Retractable Awnings Growing in Popularity

Cool Shade plus Protection from Hot Sun, Passing Showers, and UV Rays Top Homeowner’s Reasons, with Convenience a Close Second. But How Do You Choose the Right Awning for Your Home?

With more homeowners putting vacation money back into their homes and looking for ways to make their home more enjoyable and less stressful, the use of retractable awnings as a way to create a "backyard getaway" on their own decks and patios becomes more popular.

"In the past four years we have seen exceptional growth in the industry," says Jonathan Hershberg, President of SunSetter Products, the largest manufacturer of retractable awnings in the country. "Part of it is a growing awareness of the danger of too much sun and ultraviolet rays, part of it is the comfort and convenience factors, but a great deal of the popularity of awnings comes from the fact that people love their decks and patios, and awnings are a way for them to get the maximum use and enjoyment of their decks, beyond the ordinary patio umbrella."

Retractable awnings let homeowners control the weather on their own terms. When passing showers threaten, or when the sun gets too hot, they unroll the awning for near-instant protection and shade. Lab test measurements show that it can be as much as 20 degrees cooler under an awning’s canopy. When homeowners want to enjoy the sunshine, they simply roll the awning back inconspicuously against the house.

Awnings also offer other benefits that many homeowners appreciate. Because awnings prevent the sun from shining through windows and sliding glass doors, they keep temperatures inside the house cooler as well, which saves energy and air-conditioning costs, making the house more environmental-friendly and greener. They also help prevent carpets and furniture from fading in sunlight. Awnings also provide a sheltered place for children and pets to play, shielded from direct sun.

Some of today's awnings also offer accessories that can greatly increase the versatility and usefulness owners get from their decks or patios. A Screen Room add-on can easily turn an awning into a virtually bug-free "outdoor room". Side and front panels cut down on wind and mist coming under the awning, and patio lights let people enjoy their decks evenings and nights.

Robust Growth in Awning Usage Nationwide — Despite Some Myths...

The home awning market has shown considerable growth in recent years. But with the advantages awnings offer, why isn’t there an awning on nearly every deck or patio? "I think the main reason is a miss-conception about cost," says Hershberg. "People seem to think that a good awning must cost thousands of dollars, but in fact you can get a top-of-the-line manually-operated model for less than a thousand dollar, and an unsurpassed quality motorized awning for not much more," he adds. "Instead," says Hershberg, "people go out and buy a patio umbrella set, only to find that whenever the sun shines or the rain falls, there's not enough room under the typical umbrella for everyone to keep from getting sunburned or wet. In contrast, there's more than enough space under an awning. You can get an awning that is up to 10 ft. by 20 ft. That’s a lot of shade and protection.

"Homeowners also think that they can't install an awning under low eaves or overhangs, such as those on ranch-style homes or additions," Hershberg continues, "but it takes less than seven feet of vertical space under an overhang to be able to fit one of our awnings. And if you can not install an awning on your wall for whatever reason, SunSetter offers an innovative retractable freestanding awning (the SunSetter Oasis) that can be used anywhere in your backyard and provides 160 square feet of protected area."

Model Types, Convenience, and Ease of Use

Today's awnings come in two basic types: Manually-operated models which are opened by hand and Motorized models which operate by electricity. Each offers its own advantages. SunSetters' manually-operated models, for example, are designed so that any adult can open and close them easily, in just a minute or so. Benefits include low-cost affordability, easy adaptability to almost any deck or patio, including a freestanding unit, and in some models, support arms that can be angled back against the house or set vertically on the deck or patio floor. These arms provide extra support and stability, which some owners prefer, especially in windy areas such as seacoasts.

Motorized Awnings have no vertical supports. Instead, they have retracting lateral arms, creating an unobstructed shaded area. These awnings are operated by an electric motor, generally hidden inside the roller bar of the awning. They can be operated by either a wall switch or a remote control. "Although some awning companies charge extra for the remote control option, SunSetter’s Motorized model comes with a remote control as standard with no extra charge." Says Hershberg. "The benefit of the remote is that it lets you open the awning from anywhere, even from inside your home, with just a touch of a button."

Most awnings do not have to be taken down at the end of the summer - they can remain retracted against the house all winter long. Yet they can be removed and taken with you if you move to a new home. Most homeowners, however, choose to sell the awning with the home as a value-adding feature.

Awnings such as the SunSetter can be installed quickly and easily over any kind of siding including vinyl siding, brick, and stucco, and on the underside of soffits and overhangs, using brackets made for that purpose. The freestanding SunSetter Oasis can be used anywhere, which makes it wonderfully suitable for use by pools and near permanent barbecue terraces.

Considerations When Choosing an Awning

I'd look closely at the awning fabric," says Jonathan Hershberg. "And make sure it's at least water repellent. If you look for mainly rain protection, choose an awning with 100% waterproof fabric. And don't assume that all fabrics block the harmful UV rays. Get one that blocks out at least 99% of all ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). Look at the awning frame too. Make sure it’s made mostly from aluminum for light weight and many years of reliable performance. And if you are looking for a lateral arm awning, check the lateral arm design. Dual stainless steel cables are better than one cable or a chain design. SunSetter dual cable lateral arms are tested for over 20,000 cycles to assure many years of reliable operation."

In addition to the product quality and materials, other factors are important as well: Length of manufacturer’s warranty, availability of storm damage protection, and in case of warranty claims, who do you call? Who is behind the product? Is there an available representative 7 days a week? And if you decide that you do not like the product, is there a return policy? “SunSetter awnings come with a 5-Year Limited Warranty with an optional All-Weather Warranty available as well." says Jonathan Hershberg. "We offer 90-days return policy and our customer service representatives are ready to answer your call 7 days a week."

And if you are planning to install your awning yourself and save on installation costs, check if the awning comes with a How-to DVD in addition to written instructions. A how-to DVD can make the installation process much simpler and easy to follow.

"A retractable awning is a very low cost investment that provides big returns in comfort, enjoyment, and a healthier lifestyle." says Hershberg. "It's almost like getting an extra room on your house. It allows people to expand their living space, relax and enjoy the outdoors more often, and at the same time add value and beauty to their home."

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