The perfect outdoorawning provides shade on demand so that you can enjoy the warm sunshine on milddays and relax in the cool shadow of your awning during hot weather. If youcan't decide whether you want close off your patio to the sky, a retractableawning can provide an alternative to a fixed patio cover. You do have choicesto make before purchasing a retractable awning.

Control Options

One of the mostimportant decisions to make about a retractable awning is the type of operatingcontrol. You have three main options, so your choice should be guided by yourlifestyle and budget.

Manual Operation

A manually operatedawning typically has a crank system. Manual controls are most often found onRVs, but you can also have a manually controlled home awning. Other than thecost savings over automatic and remote control options, the main benefit isthat you can retract and extend the awning even if the electricity is out.

Remote Control

A remote controlledawning can typically be operated from outside or inside the home. You may havean actual remote control, a control panel, or both. You don’t need to crank theawning open or closed, which makes it much easier to use. Further, operation isrelatively quick. The main drawback of this awning type is that you must behome to retract the awning, so it's a good idea to always keep it retractedwhen you aren't actively using the patio.

Automatic Sensors

The most convenientoption is an automatic sensor control. These awnings come with a remote controlpower option as well as integrated sensors that will close the awningautomatically if wind is detected. This means that you never have to worryabout the awning becoming damaged if you forget to retract it and you aren'thome when a storm blows in.

Fabric Types

Retractable awningsuse several different types of fabric, but they fall into two main categories:canvas and synthetic.

Canvas

Canvas is typicallymade of a heavy duty cotton, which may or may not feature a PVC coating. Themain issues with canvas are weight and damage. Heavy canvas can stress someretracting mechanisms. Further, canvas is more likely to suffer from mold andUV light damage compared to modern synthetics.

Synthetic

You have manysynthetic fabric choices, but most awnings are made of some combination ofvinyl or acrylic coatings applied over a polyester base material. The coatingsprovide mold and UV damage resistance, while also making the awning easy toclean and maintain. Further, synthetic awnings tend to be fade resistant, sothey look good for many years. With proper care, these materials can last up toeight years.

Options

A retractable awningcan protect you from the sun above, but side glares, wind, and privacy maystill be a concern. Luckily, you can acquire accessories that address theseconcerns.

Roll Drops

Roll drops, alsocalled sun or shade screens, are fitted across the front support of yourretractable awning. They are basically roller style shade screens, which youcan pull down to the desired height to provide the amount of shade you need.Roll drops are especially nice for east or west facing patios that get fulllight exposure when the sun is low in the sky.

Side Curtains

If you desire privacyor want to block the breeze on a windy day, then side curtains are a goodoption for your awning. The curtains are attached to the sides of the awning.You can choose a manual version that you roll down manually, as well asretractable versions that you can control with a remote system.

Contact Lexington Tent & Awning Company to learn more aboutyour retractable awning options.