Knowing the best retractable awning is good for making purchasing decisions; however, that alone is not enough. There are other factors you must put into consideration when deciding the kind of retractable awning you want to use during installation.

Below are some of the factors you should consider when deciding on the type of retractable awning that is best for your needs.

Installation

The first and most important factor you must consider is the kind of building you want to install retractable awnings on, the purpose that the building serves, and the type of retractable awnings you want to install. The type of awning that fits the home environment might not be the best for a business’s surrounding.

Materials

This is the second most important factor you must consider when selecting the kind of retractable awning to use. This is because your awning will be exposed to harsh environmental conditions like sun rays, wind, and rain. As a result, your awning material must be extremely tough.

Examples of materials that are used in retractable awning are:

Canvas:

It is the most commonly used material in awning making. It is made of cotton, and can sometimes contain hemp. Its durability is better indoors compared to when used outdoors. This is because it is vulnerable to the weather elements which it constantly gets exposed to. Although it is very flexible, its disadvantage comes from its deterioration because it is prone to mildew and ultraviolet deterioration.

Acrylic:

This is rarely used in awning installation. Although you will find it being used in combination with canvas. That is, the canvas is coated with acrylic paint. This makes it resistant to ultraviolet rays and moisture. It also makes it tougher.

PVC:

This is a synthetic material and it is less in use because it easily breaks down. Also, its vulnerability to tears is high. It is flexible and water-resistant because it is a plastic material.

However, it can retain the water content when exposed to a long period of moisture.

Polyester:

When you observe awnings around you closely, you will realize that this is also commonly used in them. This is because it is very cheap for both manufacturers and consumers.

It is durable because it is water-resistant and ultraviolet resistant. It also retains little to no water.

Design

This is another factor you should consider when selecting the kind of retractable awning you want to install. Designs can be in the form of colors and/or how it can complement the building you want to attach it to.

Although you can be given the option of mixing different colors to enhance its elegance–often, you will be presented with either just one color or two colors.

Size

This factor relates to the one discussed above–you must be sure of where you want to place the awning for you to decide the size of the awning you want to use. For instance, the size of the awning you want to use to cover your window will not be the same size of awning you will use for a patio or larger space.

The ideal practice here is to measure the area you want to cover and get protected from the weather elements. This will help you to efficiently evaluate the space, this therefore makes size procurement and installation easier.

Durability

While you are considering every other factor, durability should be a big factor. Your retractable awning will constantly get exposed to weather elements such as ultraviolet rays and rain or mildew, for a prolonged time–so a durable material is essential.

Purchase Cost

With every product that you want to buy as a consumer, one important thing you will consider first is your budget.

The first thing to note is that the more expensive a retractable awning is, the higher the quality of the retractable awning. Although you may want to purchase the less expensive one, you should keep in mind that it will be more expensive in the long run because you will have to bear the cost of repairs at frequent intervals.

Operation Mechanism

The retracting mechanism of your retractable awning can either be automatic or manual. Your choice depends on what you prefer. However, bear in mind that while convenience comes with using automatic or motorized retractable awning, there are technical and repair issues that may arise.

While it is easier to operate motorized retractable awnings, please note that manual retractable awning requires little effort to operate also.

Warranty and/or Guaranty

You want to consider the warranty available for the awning you choose to purchase. You do not want to spend money on any product which you won’t be able to have quick access to the manufacturer should something go wrong with the product.

A good awning company will offer you a warranty for the product you are purchasing from them.