What to do Before Installing a Retractable Awning

DECKS and patios are popular gathering places, that is, of course, until scorching sun or annoying drizzle forces folks inside.
It is possible, though, to get more use from a deck or patio by installing a retractable awning.
There are two basic options for homeowners who want a deck or patio awning, manual or automatic. Manual awnings must be hand-cranked open or closed; automatic awnings use a motor to do the work, but are more expensive.
Jose Simancas, General Manager of Hunter Douglas in Tijuana, said that he recommends awnings that have both a motor — for convenience — and a manual crank that allows for opening and closing if the power goes out. He said that a good retractable awning should not need ground supports to hold it. Retractable awnings can be mounted on the wall of the house (made of solid material or core), on the overhang beneath the soffit, or on the roof itself. “You need at least six inches of unobstructed space to mount the awning,” he said, noting that because most retractable awnings must be pitched downward, they should be mounted at least seven and a half feet high.
With most retractable awnings, Mr. Simancas said, the motor is encased in the tube that winds up the awning material when it is retracted. “It is important to consider that you must buy a motorized awning ready to install in Mexico, because electric specifications are different between USA and this country,” he said. The supports that hold the awning up and out when it is extended will fold in on themselves and tuck under the tube when the awning is closed.
He said awnings from his company can be as wide as 46 feet; the most popular depth — or projection — is 7.5 to 13.5 feet.
Mr. Simancas said that automatic retractable awnings can be fitted with sensors that open or close the awning depending on the weather. For example, the awnings can have a light sensor that will automatically deploy the awning when the sun is out and close it at night or on cloudy days.
Rain and wind sensors can close the awning when there is heavy rain or when winds reach a level that could damage it.
Another thing to consider is the awning material. Awnings can be made out of vinyl, acrylic or other water-resistant fabric.
Mr. Simancas says he prefers awnings made from acrylic yarn because it is breathable and does not trap heat underneath the awning.
“During September and October, Hunter Douglas will have a 15% off due to the Special Fall Sale on Awnings,” Mr. Simancas concluded.