Investing in a retractable awning can be a wise long-term investment for your home or commercial property. They offer a wide range of benefits that can help reduce the risk of sun damage to your furniture, lower energy costs and keep you and your family safe from harmful UV rays.

Awnings are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors to suit your space, and they come with options for both manual and motorized functionality. They can also be upgraded with wind sensors (standard on all Simple Shade Series and Pro Series awnings from SummerSpace) to automatically retract when it’s too windy for your awning to be safely extended.

Retractable awnings can be controlled by a wall switch, home automation system, mobile application or a remote control. They are normally powered by an electric motor that can be plugged into either 110v or 220v power sources. These motors are designed to extend and retract the awning with little effort, so you can enjoy your outdoor living area without having to manually roll up or down your awning. Motorized awnings are normally fitted with rain, wind and sun sensors to improve their convenience, and they can be equipped with a manual override in case of a power outage.

An awning can protect your home from the damaging effects of UV rays by shielding your windows, doors, deck and patio. They also help protect your furniture from fading, bleaching and cracking. Awnings are typically made from a durable fabric that’s resistant to rotting, mildewing and fading, and they can be used year-round. The awning’s colors can also be customized to match your home or business, and they are typically easy to clean by simply spraying them down with a hose.

The main advantage of retractable awnings is their flexibility. They can be retracted and extended depending on the weather conditions. They are especially helpful when it’s hot and sunny, and you want to limit the sun’s exposure to your expensive furnishings. However, there are times when you may need to get some Vitamin D, and that’s when you can easily extend your awning for a moment or two.

Retractable awnings are also highly decorative and can add a lot of value to your property, as they can help enhance the exterior design of your home or commercial building. Moreover, they can significantly reduce your home’s cooling bills by providing shade and restricting the amount of sunlight that enters. This means that they can save you up to 60% on your home energy bill. In addition, they are easy to install and can be a great way to upgrade your outdoor living space. Hence, they are popular in cafes, restaurants and hotels as well as residential homes. Nevertheless, they are more expensive than non-retractable awnings, but it is worth the investment in the long run because they can last for many years with minimal maintenance. They can also be fitted with a number of accessories such as lighting, heating and shade blinds.