How to Choose an Awning

• Materials
• Machine Washable: Easy cleanup saves time and effort.
• Sun/UV Blockage: Ideal for sunny climates, protects furniture and reduces cooling costs.

• Water Resistance: Keeps areas dry and resists mildew.

• Adjustability

• Retractable: Offers customizable coverage.
• Motorized: Adjust with the push of a button.

• Remote-Controlled: Easy control via handheld remotes.

• Treatments for Longevity

• Vinyl/Laminate Coatings: Flame and water-resistant but prone to fading.

• Acrylic Coating: Longer-lasting colors, not flame or water-resistant.

• Installation Options

• DIY Installation: Attach to walls or columns with simple tools.
• Professional Help: Needed for motorized awnings requiring electrical work.

• Protective Housing: Extends fabric and motor lifespan.

• Ease of Use

• Sensors: Automatically retract awnings based on sun, wind, or rain.
• Durability: High-quality materials reduce maintenance but may increase costs.

• Motorization: Convenient but may require occasional repairs.

• Warranty Options

• Time-Based Warranty: Protects against defects (e.g., 1, 5, or 10 years).
• All-Weather Warranty: Additional coverage for storm damage.

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Types of Awnings

• Aluminum Awnings
• Sturdy, low-maintenance, and provide excellent shade.

• Practical but less stylish than fabric options.

• Fixed Awnings

• Permanently attached, offering full weather protection.

• Long-lasting but vulnerable to wear since they can't be stored.

• Retractable Lateral Arm Awnings

• Largest type, ideal for patios and decks.

• Flexible, seasonal use; available in hand-crank or motorized versions.

• Retractable Side/Drop Arm Awnings

• Traditional design for maximum sun protection.

• Motorized or manual versions, easy storage when not in use.

• Window Awnings

• Smaller, aesthetic options that reduce indoor sunlight.
• Adjustable cords allow fine-tuning of shade.

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Key Features for Awnings

• Durability: High-quality materials like aluminum or UV-blocking fabric extend awning life.
• Adjustability: Motorized and retractable designs add flexibility.
• Ease of Maintenance: Machine washable covers or protective coatings simplify care.
• Weather Adaptability: Water resistance and wind sensors enhance usability.

Choose an awning that suits your home's climate, design needs, and budget to maximize comfort and energy savings.

Top Awning Companies

1. SunSetter Awnings

• Specializes In: Retractable deck, patio, window awnings, freestanding awnings, and solar shades.
• Highlights:
  • Free in-home consultation with expert advice.
  • Offers 29 colors and a wide selection of fabrics.
  • Largest awning manufacturer in the U.S.
  • Customer Service: Quality varies by location.
• Rating: 3,174 Reviews.

2. Rollup Awnings

• Specializes In: Retractable and fixed awnings, shutters, and fabric repair.
• Highlights:
  • 90 fabric options; showrooms in New York for firsthand viewing.
  • Superior customer service and excellent warranties.
  • Services include motor replacement and awning moving.
  • Downside: Costs are higher than competitors.
• Rating: 473 Reviews.

3. Sunesta Retractable Awnings

• Specializes In: Ready-to-install retractable awnings for windows, doors, and decks.
• Highlights: Partners with global engineers to improve product quality.
• Established in 1981.

4. RetractableAwnings.com

• Specializes In: Online sales of awnings for homes and offices.
• Highlights:
  • Based in Miami, FL, with on-call experts for quality assurance.
  • Family-owned with a focus on customer satisfaction.

5. Awntech

• Specializes In: Affordable door, window, and replacement awnings.
• Highlights: Offers budget-friendly options without compromising on quality.
• Texas-based with a focus on cost savings for consumers.

6. KE USA Inc. (Durasol)

• Specializes In: Durable, motorized, and manually retractable fabric awnings.
• Highlights: Known as a \"Total Shading Solution\" since 1984.

7. Solarus USA

• Specializes In: Custom retractable awning systems for homes and businesses.
• Highlights:
  • Uses premium Marine-grade Sunbrella fabric and hard carbon metals.
  • Designed to withstand Florida's extreme weather.
  • Downside: Limited service area within Florida.

