This term, vinyl awnings, is more reflective of just the material choice.  There are a wide variety of awning styles, most of which are made of vinyl.  However, you can find exterior shutters that are made of bamboo, canvas, or other wood products. Let’s not forget about the fact that with a fabric awning like vinyl, you can also have them roll up and stow away when not in use.  The benefit of this type of feature is that in weather that might otherwise threaten a free-standing patio cover, your roll up awnings can be safe and secure in their own protected storage case.  As you might have guessed, these awnings are retractable.  This retractable patio awning feature is activated either manually with a crank handle or motorized.

Motorized awnings are activated by either a switch or via a light sensor.  The switch can be turned on by hand or with a remote, depending upon your particular unit.  Also, you can use a timer to have your patio awnings open and retract when ever you like.  The light activated model will be triggered to open or retract depending upon the movement of the sun in the sky.

Why vinyl makes such a great choice for garden awnings is that it is both flexible and durable.  It can be washed with a simple mild detergent and hosed off.  This makes them quite durable to resist the effects of the weather and also from dirt and grime.  Many newer awnings are also able to better resist the effects of the UV light on the fabric as well.  The newer vinyl awnings can give you longer lasting life to help you enjoy more time on your patio which is what they are all about.

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There are several styles of roll up awnings to discuss.  Like all patio accessories it seems, there are often several names used to discuss one item.  The same is true regarding the various types of outdoor shades and awnings.  Besides finding the term spelled as one word, as in ‘rollup’ awnings, you might also see these listed as retractable awnings as well.  Many online vendors and outlets use some of these terms synonymously, so don’t be confused.

How They Work
The name of these particular awnings, basically describe their function.  They work by way of a mechanical winding or rotor that simply rolls up the awning as it closes and unrolls it as it opens.  This allows you to not only control how much shade you would like to have (in some cases) but also to open or close them only when you want.

If you live in a very sunny region, you will likely have yours open much of the time. In areas where the climate is known to swing, you might want to only keep yours open when you are using your patio to avoid damage to the awnings from the elements.  This is one of the key selling points and best features of this style of awning.  The fact that they can roll up gives you the ability to keep them protected while not in use.  The metal tube into which your awning is stored does a great job of keeping them safe from water, sun, and dirt and grime.

What Kinds Are There?
The main types are the manual or motorized styles.  A manual roll up awning will have a crank handle that you simply turn to open or close your shade.  It can be locked away when not in use, so the handle is out of the way.  These are typically less costly than the motorized awnings.

The motorized awning comes in several styles as well.  Aside from them all being electrical, the differences are in how the opening or closing takes place.  You can get these to operate by way of a switch.  These would require you to turn them ‘on’ and ‘off’ to open and close them.  Then, there are motorized versions that operate by way of using a remote.  Same mechanical means of function, but with the ability to open or close them right from your chaise lounge.  Finally, there is the automatic retractable patio awning.  This one opens and closes following either a timer or can be activated by light.  In other words, you could either set it to open at the time you would normally go out to sit and close in the evening or allow the sun to open and close your awnings for you.  What ever type of style you choose, roll up awnings will certainly make your patio time more comfortable and enjoyable.

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There are ways to shade your patio and then there are ways to shade your patio.  If you are used to the simple and temporary ways of doing it by using a patio umbrella or other type of patio canopy, then you are in for some education.  These previous styles can work quite well for specific shading needs, but if you are looking to step up the look and function of your patio space, then you need to look at a more professional type of awning.

Now, having said this, there are hybrid awning-patio cover structures that accomplish both of these demands.  We talked about these structures in previous articles here at Patio Covers Place.  Briefly, what they look like are either pergolas or other four posted units, with the awnings that run along tracts on the ‘roof’ of the structure.  So, what you end up with are individual panels that can be retracted or closed to allow for more variable shading.  This can be great for those times when you want a little bit of both sun and shade.

Typical patio awnings can be anything from a fix-mounted unit to something that has the ability to fold up out of the way.  A fix-mounted patio awning is the way that you will save the most money.  You can get these made with a variety of materials and fabrics that withstand the elements quite well.  The frames for these types of awnings are usually made of a light gauge steel and powder coated for rust protection or they can be made with aluminum.  Both styles of frames come in various colors to match your awning or home decor preferences.  The awnings themselves also come in a wide variety of colors and prints.  A classic awning has a bold striped pattern, but solid colors are also a very common way to go.

Patio Awnings Come In Different Shapes and Sizes

Your awnings may also come with different types of trim.  You may have a solid straight edge or you can get a number of different trim styles, like scalloped edges.  These are all available in both the fixed and retractable awning styles.  The main difference between the two is in appearance and your specifications.

Most retractable patio awning styles come in both a manual and an automatic version.  The way that the awning retracts or unfolds is usually similar between the two.  A manually operated awning is opened and closed by way of a crank.  As you crank on the handle, the awning opens or closes.  These work just fine, but some people have personal situations where operating them by hand is either not possible or simply inconvenient.

Here are some images of retractable awnings with a scalloped edge and drop-down extra sun protection in desert tan.

In these cases, you can opt for one of the motorized versions.  Motorized awnings work in basically the same way as the manual styles, except that they are powered.  These can be operated in several ways as well.  There are styles that come with switches, remotes or timers.  For example, you can have a switch located just inside of your patio and just turn it on and it will open all by itself.  It will do the same in reverse when you are wanting to go back in for some time and don’t want it to remain open for any number of reasons – we’ll discuss a few of these further on in this article.

