Production materials

Standard materials used to produce retractable awnings include vinyl, canvas, cotton, polyester, and acrylic fabric. I have found that if you need a waterproof patio cover, you must go for vinyl-based fabrics. They have outstanding waterproof qualities but cannot be used on a folding arm retractable awning as they are too heavy. They can only be used on retractable pergolas. Solution-dyed acrylics are water-resistant, fade-resistant, and offer excellent protection from UV rays. Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics such as Para and Dickson are the recommended choice for folding lateral arm awnings.

Another thing to consider when choosing a motorized retractable awning is fabric durability. It needs to last through sun, rain, fog, and other weather conditions. Treated Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics have a lower chance of molding, fading, or tearing, making them far easier to maintain the awning.

Typically, the production of retractable awning frames involves aluminum extrusions. Extrusions made of such production materials are robust. They can withstand strong wind and keep your retractable patio awning in place. I recommend that all arm parts under stress are made of forged 6063 aluminum, including the shoulder, elbow, and arm components. Forged 6063 aluminum arm components including castings and extrusions are superior and much stronger than all die castings and extrusions, resulting in a significantly stronger retractable awning against the elements. All components used for assembly should be marine grade 316 stainless steel.

The built-in electric motor may be wireless or wired. Wired motors were commonly used with older models but are currently outdated and require an electrician to hardwire. Having this in mind, I advise considering the wireless option where no electrician is required. 

Self-lubricating, torque-sensing European motors such as Somfy or Simu last a long and have outstanding performance that come with a 5 year warranty. They should be engineered explicitly for the awning canopy according to its size (width x projection), weight, and frame style.