Awning Sunsetter Videos

The Sunsetter Awning Makes it 700 Hundred Degrees in Seconds

Retractable Awnings -- Knowing How to Choose the Right One

Retractable awnings for patios, porches, and decks offer a practical solution for outdoor shade.  Screened-in enclosures, on the other hand, while they provide much desired protection from sun and many weather conditions, do not offer as much flexibility as homeowners might prefer.  Retractable awnings allow you to choose how much sun exposure or shade you'd like, and adjusting them is fast and simple.  Knowing more details about retractable awnings can give you the confidence to make the best decision when it's time to buy.

Retractable awnings are either manually operated or motorized. One of the more obvious advantages of manually operated retractable awnings is that they require no electricity to operate.  If an electrical outlet is not conveniently located near the awning, it doesn't matter. These awnings come with a hand crank that should allow you to fully open the awning quietly and smoothly in less than a minute.  Motorized retractable awnings, on the other hand, come with a specialized motor and remote control which allows you to easily open and close the awning from the comfort of your chair or even from inside your home.  They plug into any standard outlet, so the services of an electrician are not necessary if an outlet is located close by.  The best advantage of motorized awnings is that they offer convenience, but they may also be a better choice for homeowners who have physical limitations which might prevent them from using a hand crank.

In general, retractable awnings, whether manually operated or motorized, should be able to connect, with an appropriate bracket, to most types of siding, including masonry, brick, vinyl, aluminum, wood, and stucco.  They should also be able to attach to either an eave or overhang or to the outside wall of your house.  While retractable awnings can be installed by any homeowner familiar with tools, it may be preferable to hire someone with prior experience to complete the installation.  This will cost a little more, of course, but any extra cost will certainly save you a good deal of frustration and hassle. 

Also important to consider is the fabric that comes standard with retractable awnings.  Insist on only the most durable, best quality outdoor fabric with the ability to protect you from damaging UVA and UVB rays.  Additionally, awning fabric should be waterproof, resistant to mildew, and easy to clean.  Settling for cheaper fabrics initially will inevitably turn out to be a regretable decision because poor quality fabrics tend to fade and wear quickly and are expensive to replace.

As a final point to consider, accessories for retractable awnings, while they may be an additional expense, should be available to purchase so that you can customize your awning for more protection and comfort.  A wireless wind sensor is a particularly useful accessory to have for motorized retractable awnings if you happen to live in an area that experiences occasional high winds.  The sensor will automatically close the motorized awning if winds become strong enough to potentially damage it.  Another helpful accessory is a screen panel that can affix to the side or front of manually operated or motorized retractable awnings to offer even more protection from rain, sun, wind, or other weather conditions.  Yet another practical accessory is an awning cover that protects retractable awnings when they are closed and not in use.  The cover helps keep awnings clean and free of dirt, cobwebs, leaves, and other debris.

A little information goes a long way when it comes to making significant home purchases.  Even though retractable awnings offer superior outdoor shade for a much lower cost and less effort than a screened-in enclosure, it is still important to take some time to understand the product before buying.  Knowing what to look for and what to insist upon in retractable awnings will allow you to make the best possible choice.  When a decision is made with carefulness, the choice you make is always the right one.

About the Author

Trey Collier is owner of BackyardCity.com - Where North America shops for Outdoor Living essentials, including high quality Retractable Awnings for home and business.

Awning Sunsetter Q&A

Is John Edwards doing a TV commercial for some Sunsetter awnings? It looked like him.?

No, it is not John Edwards. I know some people who thinks it looks exactly like him, I don't, he is a similar type, it is definitely not Edwards

Is anyone bought a Sunsetter motorized pro awning before? What is your comment?

I have had one for 3 years now. I love it. I have had no problems with it at all.