Retractable patio awnings and canopies make an ideal companion to any garden. Providing much needed shade in the summer, you can enjoy your garden in the precious little time we have to spend out in the summer sun.
A retractable awning is much more valuable in the long run that a fixed awning or sun shade. In the winter you have the converse problem, and want all the light you can get. There is another valuable reason though, and that is storage.
In the winter you can retract the awning or canopy so that it is protected against the harsher winter weather – the snow, falling leave and ice. Keeping it away will help maintain it for many years. You are best to obtain a “full cassette” awning which means the awning canvas is completely covered from the elements.
Perhaps one of the main reasons to go for a retractable patio awnings though, is the wind. Not many think about it, but attaching an awning or canopy to the side of a property is similar to attaching a large sail. This is ideal on a boat, where the force of the wind is captured in the sail which in turn forces the boat through the water. Not so good when a strong wind could actually damage your property by pulling the awning away from the wall.
With an awning it is like adding an extra room to your property in the summer. Sit out and enjoy a drink or a barbeque, and shelter from a summer shower. Most awnings should be “shower proof” but not many are water proof because of the weight of gathering water.
May we suggest you strongly consider an electric retractable patio awnings? Then you can deploy it as the push of a button, either on the wall or remote control, and add additional features such as heat and light, as well as a sun and wind sensor.
With a sensor, your awning can retract itself in the event of too strong a wind, and put itself out if the sun comes out. People have this to keep a room cool perhaps while they are out, or to protect furniture and carpets from fading in the sun.
