Retractable Awnings

The utility of awnings

An awning is an outdoor shade that is usually mounted above the exterior of windows, and extends fabric material outward to shade the immediate vicinity. Not only is the spot outside the window shaded, but light that would otherwise enter the window is correspondingly reduced. Awnings are also combined with other cooling methods such as the outdoor misting fan, which is an alternative and complementary way that synergizes with the shade methods of awnings. The misting fan method works best in drier areas with low humidity.

Since entering light heats up a house much like greenhouse, awnings help cool down the house but eliminating the entering light. The Midwest Research Institute (a contracted researcher under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, estimates that having such shades can cut down air conditioning energy-related costs by up to 50%. Because awnings are made of fabric materials like canvas or polyester fabrics, the constant exposure means that awning parts becomes worn out over time. Ultraviolet rays in sunlight damage the dyes causing loss of color. Extended exposure to wet conditions encourages proliferation of mold, mildew and microorganisms. Moreover, heavy rain or snow add weight-related stress to awnings, causing sagging and stretching of both fabric and frame.

Retractables save the day

The answer to prolonging the life of an awning is to make it retractable so it can be pulled into a safe enclosure, or at least retracted and folded so that it's no longer exposed. There are two major types of retractable awnings. The most popular is motorized so it can retract by itself at the push of a button, or when an automated sensor detects excessive wind or rain. Yes, awnings can be automated so they retract themselves when the conditions turn poor! The less popular type is manual and requires cranking to open or close up.

Motorized Awnings

The motorized or automated awnings typically come with a lateral arm configuration, much like the manual retractable awnings. When thinking of motorized awnings, two considerations need to be raised. FIrst an electrical source near the awning must be available, preferably with a third safety prong which will break safely if there is voltage discharge due to a short or faulty wiring. The awning comes with a fixed length of electrical cables rated for the amp and voltage of motor assembly, but these cables can be extended assuming the proper specifications are followed. Second, automatic sensor features usually are purchased separately. The automatic sensors are mountable electrical devices that can measure wind speed or detect rain, in turn triggering self-retraction. Even better, you can time the awning to open or close with a self-timer at specified times of the day, so as not to forget to retract the awning at night.

Adding accessories

Rectractable awnings can be accessorized to a great extent. If the awning is to be retracted for extended periods, perhaps during cold winter months when there's less opportunity to be outside, an awning protective cover can be bought to shield the enclosure. An awning in its extended state typically shields only sunlight coming from above, but the forward and side directions receive a lot of ambient and reflected light. Side flaps, as well as extension flaps, can be added to block light from these directions. Moreover, adding these flaps increases the privacy of the shaded area.

Automation

As mentioned already, the motorized awnings can be configured with automatic sensors so they fold up by themselves in the event of bad weather. A sudden rainstorm or perhaps heavy winds when you're not immediately available to take care of things no longer means potential damage to your equipment. The wind sensor is in the form of a little windmill that twirls faster when the wind speed picks up. Electronic moisture sensors can detect if there is rain.

Manual retractables

Less popular are the manual retractable awnings, but they are a bit cheaper and require less upkeep as they do not have sensitive automated mechanical or electrical components. The manual crank awnings are the traditional awnings which are opened by hand using an extension pole or crank. Two bars swing out horizontally from the enclosure which stretches the awning material taut, opening it up to be in the shading configuration. This is known as the lateral arm style of awning and is prevalent and common. Without a motor, one has to pull it open or close it shut every day of operation. The advantage is that there is no need to maintain the mechanism of the motor. However, many homeowners are opting for the convenience of motorized awnings now.

Costs

The cost of a retractable awning is quite considerable and can run into the thousands of dollars even for a basic configuration. Addition of these accessories is also not cheap. Throw in a protective cover, as well as a sophisticated sensor can add hundreds to the final price tag. But the end result should be a high quality awning that adds value to your home.