Pros and Cons of Retractable Patio Awnings

Retractable patio awnings are gaining popularity worldwide because of their flexibility and versatility. Patio awnings are mainly used as a shield against UV rays and to provide shade. They also give protection from rain and snow and prevent furnishings, carpets, paints, etc., from fading. Awnings impart beauty and are very practical. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of retractable awnings.

Benefits of Retractable Patio Awnings

Retractable awnings are more flexible than the fixed ones.

They are cheaper and easy to install.

The lack of any poles or posts supporting these awnings makes them safe for children and pets.

In case of retractable awnings, unlike the fixed ones, only the valance will be visible from the front. This means they look elegant yet discreet.

You can open or roll up retractable awnings during inclement weather, unlike fixed awnings.

When retracted, they do not get destroyed during high winds, storms or heavy snowfall.

Retractable awnings can be either electrical or manually operated.

Motorized awnings come with a remote control for easy maneuvering.

When the exterior windows and doors are shaded using retractable awnings, the light gets cut off before it enters a room. This is found to reduce the heat within the interiors by almost 80 percent.

It is possible to observe a reduction in air conditioning charges as the retractable awning shades the room and prevents it from heating up.

Retractable awnings come with options for motorization, including wind sensors, rain sensors, timers, and remote controls, that render the awnings much more easy to use.

With retractable awnings, one can extend the outdoor living space at a much smaller price than a high-cost construction without the added cost of an architect or a contractor.

The vertical support of manually operated retractable awnings makes them a favorite for use in windy areas.

Drawbacks of Retractable Awnings

Because of the flexibility and convenience of retractable awnings, they never come cheap.

Depending on the size of the retractable awning and its position, it is possible that a fierce wind destroys it. So, it should be retracted before wind storms hit.

If the awning has an electric sensor, it will need constant replacement. If not replaced on time, you will have to manually retract the awning.

The manual retraction lever should also be used whenever there are power shortages.

Even though the canvas or fabric of the retractable awnings has weather coating, it could develop a leak.

If not cleaned thoroughly, canvas awnings are prone to mildew and mold growth, which may, in turn, lead to health problems.

If a cheap motor is used with the awning, it may get broken quickly. Even with the available warranty, manual operation should be made use of until the motor gets repaired.

In some cases, the tracks get rusted due to the poor quality of the materials used. If so, the awnings get stuck on the tracks and become very difficult to manipulate.