Buying an awning | Checklist

The following items cover details for purchasing an awning. These are some of the factors your awning professional will consider and discuss with you.

Determine the size of the awning.

Determine the size of the area you want to protect. You're buying shade. You may need weather protection, or you may want to expand your living area. The awning is just the tool to accomplish these tasks and create a more comfortable living area.

1. Select an awning size that is adequate for the area requiring shade. Remember that awning width is more important on north-south positions and the awning projection is more important on east-west positions.
2. Awnings wider than 20 feet usually require a center support. This may cause abrasion on the cover and subsequently would not be covered under the fabric warranty. For awnings 24 feet and over, it is recommended to split the overall width and install two separate awnings.

Determine the mounting surface.

When an awning dealer visits your home they will be able to determine the best way to mount your awning. The most common mounts for awning installations are wall mounts, roof mounts, and under-overhang mounts. The dealer will need to consider the following:

1. Is there height available to accommodate the projection if mounting under an overhang?
2. Is there enough clearance if mounting between a door, window or roofline?

What is an awning hood and is a hood needed?

An awning hood is an inverted "L" shaped housing designed to protect a retractable awning and its motor from the elements when the awning is in its retracted position.

1. A hood is not needed when an awning is mounted under an overhang.
2. A hood is optional but recommended on wall mounts on open walls.
3. A hood is optional but "highly" recommended on roof mounts.
4. A hood is strongly advised for protection on any motorized system, except when mounted under an overhang.

Do I want or need a motor on my retractable awning?

It's really a question of ease of use, much like a remote control for a television. We recommend motors because research shows that retractable awnings with motors are used up to four times more than hand-cranked retractable awnings.

There are basically two types of motors available:

1. One motor requires an electrician to hard wire the awning into a permanent switch installed either on the inside or outside (weather-proof box) of the home. Sun and wind sensors are also hard wired with this type of installation.
2. The other type motor has remote control electronics located inside the motor. These motors can also be hard wired by an electrician or can be ordered with an optional plug-in cable. This is a state-of-the-art motor and the plug-in feature is the most popular choice by consumers. Sun and wind sensors are also plug-ins and communicate wirelessly with the motor.

What motor options are available?

Somfy provides motors to meet any of your needs and also offers optional wind or sun sensors. Wind sensors retract the awning when wind speeds exceed preset limits. Sun sensors operate by automatically extending the awning when light/heat settings are favorable. Remote controls are also available to make motorization as seamless as possible.

Selecting the fabric color.

Sunbrella fabrics are available in over 140 decorator patterns and offer coordinating furniture fabrics to assist you in decorating your outdoor space.

Choosing a valance.

Most people choose the oceanwave design for their valance style. Other styles such as straight, scalloped and serpentine are also available.