Awning Frequently Asked Questions

Our retractable awnings, EasyScreen Retractable Screens and EasyShade Solar Shades are assembled in North America. Each unit is built under the strictest quality control procedures to ensure that you will be absolutely delighted with your awning or solar screen. For more information on SunSetter’s Quality Construction, Check out our SunSetter Quality page.

The SunSetter Series features industry-leading technology and performance and all of the models SunSetter has been selling for over 30 years including our most popular model, the SunSetter Motorized Model. The SunSetter Series features 100% solution-dyed, SunSetter exclusive, water-repellent woven acrylic fabric or 100% waterproof Traditional Laminated fabric and a 5-year limited warranty.

The SunSetter Platinum Series is our premium line of retractable awnings featuring SunSetter's Performance Acrylic and world-renowned Sunbrella® performance fabrics that offer unparalleled beauty and protection. The Platinum Series has the same engineering excellence as the SunSetter Series and offers the option of state-of-the-art Platinum Plus Semi-Cassette that allows the awning to retract into a housing that protects your awning all year round from dirt, rain, wind, and snow. The premium SunSetter Platinum Series includes a 10-year limited warranty guaranteeing years of satisfaction.

Model Comparison

All Motorized awnings in the SunSetter and Platinum Series are powered by a Somfy^® electric motor that opens and closes the awning with a simple remote control. They come in widths from 8 ft. to 20 ft. and project out from the house up to 10 ft 2 in. The Motorized XL models offer extended projections that extend out from your house either 11 ft. 8 in. (widths 14 ft. to 20 ft.) or 13 ft. 1 in. (widths 15 ft. to 20 ft.)

The PRO and PRO XL models are like the Motorized and Motorized XL models and include a built-in front drop screen that unrolls in seconds using a simple hand crank and extends down to 5 ft. for added protection and privacy. The drop screen blocks 85% of sun and glare and reduces wind.

The Platinum Plus and Plus XL models include the same engineering excellence as our other awning models with the added feature of a permanently-installed aluminum semi-cassette housing. The elegant design provides a more contemporary finished look and protects the awning from the elements to reduce wear and tear on your fabric - which means even more years of enjoyment to come.

The Manual lateral arm awnings are identical to the Motorized models, but it is manually operated with a provided hand crank and requires no electricity. The Manual models are available in widths from 8 ft. to 18 ft.

The 1000XT Model awning is also manually operated and has adjustable vertical support arms, that need to be manually positioned, giving it added strength and rigidity. It projects out from your house 10 ft. 2 in. and comes in even sizes from 8 ft. to 20 ft. Wide.

Oasis models are free-standing lateral arm awnings that can be placed anywhere for immediate shade. Available in Motorized and Manual, the Oasis is offers easy open and close capabilities so you can move, adjust, and place these awnings for more cooling shade than any patio umbrella ever could.

Model Comparison

Each model offers distinct advantages. If you want the absolute ease, elegance, and simplicity of remote-control operation and an awning that has no vertical supports, motorized models are the obvious choice. For extra-large areas, our XL and PRO XL models are recommended. The state-of-the-art Platinum Plus models with semi-cassette housings are our top-of-the-line models that provide the latest contemporary design and ultimate satisfaction.

All motorized models come with a superb quality Somfy^® motor and lateral arm technology. And they're still hundreds of dollars less than the competition - without sacrificing any features or quality. Our Manual Lateral models are perfect if you want the look and feel of a motorized model but prefer manual hand-crank operation.

Our most economically priced awning is our 1000XT manual model. It has adjustable support arms that can be manually set vertically on the deck or patio surface or angled back against the house. These arms give the 1000XT exceptional strength and stability - so it's great for areas where wind or passing showers are typical. It opens and closes in 60 seconds with a simple hand crank.

If you are looking for the ultimate in versatility, consider the freestanding Oasis models that can be moved easily to anywhere you need shade. No matter which model you select, you can't make a bad choice. You'll always be getting a superbly built, easy-to-operate, great-looking awning at an exceptional price.

Model Comparison

SunSetter awnings are such good values because as the largest American manufacturer of retractable home awnings, we buy raw materials at the best prices possible and assemble our awnings in the most efficient way, using electricity generated by the sun, so we can pass the savings along to you.

When it comes to quality, you're not giving up anything. Your SunSetter awning is assembled under the highest quality control standards right here in the United States in our 78,000 sq. ft. factory using only the finest quality materials. Our struts and supports are made from high quality aluminum for superior strength without excess weight and our rolling mechanisms have been tested for over 20,000 cycles without failure - the equivalent of over 20 year's use.

Our motorized awnings use Somfy^® motors which have been acknowledged as the industry leader in awning and screen motors for over 50 years.

The SunSetter Series and Platinum Series motorized and manual awnings, as well as the freestanding SunSetter Oasis, use state-of-the-art lateral arm technology found only in the best "lateral arm" awnings.

