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These are some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQ's) from our customers; if you have any questions, check here first for your answers. If you have a question that is not listed below, e-mail sales@retractableawnings.com.
General Questions
Can you mail me brochures on your retractable awnings?
We don't have printed brochures for our lines of retractable awnings and sun protection systems. Our website is our brochure, and we update it continually as our product lines expand and improve. This means that the information you have is the most current, unlike printed brochures which can become quickly out-dated. Our site offers many advantages over static printed materials, like our exclusive 3D-rendering tool that allows you to upload pictures of your house and create 3D models of any awning design you choose; great photography from our vendors and customers; dynamic pricing estimates; product information and comparisons; and measuring and installation information.
If you want a hardcopy of this information, simply print out any of our pages. If you have questions, talk to us directly by calling 1-866-GET-AWNINGS (1-866-438-2964) or 1-305-628-2424
What are lateral-arm retractable awnings?
Lateral-arm retractable awnings use spring-loaded arms that pull the awning fabric taut as it rolls from a central drive tube. RetractableAwnings.com has three different lateral-arm awning designs, the Elegante, Ferrara, and Grande. RetractableAwings.com lateral-arm awnings are unique because they can extend partially or fully, offering limitless utility.
- Elegante Retractable Awnings: Maximum projection of 12', maximum width of 40' for a single awning.
- Ferrara Retractable Awnings: Maximum projection of 13'4", maximum width 40' for a single awning.
- Grande Retractable Awnings: Maximum protection of 17', maximum width 40’ for a single awning.
What are side-arm (drop-arm) retractable awnings?
A side-arm or drop-arm awning has a single arm which can be set to extend horizontally (side-arm) or straight down (drop-arm) for optimal privacy and coverage. The design also allows the awning to be retracted fully. RetractableAwnings.com offers one side-arm awning, the Mirage, which is very commonly used as window awnings but is also appropriate for doors.
- Mirage Retractable Awnings: Maximum projection of 72", maximum width of 16'6" for a single awning.
Why buy a retractable awning?
By managing the amount of light that gets into an area, retractable awnings can significantly improve energy costs, and retractable awnings offer versatile and adaptable designs, including lateral-arm or side-arm (drop-arm) awnings, so they can work with any home or building. About 40 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up in a room comes through the windows. Exterior sun protection systems are extremely effective at controlling this heat because they block sunlight before it enters the space, unlike blinds or curtains. Retractable awnings also control glare and offer UV protection.
Can I add my frequently asked question (FAQ) to the website?
Absolutely. Simply e-mail your question to sales@retractableawnings.com, and we’ll review it and add it to our growing FAQs.
Installation and Maintenance Questions
Can retractable awnings be fitted to my house or commercial building?
Our most popular awning, the lateral-arm styled Elegante, can be fitted to almost any style of residential or commercial building. Elegante retractable awnings are the most versatile and widely-appealing awning. This model can be installed five different ways depending on the construction of the site:
- Against a flat wall
- Under an eave with a universal bracket
- Under and eave with a beam bracket
- Against a flat vertical fascia board
- On the roof
Other retractable awnings have different options, which may be restricted by the design of your space. For example, lateral-arm Grande retractable awnings, especially common for commercial buildings, can only be mounted onto a sturdily-supported wall because of its weight. The awning has to be reinforced from inside with bolts going through the wall to a metal plate and bracket because of the pressure of the arms and weight of the Grande retractable awnings. Alternatively, side-arm style Mirage retractable awnings can only be mounted on the wall or ceiling, but not the roof. See our measuring and installation instructions page for more specific information about the style of retractable awning you want.
Can I install your retractable awnings?
Yes. Most of our retractable awnings are mounted very simply, by screwing the appropriate mounting brackets into position. This requires some basic tools and the ability to find secure locations on your structure. Our sun protection systems are designed for easy installation, and we provide detailed instructions on our site, as well as phone support. You can install any of our retractable awnings yourself.
If you prefer not to manage the measuring and awning installation yourself, you can locate an installer in our directory or find a local handyman yourself; we recommend trying www.servicemagic.com.
Do I need an electrician to install the retractable awning?
There are some retractable awning accessories that may require an electrician:
- Installing an interior switch to the motor.
