If you’re looking to make some upgrades to your outdoor living space, a retractable awning is one that you’re certain to enjoy. A retractable awning allows you to block out the intense heat from the sun while enjoying the outdoors – or – roll the awning back and enjoy the cool summer evenings watching the stars.

No matter how you plan to enjoy the warm summer months in Ottawa, a retractable awning is a great addition to any outdoor space. Before you purchase one, though, you likely want to know how long your investment will last and whether it needs regular maintenance. Here’s everything you need to know about a retractable awning. 

Awning Frames

Any awning you buy, even a retractable one, will have two parts: the frame and the fabric. The frame will be the portion that attaches to your home (or other building) to secure it and make sure it has enough support for the weight of the fabric.

The frame is meant to withstand damage from the elements: wind, rain, etc. Though with a retractable awning, to get the longest life, it’s best to make sure it’s fully retracted during inclement weather and the harsh Ottawa winters. If you’ve purchased a high-quality frame and it’s cared for properly, you could get over 20 years with the frame itself. 

Awning Fabric

The next big part on any awning is the fabric covering the frame. With a retractable awning and even most stationary ones, the fabric is removable so you can wash it as needed. Fabric that is not high-quality and durable could fade and wear very quickly when exposed to the intense summer heat, and also become riddled with holes if not taken down in the winter.

If you’re making a quality investment, then it’s important to care for the fabric as well. This means taking it down during the cold winters and storing it inside and cleaning it on a regular basis. You will likely have to replace the fabric on a retractable awning before you replace the frame, but with proper care, there’s no question you will get years of enjoyment out of it. 

Retractable Awning Motor/Crank

When you purchase a retractable awning, you will have the option as to whether you want a motorized or manual retractable awning. With a motorized one, there will be a remote or switch that brings the awning in and out, and with a manual one, it will likely be a crank to let it out and bring it in. 

The lifetime of each of these will depend on how often they are used and when. For example, if you try to use a motorized one in the middle of winter when the components are frozen, you might break something. 

Manual cranks tend to last a little longer since there are fewer components to break, but both styles of cranks – if cared for properly – will last for years to come. 

Retractable Awnings in Ottawa

It might seem like there’s very little time every year to actually outside the outdoors when you live in Ottawa, but by adding a retractable awning to your deck or patio, you will get a lot more enjoyable time outdoors this summer! For help in selecting your new retractable awning, contact Jans Awnings & Rollshutters today.