-resistant the unit is.

When would I need a protective hood?

Protective hoods, available at an additional cost, have been designed to provide adequate unit protection when structural protection is not available. Hoods often are purchased when the retractable awning is being roof or fascia-mounted and when not located directly under a soffit or overhang.

Why would I want my retractable awning motorized?

Nothing could be more convenient than simply flipping a switch and watching your awning roll out on its own. Once fully extended or retracted, the unit will stop automatically. You may also stop the retractable in any position by flipping a wall-mounted switch or  pushing a button on a remote.  Research has shown that a motorized awning is used four times as much as a manual unit.