- Installing an interior switch to advanced control options for wind, sun, rain, and motion sensors.
- Timers.
However, it is not necessary to hire an electrician for simply using a motor or sensors. All other options available in our pricing estimates do not require an electrician.
How do I install a retractable awning?
The way that the awning is installed depends on how the awning is mounted, which varies per model. The retractable awnings are most commonly installed on a wall, but the location varies depending on the style of awning and the specific building requirements. For example, the Elegante can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, fascia, beam, or roof (to meet height requirements). Grande can only be installed as a wall mount, while Mirage can be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
For most retractable awnings, there are a couple of rules of thumb:
- Find a solid support to screw the brackets; for example, for a wall mount, use a stud or beam.
- Pick a location 7' to 10' high, depending on the model, pitch, and projection.
To identify the right location for your awning, see measuring and installation instructions in our support section.
How do I decide how large the retractable awnings should be?
The two things to consider are the available space and the area to cover. Many of our customers have told us that it is better to order a larger size for the space rather than risk having one too small for gatherings.
The most common order sizes from RetractableAwnings.com are 20 to 30 feet wide with a 10'6" to 12' projection. One guideline for lateral-arm awnings (Elegante, Ferrara, and Grande models) is to add an extra 12" to both sides of the awning and an extra 18" to the projection (length). The extra area allows for much better shade throughout the day, since the sun is not always directly overhead, as well as better protection from rain.
Do I need a protective hood for the awning?
A hood is a vinyl shield that fits over the base of the awning and protects the awning when it is retracted. If the awning is already in a protected area, like an eave, then a hood probably isn’t required. If the awning is exposed, such as mounted on the wall or roof, the hood will protect the awning from sun damage or precipitation, which can minimize wear on the fabric.
Can I still have an awning if I have a very low clearance?
Yes; RetractableAwnings.com has several styles of awning which can be used for limited clearance. For example, the Parthenon can be installed over windows with minimal clearance. If there is no functional room (less than 6"), then the lateral-arm designed Elegante awning can be mounted with adjustable-angle brackets or on the roof with specialized brackets.
Can I add a motor to my retractable awnings later?
You can add a motor later, but it costs much more than purchasing a motor up-front because of the extra labor to retrofit the awning and the extra shipping costs. We highly recommend purchasing the motor and control options with the original purchase of the retractable awnings.
Is the listed width of the retractable awnings its true width, or is it larger with the finished end caps, motor, and other accessories?
The width that you order is the total width of the awning, including all of the accessories. For example, for a 23' awning, the frame and end caps are 23'. The fabric of the awning is 5 1/8" shorter than the width of the frame, or 22' 6 7/8" on a 23' frame. The only thing not included in the measurement is the hood. On a 23' awning, a bull-nose hood adds 3" to 4" to the width. This is true for several styles of awnings, including the Elegante and the Grande.
The exception to this measuring system is the Mirage, which has different fabric widths depending on its motor and hood options:
- If the Mirage has the optional square hood, the hood is included in the ordered width, not added on it.
- For a manual Mirage awning, the fabric is 4 5/16" shorter than the width of the frame, so for a 14' frame, the fabric is 13' 7 11/16" wide.
- For a motorized Mirage awning, the fabric is 4" shorter than the width of the frame, so for a 14' frame, the fabric is 13' 8" wide.
- For a manual Mirage awning with the square hood, the fabric is 6 1/8" shorter than the width of the frame, so for a 14' frame, the fabric is 13' 5 7/8" wide.
- For a motorized Mirage awning with the square hood, the fabric is 6 1/8" shorter than the width of the frame, so for a 14' frame, the fabric is 13' 6 11/16" wide.
Regardless of the model, all prices are rounded up to the next foot, so a 14' 3" awning, the billed price is 15".
Where should the front bar of the awning be in relation to the base when the retractable awning is fully extended?
The angle of the awning is its pitch. The pitch is set in the design of the awning, and RetractableAwnings.com has accessories that allow you to adjust the pitch on certain models, including the Elegante, Ferrara, and Grande. We have recommended pitch charts which detail the ideal pitch for maximum strength. The important thing is to have enough pitch to run off rain effectively; a general rule is 3" of pitch for every foot of projection. This means that a 12' awning needs 36" of pitch. If the front bar ends at 7', the awning must be mounted 10' high.
