Even if you enjoy the heat, there are times when it is simply too hot to spend time in the sun. These days, you have the option of staying within and blasting the AC or staying cool outside by installing a retractable canopy for your patio.
A retractable awning draws shade over your patio to protect it from the burning sun and retracts when you wish to get a tan.
If you’re thinking about having a retractable awning, evaluate the benefits and drawbacks, such as durability, cost, and value. Make touch with your local awning contractors for a personalized consultation.
The Pros of Retractable Patio Awnings
Read on to learn more about the five benefits of retractable patio awnings:
1. Maintain Your Home’s Temperature
Retractable awnings, of course, shade the exterior of your home from the sun, but they may also help in keeping the interior cool. These awnings may reduce the temperature inside by up to 15 degrees, decreasing the demand for air conditioning. This may result in energy savings over time.
2. Protect Your Furniture
You’re not the only thing that needs protection from the sun. Your patio furniture can also get ruined by the heat. A retractable awning helps to keep your furniture in good shape. Most of them are designed to allow you to put furniture like tables and chairs underneath them.
3. Improve the Value of Your Home
Retractable awnings add value to your home, especially if you’re looking to sell it. They make your home more attractive to buyers and renters, especially if you choose a color or style that matches the general design of your home.
4. Lower Your Energy Bills
A retractable awning is a permanent fixture, so installing it will save you money in the long run. Many homeowners report that installing a retractable awning saves them up to 30 percent on cooling costs.
5. Get Better Privacy
With a retractable awning, you can choose to show off your home to the whole neighborhood or to keep it out of sight. You can control how much your home is exposed to the outside world.
The Cons of Retractable Patio Awnings
While retractable awnings can be the perfect accessory for your home, they aren’t for everyone. Here are some aspects of retractable awnings that you may find distasteful:
1. They Require a Lot of Maintenance
Just like every other part of your home, you’ll have to take care of your retractable awning as well. You may have to clean the fabric or replace zippers and sliders to maintain it. If you don’t have the time or skill to maintain a retractable awning properly, you may want to get a different type of sunshade.
2. They Cost More Upfront
Retractable awnings are more expensive than most other types of sunshade options, especially if you compare them to less permanent options that you can put up and take down. While the fact that they’re permanent means you won’t have to purchase another one anytime soon, it also means that you’ll have to pay a higher price.
3. They Can Be Difficult to Install
If you decide to install your own retractable awning, you may find difficulties along the way. The installation process is more complicated than installing most other types of awnings, so you’ll need to ensure that you have the skills necessary to install one.
4. They Can Damage Other Elements of Your Home
Sun awnings, including retractable awnings, may damage the roofing or brickwork of your home. They can also damage your siding and windows if you don’t position them correctly. Ensure that you carefully measure your home and its elements before installing a retractable patio awning. Or better yet, work with a professional installer.
Conclusion
A retractable patio awning is a great way to stay cool in the summer and beat the heat. If you’re considering installing one, you should consider the pros and cons of retractable patio awnings. Contact a local awning and shade contractor for professional advice and installation.
Van Nuys is one of the largest resources for quality awnings in Los Angeles. With IFAI-Certified Master Fabric Craftsmen, we perform magic with canvas. Contact us to get a free quote!
