What Are Retractable Awnings?
Chances are that if you’re willing to entertain the question, you’ve heard something about the benefits of retractable awnings—a product that’s not exactly a household phrase. We’ll talk about the main reasons awnings are attracting a growing consumer base, but first let’s cover the basics.
What are they? You know the basic concept: a large piece of weatherproof canvas, vinyl, or acrylic fabric that’s stretched over a steel or aluminum frame—which is in turn attached to a building’s wall or roof. Since the awning is held in place by spring-loaded mounts, there are no poles to impede the view. Awnings of the retractable variety differ from simple, permanent awnings in that they’re flexible (use the same space for sun and shade) and more durable (retract them in winter and harsh weather).
The larger awnings on the market today are up to 30 feet wide and 14 feet deep. Powered manually via a hand crank, or automatically using any electric outlet and a remote control (the preferred option), the awning can be extended or retracted in under a minute.
This means that when you want to ward off the scorching sun or unwanted precipitation, it’s instantly available. And when you want to lie out in the sun or watch the stars, it is stored neatly against your house. When not in use, a retractable awning occupies a horizontal space between six and eleven inches, depending on the size. Since retractable awnings are installed at a downward pitch, they typically need to be mounted seven and a half feet off the ground.
Those are the basic specs. Let’s touch briefly on the services that awnings provide to home and business owners.
What do retractable awnings accomplish?
The most obvious answer is that they provide relief from the elements, and this is a central function. A good awning gives shade and weather protection when needed, and changes a deck, patio, balcony, or poolside area to an all-weather, all-day space. This allows you to get more value from outdoor furniture and accessories (grill, bar, hot tub) you already own. However, a variety of related benefits sometimes go unnoticed.
Even more basic than weather protection, the awnings extend your living area or commercial space. They act as an architectural addition, but without associated costs of construction, since there’s no need to hire a general contractor or building inspector. For home owners, this means an outdoor room to use for eating, entertaining, and relaxation. For commercial business owners, this means additional space to serve patrons, hold meetings, or seat customers. In either case, the additional space results in added value to the home or business.
In addition, awnings make the interior of a building cooler, by shading windows, and cutting direct sunlight and glare by up to 94 percent. This results in a cooler home, the preservation of furniture from bleaching, and substantial energy savings. A study conducted by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers showed that awnings can lower interior heat in your home by as much as 77 percent. That will definitely cut your air conditioning bills.
By now you’ve gotten past the What-the-heck? factor with retractable awnings. If you want to explore more, this site is here to help. The Insider’s Guide to Awnings is a good next step. If you want the shotgun approach, glance at 20 Fast Facts About Awnings. If you’re interested in shopping for awnings, don’t put money down until you read How to Choose Awnings.
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Tagged With energy efficiency, outdoor living spaces, permanent awnings, Retractable Awnings, specs
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