What maintenance does a retractable awning required?
Retractable awnings from RetractableAwnings.com are essentially maintenance-free. In inland areas, simply wash the awning fabric yearly. In coastal areas, rinse both the fabric cover and frame monthly. Manufacturer’s care instructions are provided on our website.
Usage Questions
Can I partially open a retractable awning or drop awning, or do they need to be opened to their full extension?
Any lateral-arm or drop-screen retractable awnings can be stopped at any position up to the full projection.
How do I operate my retractable awnings?
Our most popular awning operating system uses a motor installed in the awning’s drive tube with an outdoor waterproof switch, which makes it exceptionally easy to retract and extend awnings. Using a motor also allows the awning to utilize wind, sun, rain, and motion sensors and timers to automatically extend and retract awnings according to your program or preset rules, like closing the awning during rain or automatically extending it at sunrise and closing it at sundown.
How much wind can the retractable awnings withstand?
Retractable awnings are for sun protection, not wind protection; they are engineered for winds up to 35 mph, depending on the size of the retractable awnings. A good guideline is that if it is too windy for you to comfortably sit under the retractable awnings, then the retractable awnings should be retracted.
Can retractable awnings be used in the rain?
Yes, but only in light rain. Retractable awnings are designed for sun protection; they cannot handle the weight from rain or from other precipitation, like snow. Large amounts of rain can pool on the fabric and damage the fabric or the frame. However, if a retractable awning is installed with al least the minimum recommended pitch, you can use the awning in light rain. To increase the longevity of the awning, we recommend using a rain sensor to retract the awning automatically in heavy precipitation.
Do I need to remove my retractable awnings in winter?
No. However, the awning fabric can still get sun damage, and the weight from snow or ice can damage the frame. We highly recommend purchasing the optional hood for our lateral-arm awnings to prevent wear from the elements since both snow and sun affect the hood rather than the awning. If you do not use the hood, then we suggest removing the awning from the brackets and storing it during winter.
Do I have to have a motor for a retractable awning?
You do not have to have a motor for a retractable awning, and most of our sun protection systems have manual pulls. However, a motor allows you to completely automate extending and retracting the awning based on timers or sensor settings for rain, wind, or sun. This convenience significantly increases the likelihood that you will use your retractable awning; research shows that customers are four times more likely to use a motorized awning than a manual one.
What happens if there is a power outage in my area, and my retractable awnings are motorized?
If there is a power outage, the motorized awning won’t work, the same as other electrical appliances. RetractableAwnings.com does provide a manual option for almost all styles of awning, so an awning can be retracted even in an outage or without its motor and control options. We highly recommend getting the manual backup option so that the awning can be closed during a thunderstorm and not be damaged.
Will the remote for the awning operate the awning from inside?
RetractableAwnings.com uses a radio frequency remote control, not an infrared remote which is used for other household appliances like the TV remote or garage door. This means that the signal can go through walls, so the retractable awnings can be moved from indoors. You do not need line of sight to operate our retractable awnings because the signal will travel through glass and walls, which is a convenience for multi-level homes or buildings.
Fabric Questions
Which of your fabric manufacturers offers the best quality fabric?
We use solution-dyed acrylic fabrics from premier suppliers like Sunbrella, Dickson, Gottschalk and Para, which all offer equal quality materials. We offer so many fabrics from the largest solution-dyed acrylic manufacturers in the world simply to provide our customers with the widest possible choice of color and design options, not because of differences in quality.
What type of fabric is used on your retractable awnings, and how long will it last?
We use only solution-dyed acrylics – not cotton canvas or vinyl – for our retractable awnings. Solution-dyed fabrics last for12 to 15 years without fading, rotting, or wearing; these are the same materials used on boats, high-quality outdoor patio furniture, and other things which are in the sun all day.
How do I choose fabric for my retractable awnings?
We offer a selection of hundreds of solution-dyed acrylic fabrics from the U.S.A., France, Germany and Italy, representing the largest manufacturers in the world, such as Sunbrella, Dickson, Gottschalk, and Para. Click any color or pattern on our fabrics page to view a close-up image of the fabric.
How do I clean the awning fabric?
