Investing in an awning for your Ottawa home can help you get a lot more enjoyment from your outdoor space. But before you purchase a retractable awning, it is likely that you’ll have a lot of questions. One question that we get frequently is, what is it exactly that supports a retractable awning? We get this question because retractable awnings do not require any ground supports – so it’s only natural for people to want to know what is holding it up. 

How are retractable awnings secured to your home?

The first thing to know is that retractable awnings can be mounted either to an exterior wall on your home or to the roof (either to the eave under the soffit or above the gutter). Where you choose to have your awning mounted will matter because this will dictate the pitch of the awning. 

Now, how is that weight supported, you ask? Secure brackets are used to secure the retractable awning into place. They are attached either to wall studs or to rafters. In order to hold these brackets in place, it may be necessary to put some bolt holes into the siding of your home. And while this may be concerning to some homeowners, this has very little effect on the siding itself. 

Do I need a professional to install my awning? 

Although some Ottawa homeowners do make the decision to install their retractable awnings, we don’t think it is worth the risk. Adding a retractable awning to your home correctly to ensure that it is sturdy and well supported takes experience, knowledge, and specialized tools. 

Having your awning installed by a professional will help to protect the lifespan of the awning and give you the peace of mind that it isn’t about to collapse on you while it’s in use!

When installing your awning, professionals have many factors to consider, including:

• Height and pitch of the awning. 
• Projection length of the awning. 
• Hood requirements.
• Mounting alternatives. 

If the awning is installed incorrectly, it is more likely to break, tear, or deteriorate faster. 

Do I also need to hire an electrician if my awning has a motor? 

Most motorized retractable awnings have a cord and plug, so they do not require an electrician during installation. If, however, you would like to have a retractable awning that is hardwired into your home, then you should hire a licensed electrician. 

Contact Jans Awnings in Ottawa today!

If you are considering investing in an awning for your home, our Ottawa Awning company offers a wide selection of choices and have the specialized knowledge to install your awning properly to help it last for years.