Who doesn’t love soaking in the sun and the good outdoors during the summer? Or even on rainy days when it’s pouring bad weather but you just want to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate? Investing in an awning or a shade solution that protects you and your family from the harsh weather can make this possible.
With an awning, your outdoor living space remains cool and covered rain or shine. Furthermore, a retractable awning lets you choose between putting it on sunny or rainy days or retracting it when you want extra sunshine coming into your home.
Still, just like any home project you can undertake, you need to familiarize yourself with the available options. Here are some things to consider before purchasing an awning:
Manual or Motorized?
There are two types of retractable awnings: motorized and manual. While both work fine and offer the same benefits, you need to align your choice with your needs. Manual awnings are very cost-effective, but you’ll have to open and close the awning using a crank physically.
On the other hand, motorized awnings are convenient and operated effortlessly. This type of retractable awnings comes with wind sensors that automatically draw in the canopy in high wind and rainfall.
Sizing
Awnings vary in size, from widths ranging from eight to 25 feet. The size of your awning should depend on the space you need it for. Moreover, you should also plan the activities you’ll likely do ahead of time. That way, you can determine whether you want to put a chase in the entire area or leave some space for uninterrupted sunshine.
Material
Each type of awning has a distinct feature. If you’re looking for larger-sized awnings, you might want a polyester-made awning since this material prevents sagging. If you want to bring it a degree higher, you can purchase a vinyl-coated polyester that protects you from harmful UV rays, water, and mildew.
A canvas-made awning is also a good choice that is highly popular with many homeowners since it retains color longer. That lets the awning stay vibrant even under the heat of the sun for months to come.
Moreover, several awning providers also offer acrylic fabrics for long-lasting performance and durability. These awnings are made with dye solutions that prevent their color from fading. They’re also water-resistant so that they can resist exposure to light rain showers.
Color
Since retractable awnings are visible when the canopy is extended, you need to ensure that their color complements your home’s exterior. You have many options for colors in awnings, including white, which is the classic choice of many, or even lighter hues. White complements any color, and it reflects heat, making it energy-efficient and comfortable.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for brighter, bolder colors that look more cheerful and energetic, you can opt for reds and oranges. For a relaxed, calm feeling, greens and blues are your best choice. Moreover, there are unlimited colored awnings to choose from, and you may also ask for customization to ensure that it goes well with your exterior.
Final Thoughts
You have several considerations to think about before purchasing a retractable awning, but above all, you should also get a reliable installer. To make sure that your awning lasts a long time and stays durable despite harsh weather conditions, you need to hire professionals for the installation. Aside from the installation, they can also give you tips on maintaining the quality of your awning for years to come.
At Van Nuys Awning Co, we offer retractable and custom awnings, shade structures, cabanas, patio covers, canopies, and more. We are the leading manufacturer of awnings and custom canvas coverings in Newbury Park, CA. We have been in business for 103 years, underlined by product quality, premier service, and client satisfaction. If you need awnings for your residential or commercial space, get in touch with us! Let us know how we can help.
