The Pros And Cons Of Retractable Awnings 

Whilst installing a retractable awning is a great way to add an extra layer of protection for your patio, both the summer and winter months, it is important to first determine if it is the right investment for your property before committing to having one put on your house.

Even the most hardy of sun worshippers will admit that it can get too hot out there sometimes. When this is the case, you have the option of either going inside and cranking up the air conditioning (AC) or you can cool off whilst still staying outdoors by having a retractable awning installed that covers your patio area.

These types of awnings typically use a fabric material in order to create shade over your patio, thus protecting you from the hot heat and sun. Additionally, when the weather conditions are not as favourable and you are not sitting out on your patio, then the awning can be retracted in order to preserve its condition.

For anyone that is considering purchasing a retractable awning for their home, they first need to consider the pros and cons, which include how durable it is, the cost of purchase and installation, and the added value that it brings.

The Pros

There are numerous advantages to having a retractable awning put onto the outside of your property. Some of these are listed below:

• Protecting your furniture - the furniture within your home can be easily damaged
  by sun bleaching and can even dry out when it is exposed to long periods of
  exposure to the sun. By having a retractable awning fitted onto your home,
  you can keep your furniture well protected. Doing this means that it will last
  much longer, thus saving you money in the long run.

• Flexibility - thanks to the retractability of these types of awnings, they have a
  much longer lifespan than those ones that cannot be retracted. This is because
  when the weather takes a turn for the worse, they can be folded in on themselves
  and not be exposed to the elements.

• Keeping you cool - as well as shading you from the sun, retractable awnings also
  work to keep the heat from entering your property also. In fact, an awning that is
  installed in the right spot can help to lower the temperature within your home by
  as much as fifteen degrees. This greatly reduces the need for air conditioning.
  Over the course of a year, this can help to really lower your energy bills.

• Convenience - retractable awnings now come in all different shapes, sizes, colors,
  and materials so you are spoilt for choice in finding one that suits the style of your
  home. They can also be either manually operated or automatic, which is a better
  option for those people that prefer a greater level of convenience. Where a
  retractable awning is automatic, they come with a motor and sensor attached to
  them so that when it becomes rainy or windy, they automatically retract so that
  they do not get damaged.

• Increasing the value of your property - by having a good quality awning attached
  to your home, it can significantly increase the overall value of your property given
  the fact that it can make any outdoor space that you have more livable.

The Cons

There are also some cons to having a retractable awning installed on your property. Some of these are listed below:

• Repairing them can be expensive - those retractable awnings that automatically
  fold in on themselves have a motor and so when there are any problems with this
  component and it needs fixing, this can be an expensive cost to bear. Also, during
  the time in which it is broken, you will have to manually retract the awning
  yourself, which can be annoying if you are used to it being done for you.

• Installing them can be expensive - the biggest con of having a retractable awning
  fitted to your property, and the one that puts most people off is the upfront cost
  of doing so. Depending on the model and the specifications that you go for, a
  retractable awning can be very expensive. However, if it is something that you
  plan on using regularly then in the long run it can actually end up saving you
  money. This is because awnings help to lower the cost of your energy bills, as
  you do not need to have your air conditioning running as often or as cool as
  would be the case if you did not have a retractable awning. Additionally, if you
  get a good quality one, it can last for very many years, so when the cost is spread
  out over such a long time, it does not amount to that much.

• Cleaning and maintenance is required - any awning that you have on your
  property, whether that be a retractable one or a non retractable one, requires
  regular cleaning and maintenance otherwise they will get really dirty and fast.
  If it is not well maintained then over time it can become damaged and you will
  need to purchase a whole new awning.

• Not suitable for all types of weather - although retractable awnings are perfect for
  providing both you and your home with protection from sunlight and heat, they
  are not so good at handling heavy rain, snow, or stormy weather when it hits. If
  the retractable awning does not have a sensor on it that automatically makes it
  fold in, then it can become easily damaged if poor weather conditions hit and it
  has not been manually folded away. This is true even though they are made out
  of fabric that is said to be weatherproof.