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Writer's pictureMark Simon

Important Things to Know Before Buying a Retractable Folding Arm Awning

Updated: Nov 12, 2023

An awning is a kind of sunshade. It is used to cut out glare and intense heat of the sun from the house. It creates a shady place to relax in outdoors even when the sun is very hot. It creates a cool place where one can enjoy the warmth of the sun without suffering sunburn. Awnings add to the beauty of the house. Sometimes they are the most eye-catching feature of the building.

What are awnings made of?

Retractable folding arm awning is made of cloth, canvas, vinyl, polyester or acrylic materials mounted on arms made of different kinds of metals, mostly aluminum.

Kinds of retractable folding arm awning:  

They can be made to fit different sizes, in different colors, patterns, and materials. There are two kinds of awnings - retractable awnings and fixed awnings.

Fixed awnings: Fixed awnings are permanent and cannot be rolled back. They are mounted on the wall. They provide shade constantly. The material used in making the fixed arms is either aluminum, lightweight galvanized or zinc-coated steel pipes.

Retractable awnings: Retractable folding arm awnings can be folded back when you want to sunbathe or just loll in the sunshine when the temperature is comfortable. These can be mounted on the wall or can be free standing. Retracting hinges have become more efficient with the growth of technology. Seeing how versatile retractable awnings are, they are a better option than fixed awnings if you are considering a purchase.

Things to consider before purchasing a retractable folding arm awning:

  1. Before you go out to purchase an awning, consider where you are going to use it.

  2. The purpose that the awning is intended for will determine what you should look at and consider before making your final choice.

  3. Are you going to use it on your deck or in your garden? You could use a pretty color and design if so.

  4. Is it intended to shield your window frames and shutters? The angle then needs to be correct to shield your woodwork.

  5. Is your retractable folding arm awning meant to cut out sunlight and the attendant glare? In this case, the material will have to be thicker, particularly if you want to make the house cool to reduce the electricity bill.

  6. Is it meant to just add character to the façade of your house? You are then free to choose any design and color that suits your imagination.

  7. Before everything else, the most important consideration is, of course, the price. Look for materials and designs that fit your budget. It is wiser to buy good quality that will be long-lasting rather than the cheaper imported products. Cheap imported products cost more in the long run because you have to change the awning very soon. When you factor in the cost of installing a new awning more than once, you will realize that a more expensive product that lasts long is a much better buy because of the high-quality

  8. Do you live in an area where it rains often? You should then consider buying a waterproof awning.

  9. Hauling retractable awnings is a tiring and strenuous job. If you are not comfortable with exerting yourself, it is better to buy an awning that retracts with the help of a chord.

  10. There are also motorized versions of retractable awnings.

  11. Some awnings come equipped with speakers to be attached to your music system. The most tech-savvy people can go in for radio-operated awnings too.

  12. You must read the terms and conditions of the warranty.

  13. You must check whether the cost of installation is included in the price you are being offered.

Retractable folding arm awnings keep your house cool, control your soaring electricity bills, and give you the comfort of extra covered space in the open. There is such a wide choice of materials, colors, and styles that you need to think about deeply before you buy.

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