Retractable Awnings
Overview
Awnings are external coverings that protect the exterior walls of buildings. These coverings are installed outside windows, doors, patios, and Rvs (recreational vehicles) to shield structures from wind, rain, hail, or direct sunlight. Awnings are normally made of durable fabrics such as nylon, acrylic, and canvas that come in different colors and patterns for a customized look.
Retractable awnings are awnings that can be withdrawn or extended whenever needed. Lateral arm, tension shade, and side arm types are the variations of awnings. These awnings are slowly becoming popular among homeowners, restaurant operators, and building owners because of their versatility. They are used in virtually any type of outdoor space and can even decorate and accentuate any structure.
Retractable awnings are very advantageous. These awnings have posts and braces that are made of corrosion-resistant metals. Their fabrics are dyed and fade-resistant. These awnings can retract into metal casings that are fully mounted on the outside of walls, doors, and windows. Unlike fixed awnings, retractable awnings look inconspicuous and do not obstruct the view of houses and buildings.
Most retractable awnings have a motor, which allows the awnings to withdraw into their metal casings. With these motors, retractable awning owners no longer need to crank and manually roll their awnings inside.
Types of retractable awnings
There are three main types of retractable awnings. These are the lateral arm, tension shade, and side arm. The lateral arm retractable awning is normally used on patios. They block the sun’s rays allowing people to enjoy the outdoors without feeling the scorching heat. The side arm retractable awning is typically installed outside windows for shade purposes. Tension shade retractable awnings are installed in sunrooms to block off sunlight.
Retractable awnings are also useful in RVs. Because of the RV’s mobility, it is important that awnings can be easily stored whenever the owners need to go out on the road. Retractable awnings for RVs can be custom-fit to match your RVs exact dimensions and color.
Advantages of retractable awnings
There are several advantages of retractable awnings. Retractable awnings can reduce interior temperatures in homes and buildings by as much as 77%. This temperature deduction is attributed to the awning’s dyed fabrics. In effect, owners need not use air conditioning to cool their homes during the warm season which lowers electricity bills.
Retractable awnings also preserve the attractiveness of homes and other structures. Because they can be hidden from view, retractable awnings do not obstruct the beauty of a home’s architecture. In addition, retractable awnings protect a home’s furniture from fading by blocking off the sun’s harmful rays.
Fixed awnings have posts and braces which need to be secured to the exterior walls of a home. Retractable awnings do not. Because there is hardly no installation and construction needed, retractable awnings are inexpensive than fixed awnings.
Retractable awnings are also made of durable fabric that lasts longer than the untreated fabrics of fixed awnings. Retractable awnings do not fade or tear easily. They are more able to withstand storms, continuous exposure to sunlight, and strong winds than fixed awnings.