Outdoor Living Without The Hot Sun - Retractable Deck Awnings


Retractable awnings are great for protection from harmful UV rays and bad weather.
When retracted for the full outdoor experience you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
However, there are drawbacks you should know about.
Depending on the location of your deck or patio harmful rays are most damaging at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the day.
If your deck faces westward it (and you) get the harshest rays. Even to the point that your patio area is basically unusable because of the discomfort of the heat that is generated.
The other consideration homeowners excited about their new outdoor area often forget is the effect of the sun's harmful rays on their patio furniture and any floor coverings.
Without cover patio furniture suffers more rapid deterioration from the continuous cycle of rain and drying effects. 
That's why the number one advantage of retractable awnings is sun protection.  It protects you and your family so that  you can enjoy your outdoor space more often.  Your patio furniture and furnishings can last longer.
Of course while awnings are durably constructed nothing is going to withstand high wind conditions.  That's why retractable awning owners tend to be part time weather watchers to be sure their investment is going to be protected by retracting their awning when really bad weather hits.
Another advantage that most homeowners don't realize is a more comfortable interior and lower utility costs for air conditioning.  This results when the sun's direct rays are blocked by your awning and don't enter the windows or walls of the exterior facing area.
The biggest disadvantage of retractable awnings, especially the more automated options, is the cost.
Check out this featured resource on the pros and cons of retractable awnings.

Image Credit: ​by PYC Awnings [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) or Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons

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