Are you looking for a way to add shade to your outdoor space, home windows, balcony, patio, or deck? A retractable awning may be a perfect solution for you! Sunshades provide a convenient, attractive canopy and can be adjusted to suit various needs. You don’t have to wait for the trees to fill in each year – awnings are a source of solid shade and can decrease air temperatures in your outdoor area by up to twenty degrees! Awnings are more versatile than you think – they can be an excellent source of cover during the rain or sunshine! They are a useful all-season, adjustable hardscape to add to your outdoor space. 

Selecting a retractable awning requires a few big decisions. First is the almighty aesthetic – choose a canopy that matches your outdoor decor. Second, you must decide whether to install a manual or motorized awning. Although these two styles of shades provide the same ultimate function – protection from the sun and elements – they go about it differently!

What are Manual Patio Awnings? 

Manual patio awnings are the traditional sunshade, also called articulated arms. You must manually wind the articulated arms open and closed to unroll the canopy over your outdoor space. The first set of arms is spring-loaded and helps the shade to unfurl and retract. The user cranks the awning shaft to extend or retract the articulated arms by winding a pole clockwise or counterclockwise, which unrolls or rolls up the shade. 

What are Motorized Patio Awnings? 

Motorized retractable patio shades perform a similar process to their manual counterparts without the physical labor. These units use telescopic arms that contain gas-filled cylinders. These push the canopy out and pull it in instead of the cranking and unfurling process. Most motorized units are mobilized with a simple push of a button to provide shade. When you have reached your desired level of shade, you can press the button again to stop the shade in its tracks!