When you want to enjoy time on your patio during the warm summer months, an awning can provide maximum protection from the heat of the scorching sun.  Adding an awning to your exterior space is a very inexpensive way to extend your outdoor living area.

Although, most patio awnings are designed mainly for sun protection, some are designed to protect against rain and higher levels of wind. Your will no longer be chased indoors by wind gusts, rain showers or even downpours.

Awnings offer both protection and beauty to any patio while helping to reduce energy costs. They can add charm and personality to your home and transform a plain façade into something special. Awnings can increase the value of your home because they set your home apart from the rest.

In additional to their attractiveness, awnings keep your home much cooler during the heat of the summer months. They help reduce air conditioning costs by decreasing the amount of heat that infiltrates the inside of your home by as much as 77%. They protect the interior furnishings from bleaching out by the sun’s rays and reduce sunlight glare through your windows by as much as 94%.

In this article, we are going to take a look at the different main features between fixed and retractable awnings. The first distinction between the two is their style and functionality.

Fixed Awning:

Fixed awnings can protect against all kinds of weather because they are attached to your home using a frame, screws, and other materials to bolt the awning to the building or structure. They cannot be taken down unless you do so permanently.

Fixed awnings require little maintenance and provide constant, uninterrupted shade. On the other hand, because they are stationary, and sunlight is not with the various seasons, you may not get enough sunlight into the house during the cold winter months.

Fixed awnings can also be configured to form a kind of outdoor room over your deck or porch. They can provide a dry, cool place where you sit comfortable away from the elements. However, fixed awnings are typically used for smaller areas such as windows, doors, alcoves, entry ways and walkways.

Because of their permanent structure and installation, you might see them on offices or entry ways. You might also see these types of awnings with graphic designs or company logos on them. Canopy awnings are a form of fixed awnings that cover larger surfaces and require posts and structural supports.

Retractable Awning:

A retractable awning offers the benefits of leaving your patio free and clear of poles and gives a homeowner the option of full sun, part sun or full shade. Since the metals arms are adjustable, you can change the pitch of the awning to your desired position to maximize your protection.

Retractable awnings are ideal for rooms that generate excessive heat due to extreme temperatures of the sun. However, you can easily control the amount of light entering into your home and opt for maximizing brightness on overcast days.  They provide excellent coverage during a light shower because the standard awning fabric is highly water-repellent.

Patio awnings are available using a hand crank manual operation, but for those people who want the ultimate ease of operation, retractable awnings also come with a motorized system. A motorized system offers the convenience of positioning by operating a wall switch or remote control.  It couldn’t be simpler.

Your Choice:

Whether you decide on a fixed or retractable awning, there are many styles and colours to choose among to fit any outdoor décor. If you want to make a statement with an attractive and versatile awning, Jans Awnings has over 15 years’ experience in providing customers with quality and service. They offer a great selection of retractable and window awnings, fixed aluminum, commercial and aluminum awnings. Contact Us Today!