Awnings are very popular because they are versatile and provide a solution for homes and they work for all varieties of outdoor spaces. They are mostly used to provide protection from the sun on beautiful summer days, but they can also be used as a shield from rain or even light snow if you wish to use your outdoor space all year round. There are several types of retractable awnings that you can purchase for your home, but before you make that large of an investment, there are some benefits and drawbacks you should consider before installing a retractable in your outdoor space.

Pros of Purchasing a Retractable Awning

Flexibility

Due to the fact that they are retractable, they are much more flexible than the fixed version so they offer you the ability to have an awning or not in case there’s a time where you want to sit in the sun or otherwise be without shade.

No Poles or Posts

This kind of awning doesn’t have any supporting poles or posts at the front when they’re expanded so your patio or deck space is not taken up by supporting structures. This also makes this option safer for children and pets because they will be able to run and play without running into anything.

They Aren’t Easily Damaged

Since these awnings are retractable they can be essentially put away during inclement weather, and this means they will last for so much longer than the fixed ones will.

Cons of Purchasing a Retractable Awning

Price

A retractable awning is much more flexible and versatile than its permanent counterparts and that means they are going to come at a higher price point. They may be worth the investment, but if you aren’t prepared to spend that much money or it just isn’t in your budget, then this could be a major drawback.

They need to be Put Away

Retractable awnings do not have any supporting structure so they need to be retracted when they aren’t in use, especially if a storm is predicted to come your way. They stick out from your home quite a bit so they can easily get caught in any wind and tear or rip right during bad weather.

The Retractable Function may break

If you opt for a motor in your retractable awning, rather than a manual version, be careful. If the motor isn’t a quality motor, it could break and then you might be stuck – until it gets fixed – with it either out and in. So when you are making this purchase it would be best to really consider whether you want to have a manual or motorized retractable awning and which one suits your lifestyle best.

Purchasing a retractable awning will be a great addition to your home and will allow you to spend much more time enjoying your outdoor space with protection from the elements. It is important to do a lot of research to make sure you are choosing the right one for your lifestyle and what you expect to get out of your purchase.