"Retractable Awnings always make the best awning"

Retractable awnings make a fine addition to any home, and are a great way to add functionality to your awnings. Retractable awnings are useful for a range of purposes.

Awnings and patio covers and other ways of providing shade to windows and other parts of the house come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What are the benefits of a retractable awning over a fixed awning?

A fixed awning is just that. Fixed in the one place. Unable to be moved. Now of course a well placed awning provides shade to a window, for example, no matter whether it's fixed or retracts. But there are still some disadvantages to a fixed window cover.

Firstly a fixed awning must be fixed in place by some means, usually an arm or post of some kind. This can detract from the look of the awning. And being fixed it is in place all the time, quite a problem when it's windy, as anyone who has a fixed awning can tell you it's not very nice having them up in high winds. The result is usually a torn awning.

Of course it is possible to remove the awning cover before the winds get up, but who thinks of that or does it? Damage is quite common.

A fixed awning is out in the weather all the time. They get wet and dry out, wet again and dry out again, and so on. Most are made of some type of canvas or vinyl, which rots and deteriorates. And sun will make this worse.

They will fade in the sun too.

Hence the life of the cover is much shorter, and they need to be replaced more regularly, involving expense and hassle.

The arms of fixed awnings are usually made of steel which rusts and also needs replacing regularly.

On the plus side, the initial cost of fixed awnings is cheaper.

A retractable awning, on the other hand, is much more expensive to buy, but it is more user friendly. Retract it when it's windy. Keep it in when it's raining and it stays dry. Keep the material out of the sun except when it's needed and dramatically extend the life of the awning from avoiding sun damage.

Even if you're not at home you can have your awnings retract in wind with motion sensors and rain sensors.

Avoid having fixed poles and arms to rot and for kids to run into.

Retract it when it's a low light day for maximum light in the house making the house more livable.

It's a no brainer really, a retractable awning is more expensive to buy, but when you consider the advantages it's the only awning to own. Buy a retractable awning every time.