We provide care instructions for all of our fabric manufacturers on this site; follow their directions. Solution-dyed acrylics can usually be rinsed or gently soaped to clean them. Otherwise, remember two things:
- Never spray the motor with a hose or pressure washer when you are cleaning the fabric because that forces water inside the motor. This damages the motor, which is not covered under warranty.
- Have severely soiled or stained fabric professionally cleaned; do not try to use strong chemicals or bleach.
Purchasing Questions
What is the warranty on the retractable awnings frame?
The frame on all of our retractable awnings models is warrantied for 25 years from the date of purchase.
Am I truly saving 35% by buying online?
Yes. Because of the lower overhead and broad customer base for Internet stores, it really is cheaper to buy online. Additionally, online stores have other cost advantages over local retail sales or catalog orders:
- No sales tax (except for Florida).
- No installation charges.
- Reduced shipping costs.
Many internet companies inflate the retail price and state they are giving you a larger discount.
How much do retractable awnings cost?
The prices vary depending on the size, style, and accessories. Our Pricing Estimator allows you to select the style, size, and options and generates a specific quote, including shipping costs based on your ZIP code. To open the estimator, go to the product page for the specific design you want, and click Price Estimator, then fill in the information.
For shipments outside the continental US, e-mail us with your country, city, and postal code so that we can provide you with an accurate shipping estimate.
Will I save money on air conditioning?
Yes, you will save money on your air conditioning bills. According to a study by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), awnings reduce interior heat by up to 77% during the day, which significantly decreases your energy costs.
Should I risk buying a retractable awning that I haven’t seen?
It is a risk to buy something sight unseen, but we are committed to service and to helping you identify your needs. After almost 20 years in online sun protection system sales, we have earned a solid reputation for service and quality. To offset the risk, we have taken every measure to independently guarantee that we provide the highest quality sun protection systems available.
- We provide 3D rendering, enhanced searches, and a wide selection to help you find the perfect design that fits your purpose and your home or office.
- We have a 25 year warranty on all our frames.
- All of our awnings are TÜV certified.
- All of our awnings are Eurolab approved, meaning all parts used in every retractable awning have been systematically tested by Eurolab.
- All of our fabrics are American Skin Cancer Society approved for blocking UV rays and preventing sun damage.
The independent quality verification proves that our products can withstand decades of constant use without fail. Our guarantee confirms our confidence in our quality and our commitment to our customers.
Why should I order my retractable awnings from RetractableAwnings.com?
- RetractableAwnings.com has almost 20 years’ experience selling retractable awnings online.
- We are constantly searching for the very best quality product suppliers in the world for our awning components, from new designs to new fabric options.
- We supplied a lot of information on our website and try to make it the most complete, and user-friendly, resource available for retractable awnings.
- We provide unparalleled service, from phone support to 3D imaging for planning your awning to online references, for every step of selecting, installing, and maintaining your awning.
- A simple to use pricing tool allows you to see exactly what you’ll pay, including shipping and the cost of every accessory, right up front.
- We have over 70% of our business from repeat customers or referrals, and we have never had a returned awning. We strive to give our customers the best awning they can get from anywhere, and it shows.
We are proud of our reputation and want total customer satisfaction from past, present and all future customers.
How long does it take to ship my order?
It usually takes between two and three weeks to ship your order from the purchase date.
How much is shipping?
The shipping cost is based on the type of awning, the size and weight of the awning, and the destination. The shipping estimates are available for most orders on the Pricing Estimator page. For orders outside of the continental US, contact us at sales@retractableawnings.com for an accurate shipping cost estimate.
How do I order retractable awnings?
The first step is generating a quote for your specific retractable awning, selecting all of the designs and accessories. From there, RetractableAwnings.com provides several different ways for you to pay.
- By Paypal. Just click the Purchase button at the bottom of the quote page, and you’ll be automatically directed to Paypal.
- By credit card on the Internet. In this case, after you submit the information, we will fax you a copy of the approved credit card slip. Sign the slip and fax it back to us, and then your order will processed.
- By mail. We accept check or money order in the mail, with your quote number.
- By telephone. Give us your quote number and credit card information, and we will process the order for you.
If you want to check the price of an awning without placing an order, complete the Pricing Estimator, and click Save Awning. Your quote will be saved and valid for 30 days.
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