Awnings are a fantastic way to improve the look and utility of outdoor spaces. These covers enhance the aesthetic appeal of patios and balconies that would otherwise be bare while providing the space with shade and weather protection.
Adding a retractable awning to a home may sound exciting, yet finding the best one can take time and effort. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a retractable awning for a home:
Colour
Consider the house’s shade and general aesthetic when picking the awning colour.
- Try an outdoor awning that is different or the same colour as the roof. It might be best to opt for deeper shades like navy blue or forest green for a traditional-style home.
- Choose vibrant colours like yellows and blues as accents to modern homes’ themes.
- Alternatively, keep the theme going and pick a neutral colour.
Fun Fact: Yellows and blues seem to be 2022’s most popular colours, according to Vogue.
Tip: Size also influences the awning colour. More coverage makes the awning stand out, so bold colours may not work for larger awnings. Smaller awnings, on the other hand, look striking in bright shades.
Remember to consider the fading aspect while deciding which colour best complements the style of the home. Darker colours, such as black, dark blue, dark green, and purple, fade faster than lighter hues.
Material
Before choosing a material, consider the awning’s use and the climate and f weather of the area. Vinyl, acrylic, polyester, and natural materials, such as cotton, are the most popular materials for awning canvases.
Acrylic and vinyl materials are by far the favoured options due to their exceptional durability and weather resistance.
Weatherproofing
Although typical retractable outdoor awnings’ materials and other outdoor coverings are already weatherproofed or water-resistant to some degree, awnings used in places with extreme and adverse weather may need more weatherproofing.
When choosing the material for a retractable awning, it is important to consider how much waterproofing, weatherproofing, and maintenance will be needed.
This is important to keep in mind, given Melbourne’s oceanic climate with a tendency to experience four seasons in one day.
Angle
The installation angle of the awning determines how much sunlight gets in. This can significantly reduce energy costs during the hottest periods of summer.
For example, windows positioned horizontally should have an awning fall size of 65-75% due to the sun’s slant, whereas windows vertically positioned should have a covering of 45-60%.
With the best retractable awning, we can control the temperature in our homes by controlling how much sun comes in during hot weather. The angle at which the awning is installed significantly impacts its effectiveness; thus, expert installation is necessary.
Retracting Mechanism
Retractable mechanisms can be either manual or powered. Some people will be fine with a manual winder, while others may prefer a remote-controlled retractable mechanism.
A motorised retractor might seem like a good idea at first, but it actually makes it more likely that there will be technical problems to fix down the road. However, all this comes down to how well the outdoor awnings are maintained.
Best Retractable Awnings
If all that information was a lot to take in, do not worry! We offer advice tailored to the home’s style, location, and personal preferences. Rest assured that you will get retractable outdoor awnings crafted from the best fabrics and materials.
With over 30 years of experience building and installing retractable awnings in Melbourne and Pakenham, we pride ourselves on high-quality products and services. Our retractable awnings will increase the usability and value of your property and last for many years.
Contact us today for a free measure and quote. We look forward to hearing from you.