Investing in retractable awnings is not only a good decision for your property, but it can also be a smart addition to your home. Not only are they visually appealing, but they can also add some class and decoration to the outside of your home. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors giving you complete design control. Retractable awnings can easily be customized to match both your taste and budget making them an excellent option for anyone interested in adding value (and curb appeal) to their home.

Before you purchase a retractable awning, there are many factors to think about. In this article, we will go over the most pressing considerations so that your decision is an informed one. We’ll start by discussing the advantages of investing in a motorized retractable awning as opposed to a manual one.

Manual vs. Remote Control

While both of these awnings serve the same purpose of shielding you from harsh sunlight and heat, that’s where their similarities end.

If you operate a manually retractable awning, you have to hand-crank it every time you want to open or close the shade. This process obviously takes more time and effort than simply pushing a button. Another downside of manual models is that they can’t include extra features like remotes, wind sensors, and motion sensors.

In contrast, motorized retractable awnings provide a luxurious level of comfort that you cannot find with manual varieties. With this type of awning, all you have to do to open or close it is press a button. Some models even let you extend the canvas to your desired degree so that you can adjust the amount of shade as the sun moves.

Component Quality

There are several determining factors when it comes to the quality of your awning, such as the number of parts and how customisable it is. Upgrading various components will result in an increase of your awning’s quality.

The quality of the fabric you use for your awning is going to be very important. This will act as a barrier between you and the Sun, so it is crucial that you choose a high-quality option. Look for fabrics made with better materials if you want to find the best ones on the market. They tend to offer certain features that lower quality options do not have. Select a fabric that is water resistant, has high-rated UV protection, and is easy to clean. Some companies only sell polyester fabrics with six-month warranties, so be sure to double check before you make your purchase.

Sensors

Sensors are a vital part of owning a motorized retractable awning because they can automatically adjust the settings based on environmental factors like wind, rain, and sun exposure. This not only makes using an awning more effortless but also helps protect your investment from bad weather.

Consider getting a wind sensor installed on your awning if you live in an area with high winds. These sensors detect when the wind becomes too strong and automatically retracts the awning to safety, preventing further damage. The cost of installing this sensor is much cheaper than constantly replacing or repairing your existing awning.

With these sensors, you don’t have to stress about remembering to lower your device throughout the day–the sensor will do it for you. Additionally, they maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and save energy (and money) by running on solar power. You can even set seasonal preferences! Essentially, the sensors do all of the work so that you don’t have to lift a finger.

Awning FX has been servicing the New York and New Jersey area for over two decades. We’re your go-to awning company! Contact us today and our experienced team can help you with all of your awning needs.