Retractable deck awnings are a great way to keep your outdoor spaces cooler. They don’t just provide shade but also restrict the sunlight that hits your home directly. In fact, an awning can greatly decrease indoor temperature and save you lots of money on your energy bill. Keep value, cost, and durability in mind when considering installing retractable deck awnings.
Benefits of Retractable Awning
A retractable awning is an adjustable vinyl, canvas, or water-resistant fabric extension that protects your outdoor spaces from the scorching sun. It may be manual or motorized and you can also customize them to suit your needs. One of the best parts about it is it retracts when the weather is nice enough to enjoy it. As we said above, there are a few things to keep in mind when you purchase one and we’d like to tell you more about the pros and cons.
The Pros of Retractable Deck Awnings
We already mentioned that retractable deck awnings are a great way to bring shade to your outdoor lounge areas and keep the indoors cooler which translates into energy savings as you don’t have to use the AC as much. There’s more though, retractable deck awnings also help protect your floors and furniture from the harmful effects of the sun and keep it from bleaching and drying out.
Furthermore, retractable awnings last longer than their fixed counterparts as you can stash them away during storms and blizzards. As you can see, they’re a good investment moneywise but also in regards to your quality of life – you get to spend more time outdoors.
The Cons of Retractable Deck Awnings
Retractable deck awnings, be it manual or motorized, are mechanical devices and thus, installation can be a bit expensive. The main thing to consider here is you’ll be saving money on energy bills in the long run and this is why you must select a quality product that’ll last you many, many years. As with everything, they require regular maintenance to stay in good shape.
Cleaning is a drawback for some though. This is because the canvas or fabric collects all kinds of debris, especially during rainstorms. Similarly, the metal parts are prone to deterioration if not maintained properly.
In general, retractable deck awnings require regular cleaning, especially the motorized kind that costs more upfront. The remote controls and sensors they come with to automatically retract make them more convenient. Replacing them can be expensive, though. Of course, you could stick to a manual awning and avoid all that. However, this kind of retractable awning is harder to draw open or closed over time.
Finally, retractable deck awnings are a great investment that can help you keep your spaces cooler and save on energy. The proper maintenance will keep them alive for many, many years. Be sure to keep them shut when bad weather strikes!