Extend the Time You Spend on Your Patio with a Retractable Awning
Not sure if a retractable awning is right for you? If you would like to increase the amount of time you spend on your deck or patio, but the sun is just too glaring you may want to consider one. You will soon discover that you have much more room for entertaining with the addition of a new awning. Can you imagine a better way to enjoy a cookout on a hot Summer day while still being protected from the sun?
If you do not have a garage, an awning provides a dry space to enter your home when you come home to rain. This is especially true if your awning is located in the front of your home. Often times the awning will attach to or just under the eaves of your home.
The addition of a retractable awning can provide your ideal space that you can decorate with plants, patio furniture, and maybe even a relaxing fountain.
You can accessorize with patio furniture such as a table and chairs, or maybe a picnic table and grill, but whatever you choose you can now enjoy them come Summer heat or even rain.
Awnings also help increase your air conditioners efficiency by up to 20 – 25% by blocking the heat that would normally come through your windows. A cool breeze beneath your awning will have you thinking you have air conditioning outdoors.
If you have a hot tub or Jacuzzi on your patio or deck you can now keep it protected. You will enjoy several new found benefits. An awning will keep debris out of your personal spa and provide a more entertaining atmosphere.
Before choosing the size of awning you first need to determine how you plan to use the awning. You can find awning as large as 40 feet wide (or long) by 17 feet extended out from your home. Typically, awnings drop approximately 3 inches for every foot they are extended out from your home. That is why 17 feet is usually the maximum extended length of the awning.
Be sure to closely measure the area that you want your awning to cover. This will give you a good idea of the size that will best suit your needs. Be sure to note the location of any windows or doors so you can make sure you have plenty of clearance. A window that has an awning covering it will realize a noticeable difference in the amount of heat that enters the home.
If you want to go high-tech you can purchase a sensor that will extend and retract your awning automatically. Once the sensor reads a certain amount of light it will automatically extend the awning. Then once night falls the sensor will automatically retract the awning. Finally, be sure to choose a quality awning so you do not have to worry with routine maintenance and other headaches.