The remotes work on the same principle, it is just that they can be opened or closed from anywhere on your patio or indoors, not relying on a fixed switch mounting position.  The final option is to have your retractable patio awning controlled by a timer or sensor.  These work either by opening or closing at specific times that you can set.  The sensor styles are opened or retracted by sensing the sun in the sky.  As it rises or sets, your sensor picks this up and allows your patio to achieve just the amount of sun or shade you desire and at just the right times!

Buying and Maintaining Your Retractable Patio Awning

Some things to think about when purchasing or owning a retractable awning include cost, maintenance, installation and safety concerns.  If you are considering a purchase, then you are likely aware that these styles are a bit more expensive than the fixed-mounted awnings.  For a quality retractable awning, expect to pay approximately $1,500-2,000 USD for a standard 10’ x 10’ awning.  You can find cheaper ones, but you may be sacrificing quality.  You can also find more expensive ones which probably are the motorized ones with sensors and the like.  Custom sizes can also be ordered which will obviously up the price tag.  However, a proper fitting awning is what you are really after.  The long-term returns for a perfectly sized, quality retractable awning far outweigh any short-term savings.

With proper care, you should enjoy a quality retractable awning for many years.  There have been great strides in materials and parts over the years, so operation is smooth, quiet and quite quick.  Generally speaking, cleaning your patio awning fabric itself can be accomplished using a simple solution of water and mild detergent.  Follow your manufacturer’s directions for any stains that you may acquire to ensure that you don’t permanently damage or stain your awning.  As far as the motorized parts are considered, there is not too much to worry about there.  Occasional lubrication depending upon conditions will also keep your awning opening and closing smoothly for years.

When it comes to installation concerns, this aspect would best be left up to the professionals that can be recommended by your awning retailer. It isn’t that they are very difficult to install, just some issues with precision measurements and proper mounting will not only keep you safe but also make sure your awning functions properly.  A poor installation can give you safety issues.  This isn’t to say that an avid and handy DIYer couldn’t do this project, it would just need to be done right.

Safety is not something you want to be thinking about when all you want to do is be out there relaxing.  This is actually another benefit of a retractable awning over a fixed-mounted style.  The retractable styles can be closed during inclement weather to protect them from wind damage or other flying debris in a serious storm.  These awnings roll up or fold into their own protective aluminum case for safe storage.

For these reasons, motorized awnings make great sense.  Whatever style you decide upon, know that just having them is more than half the battle.  Don’t struggle with the decision for too long, you’re missing out on all the enjoyment you could be having out on your patio.  Pick up or order some type of retractable awning and kick your feet up by next weekend.

Photo credit

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With the various styles mentioned, there are sub-categories or classes within those.  As far as the different names, don’t let those confuse you.  Depending upon manufacturers and the online sites you are searching, the names of the awnings or canopies or patio covers will all be used interchangeably.  For the most part, how we like to categorize them here at Patio Covers Place is to say that a canopy is going to be something that is a more temporary type of structure.  You’ve seen these called garden canopies or sometimes pop-up canopies.  They go by various terms, but the end product is the same.  These are often a vinyl awning type of material, which has its benefits and drawbacks.  There are more durable and more esthetically pleasing models, but they all function essentially the same.  These are quite easy to assemble and set-up, hence their other name ‘pop-up’ or ‘easy-up’ canopies.

Now, when we begin talking about the more ‘built-in’ or designated patio awnings, then we are talking about items that are made to withstand the elements and last outdoors for many seasons.  Most of these will be described by the name that is commonly used for them.  For example, the term roll up awnings is perfect to describe that particular style.  These are the ones that can retract or ‘roll up’ back into their protective case when not in use.  This term is also sometimes used for the ones that roll up from the patio floor to your ceiling.  These awnings can be manually retracted and opened or can be electrically powered.  Motorized awnings have the benefit of being able to be operated by a switch, remote or light (sun) activated.  Like this one, the retractable patio awning got its name from its function.  These can often be describing the same awning, so make sure to look at pictures and check the specifications.

Because there are so many styles from which to choose, you may find that there simply are not any easy answers in terms of ‘best awning’ or ‘cheap awnings’.  You will really get what you pay for in most cases.  The quality of the materials – the awning and the mechanisms – will largely determine the price you will pay.  Of course, the size of your awning matters as well.  You can also expect to pay more for the motorized awnings.  Consider the investment you make in quality awnings for home an investment in your outdoor patio entertainment.  Enjoy.

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Shelter from the elements can also be had by having motorized awnings installed.  They can use photo-sensing technology to sense the angle of the sun and automatically roll down or can roll down with the simple press of a button.  For most people, their patio covers only need to be designed as shade structures.  They aren’t looking for some type of room addition that can withstand gail force winds and the like.  No.  Their covered patio is simply a place to sit outside and enjoy their yard and leisure time.  It could be the entertainers paradise in the right conditions.

Custom Patio Cover Kits For Gazebos

You can also find kits that are for gazebos as well.  Not only can you find the posts and side members, but the roof structure as well.  This might seem obvious, but sometimes as a way to make projects more customizable, certain pieces are sold separately.  In the case of the gazebo patio kit, more often than not it is a one shot deal.  You get the ‘whole shibang’ in the package.  Make sure to read the materials list, because you will usually have to supply any hardware, screws, nails, etc.  In the end, both the gazebo and pergola patio kits can save you a lot of time and energy.

Custom Patio Covers

This is where the consummate outdoor entertainer will shine.  Just like any indoor room in your home, the outdoor space can be made to be just as personalized and comfortable to be in.  Draperies, lighting (think chandeliers and candles) and custom wood carving can all add up to be one spectacular outdoor room.

Patio covers not only provide you with shelter from the elements if built to that specification, but also provide for an outdoor seating area that can serve as an extension of your living area.  Imagine sitting outside when it’s in the 70s and slightly breezy, enjoying the smell of fresh air and good living.

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