More about Manual and Motorized Retractable Awnings

Awnings have become quite popular in the United States during the first half of the 19th century. Starting out as simply two iron posts connected by a cross bar, awnings made of canvas were used mostly as sidewalk coverings and on different buildings. Awnings were not retractable back then, built with only fixed frames. But as time progressed, more innovations on awning were created, and operable or retractable awnings became a new addition to building facades.

Retractable Awnings

Stores, hotels, and even homes, started using retractable awnings as a subtle form of weather “controlling” device. Retractable awnings allowed its owners to get an instant shade when the sun gets too hot, or an instant “umbrella” when the rain comes their way. They would just have to unroll their awnings for this instant protection.

Two types of Retractable Awnings

Nowadays, there are two basic types of retractable awnings – manual and motorized, each having their advantages and disadvantages. Manual retractable awnings are opened by hand, more affordable and can be adjusted more to the owner’s liking. These manual retractable awnings are also more stable and more preferred in windy areas as they have vertical support.

However, more popularly spreading is the use of motorized retractable awnings. These motorized retractable awnings, though a bit more costly than the manual ones, are definitely more convenient and simple. This type of retractable awning has no vertical support. They are usually mounted on walls, usually over doors or windows, with retracting side arms which can then create a passable shaded area with no hindering vertical poles at all. Motorized retractable awnings are, of course, activated by an electric motor usually hidden inside the awning’s roller bar. The lateral arms of the awning are controlled using a wall-mounted switch. Everything at the touch of your fingertips.

Installing a motorized retractable awning can be very convenient and helpful. Hotels and other public establishments like posh restaurants or club houses are big fans of motorized retractable awnings.
These are usually installed on those places’ entrances or on open areas like gardens where events may be held. Motorized retractable awnings (or manual retractable awnings) can be made of different materials. We have aluminum awnings, canvas awnings, or mesh fabric. These retractable awnings can also come in different forms. We have, as mentioned earlier, lateral arm awnings, drop or side arm awnings, solar shade screens, or portable (pop-up) canopies (tents).

All in all, motorized retractable awnings can be a good investment for you.