When homeowners begin thinking about window treatments for their home, retractable awnings are probably not the first thing that enters their minds.  However, think again.  Retractable awnings offer a great way to give shade to windows without blocking the view. 

Retractable awnings offer great advantages to decks and balconies by turning them essentially into an extra “outdoor” room.  Curb appeal can be improved as well by choosing coordinating colors and sizes of awnings to attach to windows and other openings of the home. 

Retractable awnings are not permanently fixed in one position; they can be extended or retracted at any time.  Need some extra shade?  Extend it.  Want to enjoy the moon without any visual distractions?  Retract it.  A simple and easily managed automatic or manual mechanism enables owners to quickly and effortlessly open or close the awning. 

Some awnings are motorized.  This is especially useful for awnings that cover a large window or sliding glass door.  The simple push of a button puts the awning in its proper position.  Hand in hand with the easy to use mechanisms of retractable awnings is their ability to be self stored and contained when not in use.  They literally roll into the side of the house and are very unnoticeable when retracted.   

Advantages of retractable awnings are numerous, but especially in regions of the country notorious for year-around hot, sunny weather, this type of awning is ideal.  Not only do the awnings provide shade to decks, patios and windows, they also add a layer of insulation to the inside of the house by keeping the sun’s direct rays away from the home’s windows.  Over the long run this extra shade will lower air conditioning and energy bills. 

For rainy areas, retractable awnings will protect windows and doors from excess moisture, also helping with energy bills and decreasing damage from exposure to the elements. 

Retractable awnings are manufactured in many colors, easily accenting the house and its windows.  Fabric and canvas are among the most popular materials that retractable awnings are made from.  Multiple designs of retractable awnings exist including lateral arm, track, freestanding, and screened sides (great for areas with biting insect problems).  However, if installation will be a home job, not done by a professional, the easiest design to self-install is the lateral arm.  Lateral arms come in widths from four feet to 40 feet and can be opened up any distance from only one foot to a fully extended position of 13 feet.  Other advantages of lateral arm retractable awnings are their sloped positions which when open allow rain to easily run off rather than stagnate on a flat top. 

Other options for retractable awnings include hanging lights for evening and night time activities.  An automatic wind and rain sensor can also be added.  These mechanisms will retract or extend the awning automatically in response to wind or rain, even when no one is home.