Adding shade to your outdoor space provides your family and guests with a much-needed respite from the summer heat. Installing a cover over your balcony or patio can increase the usability of your outdoor living area – it can even create a cozy atmosphere in the rain! An awning can be the perfect solution to add shade to your space. If you’re thinking about installing a retractable patio awning over your outdoor room, don’t hesitate!
Beyond the critical choice of color and design for your awning, there is one more key decision you will have to make. Do you want a manual or motorized patio canopy? Although both provide you with shade, they differ quite considerably! This article contains all you need to know about retractable patio awnings before making a big purchase. Read on to learn what a retractable awning can do for your home!
The Advantages of Retractable Awnings
There are many benefits of installing shade structures around your home. You may want a large shade for your back patio, an awning to cover your balcony, or some canopies to cover the front porch. Whatever your purpose, there are plenty of reasons why installing a retractable patio awning is beneficial!
1. Protection from Sun Damage
Awnings provide shade that can block sun damage from constant UV exposure on your patio furniture, house, and skin. This can increase the lifetime of your possessions while simultaneously preventing signs of wear and tear and fading. It also extends the amount of time you feel comfortable relaxing outside!
2. Keep the Temperatures Down Inside
Increasing the amount of shade around your home protects it from heat and rising temperatures. Shading the windows, doors, and exteriors of your home reduces the amount of heat absorbed by the house. This can also reduce your electricity bills by keeping your home temperature cooler and more comfortable.
3. Adjustability and Mobility
Retractable awnings are fabulous and multifunctional because of their adjustability. Unlike other hardscapes, they can be set differently throughout the day, letting the shade travel with you or according to the weather. Additionally, the mobility of the structure is useful in inclement weather. If heavy storms, high winds, or snow and ice are forecasted, you can roll up your awning instead of sustaining damage as you likely would for other immobile hardscapes.
4. Create an Outdoor Room
A retractable patio awning can be a functional decor addition to an outdoor sitting area that ties the space together. Inside the home, you have four walls and a ceiling in every room, so it is easy for your interior design aesthetic to shine. However, there is so much more space outdoors without borders; adding a canopy to cover your patio seating can create the feeling of an outdoor sitting room without the same space constraints. This helps give you and your guests a place to kick back and relax, and the right color choice of shade can complement your outdoor decor!
5. You Can Be Outside More Often
Installing a retractable awning increases the usability of your outdoor space. It protects you from intense sun in the summer months, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors at any time of day. You also don’t have to wait for any trees to mature before you get some shade! Adding shade to the yard reduces the air temperature of your outdoor spaces by up to twenty degrees!
6. Increase Winter Warming
A retractable awning can benefit your home in the winter too! Its mobility makes it more versatile than other shade structures. This is useful in the winter because you can roll it up. When retracted, it allows more sunlight to warm your house and keep your heating bill low! Other shade-providing hardscapes, such as pergolas, are impossible to move or adjust to the various seasons.
7. Cool Your Walkways, Deck, and Patio
Some of the least enjoyable moments of summer are walking around on a sizzling deck or patio. Direct sunlight can increase flooring temperatures dramatically, especially if they are dark in color. Did you know that some composite decks can reach up to 76 degrees hotter than the air temperature? This can make walking around outdoors unbearable for your loved ones and pets if you do not have proper shading in your outdoor living area. Installing a retractable sunshade is a perfect solution for hot decks and patios!
The Disadvantages of Retractable Awnings
Durability is the most significant disadvantage of this shade structure. However, much of that is due to human error. Many owners forget to retract their shades before storms or leave them unfurled for days or weeks without use. It is critical to retract your awning if inclement weather or high winds are forecasted. It is often prudent to roll them up at night before you go to bed – just in case!
The Takeaway on Awnings
A high-quality retractable sunshade is an excellent addition to any outdoor space and a prudent investment. Make sure you purchase a unit from a reputable brand known for reliability and durability. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even install a wind sensor for extra insurance! Don’t forget that canopies need regularly scheduled maintenance to live out their expected lifespan and for you to get your full value from the product. While lower-quality awnings may be tempting because of their prices, remember that you sacrifice longevity and durability. If you are looking for a budget option, consult a patio cover professional who can direct you to the best quality options in your price range.
How Patio Covers Unlimited NW Can Help
Are you looking to install a retractable awning in your outdoor space in the Eastern Washington area? Patio Covers Unlimited NW is here to help! We have years of experience installing, repairing, and maintaining retractable sunshades throughout the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. We want to work with you to find the perfect retractable awning for your outdoor space, needs, and budget. Visit our website to browse our services, and contact us today to start your journey to the perfect shady yard!
