Picking a Retractable Awning for Your Home

Sure, outdoor living spaces are great, but only when they feel livable. When everything is in place, porches or patios are the perfect spots for family bonding, fun activities, and simply taking in the sights and smells of the outdoors.

However,  without necessary sun protection, the outdoor elements can quickly become unbearable. Let’s be honest; there are very few things that will make someone want to head back inside more than an annoying glare from the sun or a sweat-soaked shirt. 

So if your porch or patio isn’t already covered and you live in an area with lots of year-round sunlight, then a retractable awning might be exactly what the doctor ordered. That way, you can maximize the use of your outdoor living space.

What is a retractable awning?

A retractable awning is a cover for a porch, patio, deck, pool, or other outdoor living space. Unlike traditional awnings, retractable ones can be deployed or retracted at a moment’s notice. 

Need some shade? Unfold the patio awning. Want to bask in the glorious sunlight and catch a tan? Retractthe awning. It’s that simple.

Why should I buy a retractable awning?

We already mentioned the most obvious reasons to purchase a retractable canopy. It can defend against adverse weather such as too much sun or rain and noted its versatility—use it when you want, retract it when you don’t. But there are other reasons a retractable awning might be the perfect fit for your home. 

First, it is a great way to protect your uncovered porch and patio furniture. Too much exposure to sunlight and the elements can damage or fade its fabric. And second, it is probably the cheapest option for covering a patio. A more permanent solution such as ceiling panels or an insulated roof can cost beaucoups more.

On top of that, a retractable awning can:

• Improve the look and comfort of your home
• Save on energy costs
• Increase your home’s value
• Add to your home’s curb appeal
• Increase the amount of livable area in your home

How much should I pay for a retractable awning?

That brings us to how much you can expect to pay for a retractable canopy. Typically, the price of a retractable awning runs from about $600 to $4,000. This depends on numerous factors, such as the awning fabric, how it’s operated, how large it is, where it is being installed, and the installation fee.

That being said, retractable awnings are definitely worth it if you are a person who enjoys using your outdoor living space as much as possible. Without a retractable awning or some other patio cover, you might only get a fraction of the use out of your outdoor seating area.

What is the best retractable awning?

This is a very subjective question, but let’s give it a shot. The best retractable awning boils down to personal needs and desires and how well it fits your home. What is the goal of the awning? Where do you want to put it? How large does it need to be? What is your budget? Etc.

At Screenmobile, we have three main retractable awnings on offer:

1. Sun Control retractable shades

These durable retractable canopies come either manual or motorized, protect from harmful UV rays, and can be custom-installed up to 40 feet wide. 

However, what makes the Sun Control version unique is its five projection options that let you choose which height you want the patio awning pitched. This means you can angle the shade to the perfect level, maximizing shade while also letting in enough sun.

2. Sunair retractable awnings 

Sunair’s UV-blocking, retractable awnings are another great choice. They come in sizes up to 14 feet and have three different metal frame options to choose from. You can buy the manual version or—if you want to take it to the next level—a motorized, remote-controlled version. If you’re worried that a Sunair patio awning won’t match your house, don’t be. Sunair retractable canopies come in hundreds of different colors.

3. SunPro retractable awnings

The SunPro retractable canopies are most known for their high-quality, long-lasting, and beautiful fabrics. On top of that, SunPro awnings have built-in dimmable LED lights, which are great for nighttime use, easy pitch adjustment, motorized and wireless control, three frame colors, and a durable housing case that protects from adverse weather. 

How to pick a retractable awning

Here’s a comprehensive checklist of things you need to consider before being able to confidently pick the retractable awning for your outdoor living space:

• Type of fabric the awning is made of
• Color and design of the fabric
• The size you need to cover the outdoor space
• The retraction mechanism (motorized or manual)
• Maintenance and upkeep requirements
• A reliable installer

Our team of experts at Screenmobile can help with all of the above and more. We have an extensive network of qualified and experienced retractable awning installers waiting to do the job. 

So when you’re ready, just give us a call or contact us at Screenmobile.com.