2019 Guide To Retractable Home Awnings In Philadelphia

Retractable awnings can be a good investment for homeowners in Philadelphia and areas around who are looking for respite from the glaring sun outside their home. A retractable awning can give your home a touch of style and elegance, without changing the original structure. If you’d like to know more about retractable awnings, you’re in the right place.

Here, in our 2019 Guide to Retractable Awnings in Philadelphia, we’ll discuss the features of retractable awnings, their purpose, custom options, and much more.

What is a retractable awning?

If you’re planning to overhaul your patio or deck and transform it into a usable area, you can install a retractable awning to protect the space from sun, rain, snow, and strong winds without necessarily altering the structure of your home or having to install permanent footings for a roof.

The best thing about a retractable awning is that you can fold it or retract it when you’re not using it. You can also choose between different types of slopes to shield your house from heavy snowfall and rain. Retractable awnings are typically made of different materials such as aluminum, corrugated fiberglass, canvas, fabric, plastic, and polycarbonate. You’ll find that most retractable awnings on the market are crafted from water-resistant or waterproof materials.

When it comes to installing the awning, you can DIY it or hire a professional for the job even if you’re planning to buy the awning from a retail or box store. But these awnings may or may not fit the space requirements and can often provide a poor interface between your home and the awning, leaving gaps for sun and rain to get through. Custom retractable awnings are designed specifically for your home and installed by professionals. These awnings can be very cost effective and will last much longer and be a better match for your patio space.

What are some features of retractable awnings?


Here are some notable features of retractable awnings:

  • They provide ample shade and protection from skin burning UV rays of the sun, strong winds, heavy snowfall, and rain.
  • If you’re not too fond of air conditioners, you can switch to retractable awnings to bring down the indoor temperature and cut down the usage of air conditioners. You’ll gradually end up saving energy and save more on your energy bills.
  • They’re great for protecting all outdoor areas from extreme weather conditions and direct sunlight.
  • They protect you from environmental allergens and allow privacy. You can use side awnings to divide areas.
  • They’re suitable for a variety of outdoor areas such as patios, backyards, swimming pools, and other seating areas.
  • Retractable awnings that can be operated manually can be hand reeled and pivoted to offer shade at a specific angle. Using the hand reel, you can tilt them at different angles.
  • They’re available in two forms – manual and motorized. Manual retractable awnings can be operated using a hand reel and tilted at any angle of your choice. Motorized awnings can be tilted at various angles using mechanized switches, apps or at the push of a button. Manual retractable awnings wear out faster than motorized awnings.
  • You can fit them with sensors or smart devices that can detect weather changes instantly. Moreover, they provide plenty of shade when the sun rays are strong and automatically retract during an overcast or winds. You can also install sun and wind sensors. 
  • They are cheaper than permanent constructions on decks and patios.
  • You can store them conveniently when they’re not in use.
  • They are available in different patterns, colors, styles, and materials.

What purpose do retractable awnings serve?

The primary purpose of a retractable awning is to provide shelter or shade. If you’re planning to change the look of your house or add some new accessories to enhance its beauty, you can install colorful and stylish retractable awnings. Majority of the people install retractable awnings for she on decks, patios, and porches in Philadelphia. You can also use them for shade or as a standalone unit over a hot tub or pool area.

If you’re struggling to find a versatile, durable, stylish, and easy to use solution to protect your outdoor areas for the blazing sun or other weather elements such as heavy rains, strong winds, and snowfall, you can use retractable awnings. They not only provide shade but also allow you to save energy by minimizing the indoor temperature.

Based on a study by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRE), it has been found that retractable awnings installed on the windows and doors of decks, patios, and backyards, can reduce the temperature inside your home by almost 8 to 15 degrees. However, the temperature dip will vary depending on the material of your window, retractable awning’s color, and installation method.

Create a relaxing environment in your backyard

A trendy retractable awning will not only add beauty to your backyard, but it can also extend the living area in your home and allows you to make the most of the outdoor space to relax and enjoy by providing ample protection and shade from sunlight and rain. By adding a high-quality retractable awning to your deck or patio, you can turn it into a comforting retreat at a cheaper price than a luxury hotel or resort.

Enhance the exquisiteness of your home


You can install a custom retractable awning to enhance the appeal of your home and design in a way that it complements your home’s existing color theme and style. By investing in a sturdy, superior-quality retractable awning, you can sit back and relax while enjoying heavy snowfall or rains.

Quick shade at the touch of a button

As already mentioned in the previous section, a motorized retractable awning allows you to fold or control the awning using an automated wall switch, push-button, or app.

Overhead vs. Side Retractable Awning

There are two types of retractable awnings – overhead and side. An overhead retractable awning provides shades like an umbrella, and the purpose of a side awning is entirely different. The main function of an overhead retractable awning to provide shelter from snow, rain, wind, and sun. On the other hand, a side awning is often used as a space divider. If you want to add privacy to your porch, deck, or patio, you can install side awnings. They’re customizable and adjustable. And, they can be of great advantage if you’re running a restaurant in your backyard. So, basis your needs, you can order a custom retractable awning for your house.

What is a custom retractable awning?

By now, you know that retractable awnings are easily affordable solutions to protect your outdoor areas from weather extremes, dangerous UV rays from the sun, and to add beauty to your home at a bare minimum cost. So, if you’re planning to buy retractable awnings, you should know that you can order custom retractable awnings for your roofs, windows, doors, tables, and all other outdoor areas.

Unlike awnings for RV’s, outdoor living areas are not all created equally. You may get lucky and find a ready made size and style that suits your location. But more than likely, you be short or long on width or length when it comes to a box store awning. If you’re looking for a retractable awning that is an exact fit of your patio space than you should consider a custom awning.

With a customized retractable awning, you don’t need to compromise on the look for your house. There are many custom retractable awning manufacturers in Philadelphia who are skilled in the designing and construction of custom retractable awnings.

Also, when it comes to a customized retractable awning, size is not the only problem. Majority of the retractable awnings on the market are available in limited patterns, designs, and shades. When you hire an expert custom retractable awning manufacturer, you can specify the color, size, and design you want.

How much does a retractable awning cost in Philadelphia?

If you’re planning to order a custom retractable awning anytime soon, you might be wondering what is this going to cost me?

In Philadelphia and areas around it, you’ll find retractable awnings in different price ranges depending on their size, material, and design. Most motorized and manual retractable awnings can cost anywhere between $2000 to $5000. However, motorized awnings are always costlier than manual awnings. The average price of a customized retractable awning inclusive of installation is $3800. Also, if you add a motion, wind, or sun sensor, the price will go up.

Even though you may feel at some point that retractable awnings are a costly affair, they can probably become one of the best investments of your life for even better returns in a short period. Retractable awnings are conveniences in Philadelphia that anyone can easily pay for.

However, make sure you pick a custom retractable awnings manufacturing company with good reviews and ratings. Also, don’t forget to check if they offer installation services.

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Are you planning to get a retractable awning for your backyard? Get in touch with us.

We’re experts in planning, designing, and manufacturing custom retractable awnings in Philadelphia and Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Contact us at 888-501-0829 to discuss your retractable awning protect with us. You can also request a quote here. Our experts will get in touch with you soon and help you pick the appropriate size and material.