When considering fabric, our popular water-repellent Performance Acrylic, Woven Acrylic, and the Sunbrella® performance fabrics give you 98% of UVA and UVB protection. It is solution-dyed, which means the color goes all the way through the fabric, so its rich color stays beautiful for years. Our 14-oz. Traditional Laminated Fabric has 5 layers. It's coated on both sides and has no seams or stitches to wear or leak over time. Guaranteed not to fade or crack for 5 years, our fabrics are mildew resistant.

Your SunSetter Series awnings come with a 5-Year Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. The Platinum Series awnings come with a 10-year Limited Warranty. These quality awnings are made for years and years of hassle-free operation. For more information on SunSetter's Quality Construction, Check out our SunSetter Quality page.

A durable SunSetter retractable awning will withstand heavy winds while extended as proved in tests by an independent laboratory. However, we do recommend retracting your awning when heavy winds start to pick up.

Because SunSetter awnings retract, they're great for breezy locales where a permanent awning would be somewhat impractical and prone to damage. Our optional Wireless Wind Sensor and Wireless Rain Sensor for the Motorized models give you additional peace of mind by closing your awning automatically on very windy or rainy days.

We offer an elegant Aluminum Hood for all models except the Platinum Plus Semi-Cassette (this model comes with a built-in hood), 1000XT, and Oasis Freestanding awnings. The Aluminum Hood provides the perfect finished look and protects your awning from the elements year round. We also offer an Awning Cover for all models for winter storage and protection. Our awnings and fabrics have been designed to withstand year-round weather and never have to be removed from the house. We also now offer new, alternative cord lengths for motorized models.

Our Dimming LED Lights are customer favorites because they let you extend your entertaining right into the evening by providing the perfect soft or bright illumination using the same remote control the operates your awning.

The Wireless Wind Sensor and Wireless Rain Sensor are the most popular accessories for motorized models. They close your awning automatically on windy or rainy days. Now you can also open and close your awning from anywhere using the Somfy^® TaHoma^®. Just plug this device into an electrical outlet, download the app and with a simple tap on your device, control your awning remotely.

All SunSetter Series accessories are warranted for 5 years. All Platinum Series accessories are warranted for 10 years.

Yes. In addition to keeping your deck or patio up to 20 degrees cooler, your awning can keep the inside of your house cooler, save on air conditioning costs and help prevent your carpets from fading. A SunSetter awning helps cut energy use, and lowers your carbon footprint.

All motorized awnings come with a quiet, rugged, Somfy^® electric motor (the world's best awning motor) with remote control and a manual override (in case of power outage), included.

Yes. When you order SunSetter Direct you can take advantage of the Deferred 5-Payment Plan when you use your credit card. Just pay 20% down and get immediate delivery. We will then bill your credit card automatically in four additional monthly installments. The best part, we do not add any interest with the Deferred 5-Payment Plan. You can also ask your independent SunSetter Authorized Dealer about payment plans they may have available for you. To learn more, click here.

We've been in the awning business for over 30 years, and we've sold more patio and deck awnings than anyone else in America, with over 1,000,000 satisfied SunSetter owners. When you call us you'll reach friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to answer your questions and provide prompt, courteous customer service.

Yes. Many local dealers around the country are selling SunSetter awnings. They are independent businesses who buy the awnings from SunSetter for resale to the consumers. These dealers are not affiliated with SunSetter Products but have a SunSetter awning on display and can answer any question you might have.

Our independent dealers will show you the benefits of our awnings and how they operate. They will also let you touch and feel the construction of our fabrics. All SunSetter dealers set their own pricing and might not match SunSetter Factory Direct prices. To find a SunSetter independent dealer near you, click here.

Most dealers will install the awnings they sell for an additional charge. To find a SunSetter independent dealer near you, click here.

Yes. No matter where you purchase your awning, the SunSetter Series' 5-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty and the Platinum Series' 10-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty will cover your awning against any manufacturing defects. SunSetter Products is not responsible and does not provide a warranty for installation services provided by the dealer.

Yes, the SunSetter 1000XT model has adjustable arms which allow you to adjust the front height easily to suit your preferences or the weather. Adjust up or down to block the sun, wind, or rain as you wish. You can even adjust the two arms independently, so that one side is higher than the other for better rain runoff. The front height on all other models can also be adjusted, but it requires a few mechanical steps.

No. Just close your awning and leave it on your house all year long. The SunSetter Oasis freestanding model can also be left retracted outside -- no need to store it. Our fabrics have been designed to withstand the elements year round. But if you're looking for the ultimate protection, our optional awning cover will do the job!

Just place either or both awning support arms in the vertical position, so the bottom of the support arm is secured to the deck or patio floor with the deck plate included with your awning, rather than angled back. For complete unobstructed access, you can purchase our Motorized or Manual awnings, which do not have any vertical support arms.

No problem. Since your safety is very important to us, all of our Somfy motors come with a manual override. To retract your awning, just turn the manual gear using the wand that comes with your awning.

Our manual models all operate with an included hand crank. To open, you simply unroll the fabric using the hand crank wand we provide. On the XT models, you then set the support arms at the desired height. To close, just roll the fabric back toward the house (on the 1000XT model, you need to lower the arms before rolling the fabric back toward the house).