Retractable awnings make great additions to any home.

Retractable awnings can provide you with sun or shade at the push of a button. They have steadily gained popularity among homeowners for their versatility and convenience. Let’s dive into the many uses and benefits of installing a canopy that can be folded down at any time.

main uses

Many homeowners use retractable awnings to cover their backyards while having fun outside. These retractable units will stretch out over a good part of the deck area and then pull back towards the wall when no longer needed. All you need to do is flip a switch. Some creative party planners have even placed a series of retractable units to track the sunlight on a given patio.

The units provide effective shade on the brightest and hottest days, but can also form a cozy shelter in the event of an unforeseen drizzle. This is because many of these units are waterproof and prevent water from penetrating through the fabric that forms the canopy portion. You can also change the slope of the extended awning to accommodate rain and control its runoff.

Retractable patio cover systems can also be converted into customer controlled “outdoor rooms” by enclosing the sides and front with zippered fabric screens. These rooms can be heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer for year-round entertainment.

There are also retractable canopies that are made specifically for large windows. They easily block the dazzling glare experienced indoors when the sun is high in the sky; however, they can be retracted during the last few hours to allow plenty of light in.

Advantages over fixed awnings

Retractable awnings offer homeowners many advantages over the typical fixed type. Not only are they designed to fold flat for controlled placement and to protect the unit in all types of weather, but they also last much longer and are much easier to install.

Since they are much more durable than the standard type, many retractable canopies have become long-term fixtures on the exterior of many homes. In addition to offering protection from heat, glare, and UV rays, they also add a stylish touch to the building’s exterior. After all, stationary units have unsightly poles and brackets, while a hanging canopy appears to be more of a natural extension of your home.

Retractable units are also much easier to install. They are usually easily mounted to the exterior of a home to strong points such as a beam or wall. No major construction is required, and most homeowners find they can handle the job themselves.

However, perhaps one of the biggest advantages that retractable units have over the regular type is that they are designed to be placed in small areas like windows and atypical areas like second story decks. Fixed canopies are not manufactured for these purposes. Retractable units have the advantage of being custom sized to fit exactly any area, and with several different retractable styles, you can easily select small canopies for sun-facing windows or longer dome canopies to shade large exteriors.

Having retractable awnings installed over your patio or window can give you peace of mind. You can turn a hot back deck into a cool haven in seconds and eliminate annoying glare in your living room without drawing the curtains. You can also entertain outdoors in almost any weather, even in the pouring rain. For all of the above reasons, these units are sure to remain an additional choice for home exteriors for years to come.