Retractable patio awnings can really add a nice touch to your home or even your place of work. Besides for the aesthetics and the time you can spend in the cool shade, you’ll also notice lower energy bills as well. Many consumers don’t know what to look for when purchasing retractable patio awnings, so I’ve created this guide to help you understand some of the things you should know.
We all want to purchase something that will last a very long time! This is why high-end manufacturing and engineering are crucial. The better quality, the longer it will last. Many companies are so sure that they produce high-end retractable patio awnings, that they’ll offer a free warranty. Always look for a warranty of at least 10+ years! Nobody wants to get out and have to buy a new retractable patio awning every 3 years.
Choosing the right fabric is extremely important as well. The fabric isn’t just for added looks, but you want something that won’t fade, will keep you dry and won’t rip. I’ve seen many retractable patio awnings with all of these issues. In order to keep your retractable patio awning looking new for years, look for awning fabric that has been solution-dyed and is made from acrylic fabric. This will protect the color as it won’t fade due to the fact that the pigment is part of the polymer. Acrylic is a woven material which is a breathable fabric. It’s a much better option than vinyl awning fabric or some of the manmade options available these days. Another added benefit is that retractable patio awnings with acrylic are more resistant to molding and mildew.
Many retractable patio awnings will eventually rust or flake over time. Aluminum frames do a good job at staying clean as long as they’re powder coated, especially if they’re combined with Kevlar joints and stainless steel fixtures. Look for joints and fixtures that won’t rust either.
Always check that the retractable patio awnings you’re interested in meet TUV standards. Also look for Eurolab testing as these organizations test to make sure every piece of the retractable patio awning meets certain standards. If it doesn’t meet their standards, well…. I’m sure there’s a reason for it!
The advantage of all retractable patio awnings is the amount of heat you can reduce from entering your home. If you have a room facing south or west in your home, this is the best room to protect with patio awnings. The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers has said that by protecting these windows, interior heat can be cut up 77%. This alone can save you up to 25% on energy bills!
Some may prefer a fixed awning over retractable patio awnings, but that’s just a matter of preference. With a fixed awning, they’ll always be there and can block certain views at times. In addition, there’s also no option of rolling back the awning and enjoying the sun from the protected part of your patio.
Now it’s time for you to shop around and see what’s out there. There are many retractable patio awnings to choose from and once it’s all set up, you’ll truly enjoy the option of sitting in the shade or the sun!