Retractable awnings are very good at protecting your home from bad weather conditions. However, that still leaves a very important question you should ask. What type of retractable awning is right for my house? You have a couple options to choose from, a motorized retractable awning or a manual awning. Make sure to get the details on both awnings because the benefits differ from one another.
Feel free to give us a call at 678-921-3474, we would be happy to go over anything you may need.
What are Motorized Retractable Awnings?
A motorized retractable awning has the ability to roll itself up automatically. This means you can easily keep it tucked away and stored, or back in full swing proving you shade within just a few moments.
This is very useful for any deck or patio, where your primary outdoor space is located. They are a great addition to your home from a design perspective as well.
Benefits of a Motorized Retractable Awning
Motorized retractable awning benefits:
Very Simple to Use
Using a motorized retractable awning is very easy, simply press the button on the remote and your awning will retract in or out. That’s it!
You Can Program Them
Some awnings allow you to set a schedule to automatically retract based on time or even weather.
Tangle Free
Unlike manual awnings, motorized retractable awnings have no strings. Due to this, you never have to worry about your awning getting tangled on itself or anything else!
Durable
Motorized retractable awnings are made of steel or aluminum so you know they are built strong. This makes them reliable, and you do not even have to worry about them rusting.
Disadvantages of Motorized Retractable Awnings
Below are the disadvantages of a motorized retractable awning.
More Expensive
These awnings cost more than their counterpart, manual retractable awnings. Since you are also getting the electronics and motor, versus only the fabric and frame, the price reflects that.
Potentially Not Home When Your Awning Retracts
This should only happen if you programmed your awning. If you happen to program it to a time you are not home, this could potentially cause a problem.
If you are not careful, your awning could hit something you put out on your porch or deck temporarily. This is just something to keep in mind!
Maintenance is Required
It is always best to have regular maintenance on a motorized retractable awning because of its mechanics. Occasionally, something could happen there causing an issue. If this happens, you will most likely need someone to come out to fix your awning.
Manual Retractable Awning: What is it?
Manual retractable awnings are usually extended manually by the owner using a chain or rope. For those who prefer not having a motor but still want to be able, a manual retractable awning is perfect.
What are some of the pros and cons?
Installation is Easy
A manual awning is very easy to install. With no need for mounting your awning to the wall, roof, etc., it takes no time at all. All that needs to be done is to hang your manual awning over a door frame or window.
Manual Awnings Have No Mechanics
There are no mechanics in manual awnings, meaning operating is very easy and requires little to no maintenance whatsoever. You get all the benefits of having an awning still. You may have to physically retract your awning, but you do not need to worry about it breaking down.
Many Surfaces Work
Manual awnings work well regardless of the surface you are installing it on, whether that’s brick, stone, or even stucco. This adds a lot of versatility!
More Affordable
Manual retractable awnings tend to be cheaper than motorized retractable awnings. Without the added costs of the motor and metal frames, this is a great option for those on any budget.
Disadvantages of a Manual Awning
Opens and Closes Manually
With manual retractable awnings, you are the one that has to physically open and close your awning. There is no way around it unfortunately.
If you forget to close it during strong winds, your awning could get damaged. Just be mindful of when you are leaving your manual awning open or closed.
Not as Durable
Manual awnings cannot retract if they get hung up on anything or hit other objects. This makes them less durable than motorized ones. They also do not have the same metal structuring to them as motorized retractable awnings have.
Could be Tough to Open
The larger the awning is, the more difficult it may be to retract (open and close). Larger manual awnings require more cranks of the chain or rope to retract.
Conclusion:
It really all comes down to your needs. Both motorized retractable awnings and manual ones are great options.
Motorized retractable awnings are remote controlled and do the labor for you versus having to do the physical work of opening and closing it yourself with manual awnings. On the flip side, manual awnings are less expensive, but not as durable as motorized ones.
It is impossible to recommend one over the other. It truly is a case by case scenario and completely depends on your own outdoor space.
Give us a call at 678-921-3474 today! Alpharetta Awnings is always here to assist with anything you need, even if to solely answer a few questions!
