4 Reasons to Invest in a Retractable Awning

Now that it’s officially fall and Arizona temperatures are returning to “bearable” on the thermometer, many people are spending more time outdoors in Arizona. If you are looking for a great way to have fun outside while nevertheless staying protected from the sun and the elements, consider installing a retractable awning. These devices are durable and versatile, and offer multiple benefits over their fixed counterparts. They mount directly to the side of your house and work by subsequently unrolling and rolling the canvas outward; a number of retractable awnings are automated, which means all you have to do is press a button to complete the process. This automation can also save a lot of time and hassle when you need to setup or store the awning for the season.

Here are a few great reasons why you should invest in a retractable awning:

1. A retractable awning provides superior protection against the sun’s UV rays and the elements. As we all know, one downside to basking in the sun is that doing so can be dangerous to our health unless your skin is adequately protected. While wearing sunscreen definitely helps, sitting under an awning while outside can greatly minimize the amount of sunlight exposure the body gets, while still enjoying the outdoors. Retractable awnings are a must-have for those who like to stay outside for extended periods of time. Awnings are a great feature for BBQs or family get-togethers, and some retractable awnings are durable enough to allow you to sit outside even when it’s raining (if you so desire).

2. Awnings protect outdoor patio furniture and shade plants. Once again, UV rays are notorious for causing damage (fading and deterioration) to outdoor furniture and overexposure to the sun can be detrimental to some plants. If you have a patio set and want to keep it looking great for years to come, make sure to cover it up occasionally.

3. Awnings are easy to maintain. When compared to fixed awnings, retractable versions are much easier to maintain. The main reason being that since they roll-up, you can leave the device installed all-year round without worrying about damage occurring from the environment. It can take a long time to install and breakdown a fixed awning, and this alone may be enough reason to go with a retractable model.

4. Retractable awnings help cut down on cooling costs. This is a major benefit of awnings that a majority of homeowners are not even aware of. Even if you use your outdoor space sparingly, having an awning installed outside your patio doors or windows can significantly reduce your monthly utility bill by cutting out sunlight and providing additional shade. It is not uncommon for some people to save upward of 25%. When taking this factor into account, you can reasonably expect the awning to pay for itself within just a couple of years.