Using Retractable Awnings
Covering your outdoor spaces with retractable awnings is a wonderful way to increase your
overall living area. Patio awnings and deck awnings protect you and your family from harmful
rays of the sun and help to make your outdoor areas all day, even when the sun is at your
highest. Retractable awnings for your patio and deck also protect from inclement weather,
keeping you from having to make a mad dash for the indoors at the first drop of rain. Patio
and deck awnings also protect your outdoor furniture. Even though you should choose outdoor
furniture that is weather-resistant, patio and deck awnings protect your furnishings from
heavy rain that can pool, puddle and cause rot. Many people only think of window awnings when
they think of awnings, but today's technology allows for awnings that can cover a much larger
area. Retractable awnings also offer the benefits of flexibility. Whether your awning is
manually retractable or motorized, you can retract the awning to take advantage of sunny
weather, or to protect it in times of damaging winds or hail. Many of the fabrics made for
awnings by fine companies such as SunSetter Awnings are maintenance free and guaranteed not to
mildew, rot or fade. Some retractable awnings even have automatic sensors for light or rain,
or remote controls. In case of storms, a motorized awning can have a backup manual override so
that you can retract it safely to protect it from storms. Unlike patio umbrellas that only
give a limited area of shade and very little headroom, you can choose to put your patio or
deck awning at virtually any height, to increase the sense of spaciousness, and can choose how
large and area to cover. The fact that the awnings can be retractable also lets you vary the
coverage. Some retractable awning systems are even designed with wind-release systems that
keep them from snapping or damaging the framework in the case of sudden winds. Many of the
frameworks for deck awnings and patio awnings are powder-coated, like fine outdoor furniture,
for durability and attractive appearance, and are almost maintenance-free. Unlike permanent
deck or patio coverings, retractable awnings give you the option to have as much sun or shade
as you would like for your outdoor spaces. Exterior home décor is a growing trend, with many
beautiful products and furnishings that are weather resistant, from upholstery fabrics to rugs
to wood and metal furniture. Using an awning rather than umbrellas lets you treat your entire
outdoor space as a "great room," designing the arrangement of furniture, dining areas and play
areas to suit your vision. Exploring the options that retractable awnings and canopies can
provide is the first step to increasing the utility of your home's outdoor living spaces. |