8. Sunair Awnings & Solar Screens

• Specializes In: Retractable awnings, solar screens, and pergola covers.
• Highlights:
  • Hundreds of fabric options; faster-than-average delivery time.
  • 10-year warranty (doesn't cover wind or rain damage).
  • Founded in 1978.

9. Thompson Awning Company

• Specializes In: Commercial and residential awnings, canopies, and shutters.
• Highlights:
  • Operating since 1920 with a strong reputation for quality.
  • Also offers graphics and signage services.
  • Downside: Limited service area in North Florida.

Comparison Highlights

• Best Variety: SunSetter (29 colors) & Sunair (hundreds of fabric options).
• Longest History: Thompson Awning Company (established in 1920).
• Best for Budget: Awntech (affordable pricing).
• Best Customer Service: Rollup Awnings (small business with personalized service).
• Best for Extreme Weather: Solarus USA (built for Florida conditions).

Choose the company that fits your needs for design, durability, and service area to enhance your home's outdoor spaces.

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Overview:
Awnings enhance outdoor spaces by providing shade, reducing energy costs, and protecting against the elements. Choosing the right awning depends on style, material, adjustability, and budget.

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Top Awnings Companies

• SunSetter Awnings
• Specializes in retractable deck, patio, and freestanding awnings.
• Wide selection of fabrics and colors.
• Free in-home consultation and optional professional installation.

• Toll-free customer support line available for queries.

• Rollup Awnings

• Operates in Long Island, offering both residential and commercial awnings.
• Over 50 fabric options, including solids and stripes.

• Services include motor replacements, fabric repairs, and awning relocation.

• Sunesta Retractable Awnings

• Provides ready-to-install retractable awnings for windows, doors, and decks.
• Partners with global experts for innovative products.

• Known for high-quality engineering and durability.

• KE USA (Durasol)

• Specializes in motorized and manual retractable awnings.
• Over 35 years of experience with a strong distribution network.

• Products include solar screens and awning structures.

• Thompson Awning Company

• Established in 1920 with a focus on custom commercial and residential awnings.
• Offers additional options like canopies, Bahama shutters, and signage services.

• Primarily serves North Florida.

• RetractableAwnings.com

• A family-owned business with over three decades of experience.
• Offers custom awnings with robust quality control.

• Focused on customer satisfaction with hands-on assembly and installation.

• Solarus USA

• Renowned for custom retractable systems using Sunbrella marine-grade fabrics.
• Designed for extreme weather durability, ideal for Florida climates.

• Limited servicing outside Florida.

• Awntech

• Offers affordable door, window, and patio awnings.

• Focuses on value for money with a variety of budget-friendly options.

• Sunair Awnings & Solar Screens

• Known for fast delivery and hundreds of fabric choices.
• Offers manual and motorized retractable awnings.
• 10-year warranty excludes wind and rain damage.

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Key Factors to Consider

• Materials:
• Acrylic coatings: Longer-lasting colors but less flame-resistant.
• Vinyl coatings: Water-resistant but prone to fading.

• UV-resistant fabrics: Protect against sun damage and heat buildup.

• Adjustability:

• Retractable Awnings: Offers flexibility to extend or retract.

• Motorized Options: Easy operation with remote or button.

• Durability and Maintenance:

• Clean awnings regularly to prevent mildew or rust.

• Retract during bad weather to extend lifespan.

• Warranty:

• Look for warranties covering fabric, frame, and motor (if motorized).

• Installation:

• Choose between DIY installation or professional setup.
• Motorized awnings may require electrical work.

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FAQs

• How long do retractable awnings last?
• Fabric: Up to 10 years.

• Frame: Up to 20 years.

• Are retractable awnings waterproof?

• Most are water-resistant, not waterproof.

• What are typical costs?

• Retractable awnings: $500 - $4,000+ (installation adds $200 - $500).

• Do you need planning permission?

• Usually not for residential properties, but check with local HOAs.

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Why Invest in Awnings?

• Enhance Outdoor Living: Adds comfort and usability to patios and decks.
• Energy Efficiency: Reduces indoor cooling costs by providing shade.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Boosts curb appeal and property value.

Find your perfect shade solution today!

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