Retractable awnings are the ideal solution for providing shelter and shade around your home. Retractable awnings fold up and out of the way when not in use hence the name. They are available in a wide variety of materials including metal, plastic and fabric, particularly canvas. Retractable awnings offer a variety of benefits that you may not get from other awning types.

Control the Weather

This is the main reason why you should get retractable awnings for your home. You have the option of choosing when to use your awning and when to enjoy the weather as it is. When the sun is too hot or when it is raining, you can pull up the awning and cover up your patio area. You do not have to remove your patio furniture when it rains.  Then when the sun is warm and the sky is blue, you can pull back retract the awning and enjoy the weather from the comfort of your patio or deck.

UV Protection and Cooling Effect

Awnings allow you to enjoy up to twenty degrees cooler than the outside temperatures especially when it is hot but you still want to enjoy the outdoors. You can even get specially designed awnings with UV protection to prevent the harmful effect of ultraviolet light on your skin and from damaging the patio furniture.

Save Energy

It is advisable to install retractable awnings (from companies like Inspired Window Coverings) over large windows and doors. This is because excessive sunlight exposure on your windows and walls can increase indoor air temperatures, which causes your air conditioning system to work twice as hard to maintain indoor temperatures. You can open up the awnings when the temperatures go a little too high to protect the sides of your house from getting too heated up and this will help to reduce running costs for your air conditioning.

Limitless Options

You have so many options to choose from when it comes to retractable awnings. You can get the design and color that best complements your home. You can also get various automation features such as wind sensors that retract the awnings when the wind gets too strong to protect it from damage. You can even control the awnings using a remote control.

Durable and Easy to Maintain

Since the awnings are retractable, the wear and tear experienced over the years is much slower as compared to other types of awnings. Pulling away the awning during extreme weather such as rain and snowstorms also helps to protect it from damage. All you have to do is maintain the mechanical parts by oiling the hinges regularly and tightening the bolts.