Retractable awnings (also known as lateral arm awnings), are entirely supported from a building, and constructed so that the awning cover and supporting frame retract completely against the building’s exterior wall. In a retracted position, the awning is relieved from wind, rain, and snow pressure normally associated with fixed frame awnings.
Retractable awnings are commonly used to shade large outdoor areas. such as a deck or patio, and are operated using either a manual crank, or remote controlled motor to extend or retract the awning. Motorized retractable awnings are, by far, the first choice of homeowners
Observe the large shaded area for children to play safe from the suns harmful UV rays.
This motorized sunesta awning mounted to their lovely brick home was challenging.
Our installation team solved this challenge when others said it was impossible.
Benefits of the retractable awning
With retractable awnings, you control the amount of shade and light you need by partially or fully extending the unit. This, of course, is not an option with a fixed frame awning. You can retract the awning on darker days to let more light into a room, or fully extend it during the hotter months to block out a blazing sun.
Retractable awnings have always been very popular in Europe, and the trend is now gaining popularity in the United States. People love the convenience of an immediate solution to sun and shade control, and most homeowners report that installing a retractable awning was the smartest move they ever made. Wind sensors can also be installed which automatically retract the awning when no one one is home to prevent potential damage from high velocity winds.
See below video of a Sunesta motorized retractable awning during a violent storm. Precision engineering and professional installation kept this awning attached to the building, and unharmed until it was finally retracted by the wind sensor. Many inferior quality awnings would have been severely damaged or even ripped from the home altogether.
Miami Dade county approved after 95 mile/hour wind test

Retractable awnings pass nation’s toughest building codes, including reliable performance in
sustained wind speeds up to 45 MPH
If you want to see the latest fashion trend in alternative awnings, look at our Shade Sails page