Not only will retractable awnings add value to your home, they are also visually appealing and can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors. You have complete design control when it comes to choosing retractable awnings for the outside of your home. They can easily be customized to match both your taste and budget making them an excellent option for anyone interested in adding curb appeal to their property.

Before you purchase a retractable awning, there are many factors to think about. In this article, we will go over the most pressing considerations so that your decision is an informed one.

Manual vs. Remote Control

Although both awnings’ main objective is to protect you from the sun’s heat and light, that is where their commonalities end.

Manual awnings require you to hand-crank them every time you want to open or close the shade. This process is more time consuming than simply pushing a button, and manual models can’t include extra features like remotes, wind sensors, and motion sensors that some motorized models have.

Motorized retractable awnings not only look luxurious, but they provide a level of comfort that you cannot find with manual varieties. To open or close this type of awning, all you have to do is press a button — some models even let you extend the canvas to your desired degree so that you can adjust the amount of shade as the sun moves.

Component Quality

There are several factors that determine the quality of your awning, such as the number of parts and how customisable it is. Upgrading various components will result in an improvement in the quality of your awning.

It’s crucial that you invest in a high-quality fabric for your awning, as it acts as a barrier between you and the sun. When sifting through fabrics, look for those made with better materials — they often offer features that lower quality options don’t have. Select a water resistant fabric with high-rated UV protection that is easy to clean. Some companies only sell polyester fabrics with six-month warranties, so be sure to double check before you make your purchase.

Sensors

Sensors are an important part of owning a motorized retractable awning because they can automatically adjust the settings based on environmental factors like wind, rain, and sun exposure. This not only makes using an awning more effortless but also helps protect your investment from bad weather.

In locations with high winds, awning wind sensors save you money by automatically retracting the awnings at the first sign of trouble and preventing further damage. With these sensors, you don’t have to remember to lower your device throughout the day – the sensor will do it for you. Additionally, they maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and save energy (and money) by running on solar power. You can even set seasonal preferences! In other words, the sensors do all of the work so that you don’t have to lift a finger.

Our experienced team at Peterson Canvas & Awnings can help you find and install the perfect awning for your home. Don’t hesitate and contact us today to get started!

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