No matter the season, using a retractable awning over your patio, deck, or porch is simple and convenient. What makes them convenient is their design. Without obstructing poles, they cover the area that you want covered without taking away your view. They can be easily retracted to let the sun shine in or expanded to shade your living space from the hot summer sun. You can even remotely extend and retract your awning with just the click of a button!
To learn more about awning installation in Northern Virginia give Carter Fence a call at 703-255-0824!
Retractable Awnings
In Northern Virginia, we have the best of all seasons. A retractable awning is designed so that you can take advantage of natural sunlight when you want to warm your home, as well as the option to extend it to shade your home or keep dry from passing rain storms.
How Your Awning Works
A retractable awning operates similar to a window blind. The awning reside in a case that attaches to the side of your home, either on the eave or the wall. This allows them to unfold easily to extend then also retract quickly and hide in their casing. This gives you the flexibility to open the deck, patio, or window to the sunlight or to cover it from rain.
What makes retractable awnings so special is the design of the arms that support the awning when it is extended. Built with a locking hinge our SunSetter awnings use articulated arms that extend and retract along with the awning and support the awning without the need for poles. Retractable awnings can be operated manually or motorized for push-button, remote control convenience.
Benefits of Retractable Awnings
There are a variety of benefits of when it comes to installing a retractable awning onto your home. The convenience of the retractable awning is definitely the most beneficial. This adds flexibility to the use of your outdoor living spaces. For plant lovers who have these spaces covered with their collections, a retractable awning gives you the flexibility to cover your plants from the heat of the sun and uncover them to be watered naturally, when it rains.
South facing windows, patios, and decks can add to heat gain of your home that can raise your utility bill. By using retractable awnings, you can cover them in the summer but open them in the winter for the natural heat gain that their southern exposure offers. This level of control is beneficial to you as a homeowner when you are trying to keep your utility bills low.
Awning Maintenance
Retractable awnings that manually unfold require less maintenance than systems that use an electric motor for remote operation. Being sure that your retractable awning is set-up correctly to begin with will help with overall maintenance of either method—make sure to hire an experience awning contractor. For motorized retractable awnings, the power source needs to be installed by a licensed electrician. A GFI outlet and waterproof cover are recommended.
The awning itself is made from material that is resistant to mold, mildew, and rot but still needs to be cleaned and stored properly. Checking your manufacturer’s maintenance suggestions is the best place to start for recommended maintenance. However, a mild solution of warm soapy water and a soft brush will clean your awning just fine. Make sure you let the awning dry while extended, folding up a wet awning will cause mildew to grow.
For more information on Carter Fence’s awning installation services contact us online for a free estimate or give us a call at 703-255-0824!