Retractable awnings for porches, decks, and patios offer an ideal solution for outdoor shade. Screened-in enclosures, on the other hand, while they provide much desired protection from sun and many weather conditions, do not offer much flexibility, which many homeowners seek. Retractable awnings allow you to choose how much sun exposure or shade you'd like, and adjusting them is usually fast and easy. Knowing a little more about retractable awnings can give you the confidence to make the best decision when it's time to buy.

Retractable awnings are either manually operated or motorized. One of the many advantages of manually operated retractable awnings is that they need no electricity to function. If an electrical outlet is not conveniently located near the awning, it doesn't matter. These awnings come with a hand crank that should allow you to fully open the awning quietly and smoothly in less than a minute. Motorized retractable awnings, on the other hand, come with a specialized motor and remote control which easily opens and closes the awning from the comfort of your chair or even from inside your house. They plug into any standard outlet, so the services of an electrician are not necessary if an outlet is located close by. The clear advantage of motorized awnings is that they offer convenience, but they may also be a better choice for homeowners who have physical limitations that would prevent them from using a hand crank.

Generally speaking, retractable awnings, whether manually operated or motorized, should be able to attach, with appropriate brackets, to most types of siding, including wood, masonry, stucco, brick, aluminum, and vinyl. They should also be able to attach to either an eave or overhang or to the outside wall of your house. While retractable awnings can be installed by any homeowner familiar with tools, it is generally a good idea to hire someone with prior experience to complete the installation. This will cost a little more, of course, but the extra cost will most likely save you a significant amount of hassle and frustration.

Also important to consider is the fabric that comes standard with retractable awnings. Insist on only the highest quality, most rugged outdoor fabric with the ability to protect you from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, awning fabric should be resistant to mold, waterproof, and easy to clean. Choosing lower quality fabrics at first will cause you unavoidable regret later on because poor quality fabrics tend to fade and wear quickly and are expensive to replace.

Lastly, accessories for retractable awnings, while they may be an additional expense, should be available to purchase so that you can customize your awning for additional comfort and protection. A wireless wind sensor is one handy accessory to consider for motorized retractable awnings if you happen to live in an area that experiences occasional high winds. The sensor will automatically close the motorized awning if winds become strong enough to potentially damage it. Another helpful accessory is a screen panel that can be attached to the side or front of manually operated or motorized retractable awnings to create even more protection from sun, wind, rain, or other weather conditions. Yet another practical accessory is an awning cover that protects retractable awnings when they are closed and not in use. The cover helps keep awnings clean and free of leaves, dirt, cobwebs, and other debris.

A little information goes a long way when it comes to making important purchases for your house. Even though retractable awnings offer superior outdoor shade for a much lower cost and less effort than a screened-in enclosure, it is still important to take some time to understand the product before buying. Knowing what to look for and what to insist upon in retractable awnings will allow you to make the best possible choice. When a decision is made with care, the choice you make can never be wrong.