Operating Options For Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings have become popular among homeowners as they look stylish and provide convenience to your outdoor entertaining area.

It’s the perfect way to protect yourself from the harsh Australian heat during summer, especially when you want to spend time outside with your guests, family, or friends.

Another appealing factor that increased their sale rate is that they can extend and retract according to your wish, either automatically or manually.

Whether motorised or manual, retractable roof systems are the best way to increase the style and comfort of your home. And today we will look at the pros and cons of manual and automatic awnings so that you can make an informed decision when you want to install them.

Manual (wind/crank)

If you are using a winch system to extend and retract the awnings, then it’s called manual operating. You need to use your energy to pull the handle so that the awning can move however you want. Let’s see its pros and cons:

Pros:

• Easy to handle: Manual awnings are easy to install and operate. The modern models are coming with new systems that allow you to handle awnings without much effort.
• No problem during a power outage: You can operate awnings manually irrespective of power outages as they don’t work on electricity.
• Less expensive: You can easily maintain manual awnings as it doesn’t require electricity to operate.
• No danger during installation: It is less of a hazard as it doesn’t require wiring to work.

Cons:

• People with physical limitations find it hard to operate manual awnings as it requires manpower to extend and retract them.
• When the weather is too windy or rainy, you will have to go outside and operate which is difficult. You might get wet or disheveled by the time you come inside.

Motorised (electric, battery, solar)

If you are using a wireless remote control or a wall switch to operate awnings, then they are called motorised awnings. You can operate at the touch of a button and is considered a modern feature if installed in your home.

You can also add accessories to automatic awnings like light and time sensors. The awnings retract or extend according to the time you set in the remote.

Pros:

• Convenient use - You can adjust your awnings with the touch of a button via an automated system. You don’t have to run in the harsh weather to manually close the awning.
• The lack of manual mechanisms makes the end result look sleeker
• Anyone can operate electric awnings as they are operated just by a button
• Automatically closing and opening the awning is stylish and incredibly increases the value of your home.
• Perfect for outdoor entertaining areas if you host a lot of get-togethers and want to impress your guests.

Cons:

• You have to put in more budget for the motorisation and automation of the awnings. It could be a problem if you’re on a strict budget.
• It’s a problem during power outages, it means you have to control them manually despite the motorisation and automation.
• Maintenance costs are more expensive as repairing or installing a new motor is high compared to manually controlling them.

Smart awnings (app enabled)

If you want to step up and want to install the latest model of awning, then consider smart awning. You can operate the opening and closing of the awning with your smartphone, which means, it’s possible wherever you are in the world with an internet connection.

Smart awnings allow you to set a schedule where they can extend or retract at a specific time of the day. It’s a streamlined option for both commercial and residential properties.

Also, read here: Blinds And Awnings For Your Home Outdoor Space

Conclusion

Reading both manual and automated awning systems might throw you into a dilemma. The decision could be clear if you can talk to experts who suggest the best option for your home.

Consider factors like comfort, style, aesthetics, ease of operation, and your budget before you finalise the decision. You can also think of installing them for your commercial property as it could attract more foot traffic to your shop. Always remember that installing awnings can increase the value of your property.