You may be quite familiar with retractable awnings, having likely seen them used commonly in storefronts. Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars to name a few, sport these coverings in a range of styles and designs. There’s no denying that they add to an alluring homely feel, and of course serve important functional purposes. Enjoying a cool drink shaded from the scorching sun or sipping on a hot cuppa shielded from the rain, is thanks to them.
Aside from this, retractable awnings can help you create an extended outdoor living space at home. Not only will this be a place for you to relax, you also get to accommodate alfresco dining for instance. Plus, you’ll have that extra bit of room for when you host parties and get-togethers with friends and family.
Whether you enlist them for personal or commercial purposes, there’s no denying that retractable awnings add to visual appeal and experience. Let’s take a look at more ways in which they can improve your standard of living. In other words, more reasons to love them!
1. Improved temperature control
During those unbearable Summer months, you may have found yourself wishing you could turn the sun off even for a bit. It always seems as though it beats down on your deck/ patio relentlessly, making it impossible to stay cool. Even if you have your air-con on, the glare is likely very bright too, needing you to draw your curtains/ blinds closed. This ends up blocking out natural sunlight, which after a while is an annoyance in itself.
This is where retractable awnings can be quite handy. When the sun is up, you can simply extend the awning and have it cover your patio. Not only does this help reduce the temperature of your outdoor area, it also regulates the temperature inside your home. This is especially the case if the entrance between the spaces consists of glass sliding doors. Glass after all, isn’t all that energy-efficient.
Adding to convenience, when the sun shifts during the day, you can retract your awning as needed. During Winter, you can leave it retracted when a rare bit of sun bursts through to heat things up.
2. Save on energy bills
Naturally, when your home heats and cools less, you need to turn on the air-con and heater less too. Which in turn means you get to save on energy bills. Retractable awnings are great for this as opposed to permanent awnings, as you can adjust the cover as needed. For instance, a permanent awning could reduce the amount of light coming in, needing you to turn on lights during the day. It can also block out precious sunlight during the colder months, requiring heating indoors. There’s not much flexibility when compared to a retractable awning, which is why the latter is often preferred.
3. Protect your interiors
It’s likely that you’ll invest in outdoor furniture for your patio, which can stand up to the rigours of the elements. While they’re built to go the whole nine yards, they can last even longer with the help of a retractable awning. Keeping them protected from the harsh sun and rain over the years will help you make the most of them. Pergolas with retractable awnings is just one way to go about this.
But did you know that retractable awnings can also help protect your interiors? This includes things like your flooring whether that’s timber or carpet, window furnishings and furniture. The sun’s rays, as we all know, can be quite harmful and damaging and this can affect all of these things too. Your favourite items can fade and lose their lustre before their time, which is a pity. Retractable awnings can help prevent damage, by keeping the sun away from your windows.
4. Expand your living areas
Some people try to create an extra living area by building an additional section. However, what you’re looking for could be right under your nose. You can turn that bare patio or slab of concrete into a livable space, at a much lesser cost than building a new room. How? Why with the help of a simple retractable awning of course. You’ll find that everything else fits in quite easily, congregating under this one contraption.
Aside from this being a ‘chill space’ (in every sense) for yourself, it’s also great for your pets. They can laze the day away outdoors, while you have complete peace of mind knowing they’re comfortable. Great for when you’re not home!
5. Increase the value of your home
And last but not least, these awnings can help drive up the value of your home. So whether you’re thinking of renting/ selling it at some point in the future, they can help make your case. This significant and attractive feature helps your home stand out from the rest, which works even in a bad market. At the end of the day, it’s all about how much square footage is usable in the home. Retractable awnings for patios and the like help you tackle just that. You get to flaunt an entertainment/ dining or relaxing space which can be switched up as needed.
How much do retractable awnings cost?
There’s no straightforward answer to this as it’s definitely subjective. Different types of customisation have a direct relation to the final number, so it’s about what you’re after. However, fabric, structure, mechanisms, size and style are some of the contributing factors. It’s worth having a look at a few different combinations to ensure you end up with the perfect fit.
Seeing as how an awning is an investment for the long-term, you’ll want all the advice you can get. And that’s what we’re here for!
No matter how big or small your query may be, make use of our knowledgeable team. With their experience and know-how, you’re already in a good position to make the best decision. We’ll come out for an assessment and lay out all options on the table, so you can see what works best for you. To get started, simply book a free in-home consultation.