Flexible, affordable, and practical: These are the common terms you usually hear when retractable awnings are mentioned, and this has been reflected in their recent popularity in the UK. Are motorized awnings really worth it? Should you consider a retractable patio awning for your home? Do they have any utility for shop owners? We’ll answer all these questions in this blog post by going over the pros and cons of retractable awnings!
Pros of Retractable Awnings
#1 Creates a Space Usable Year-Round
Retractable awnings do an excellent job of regulating weather by creating shading, obscuring direct sunlight, and blocking drizzles and wind. Whether it is a store or a home patio if you want the space to be comfortable, a retractable awning does remarkably to ensure the space is usable year-round!
#2 Flexible
A retractable awning is extremely flexible both in its application and use. It can be installed anywhere from balconies to gardens, patios and storefronts, and it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs to best match your needs.
A modern retractable awning is also operable through remote controls, has wind and rain sensors, and can be integrated into smart home systems: No need to operate the awning manually and no need to worry about potential wind or rain damage.
#3 Increases Property Value
Thanks to a surge in popularity, homes with retractable patio awnings and garden awnings have seen their value appreciate due to rising demands for these properties. This means that aside from all its utilities, retractable patio awnings can be a great investment that can make up for their costs partially or in full if you ever sell the property.
#4 Improves Store branding
Not just for homeowners, a retractable awning is a great place to prominently display your store name and logo. It helps your store stand out from the background and ensures potential customers can spot your business more easily.
Long have gone the days when branding didn’t matter for brick-and-mortar stores, and embellishing your logo on a retractable awning is an affordable and effective way to establish yourself!
Gives the Property A Visual Flare
Aside from all its practical uses, retractable awnings also give the space a visual flare. Thanks to a choice of hundreds of fabric designs of different sizes and colours, home and business owners can use the awning to complement the design and improve the atmosphere of the space!
#5 Environmentally friendly
Not only are some awnings made from, at least partially, recyclable materials, but they can be used as an alternative to air conditioning for temperature control. Air conditioners are inefficient, consume a lot of energy, and are responsible for a sizable portion of global gas emissions.
Motorised awnings, on the other hand, consume minimal electricity and the shading they provide is more than enough to combat summer heat in the UK!
#6 Protects Furniture Pieces from Degradation and Discolouration
Direct sunlight and UV rays are harmful to furniture. They not only cause discolouration, but they can even damage the wood fibres of chairs, benches, etc. The shading a retractable awning provides can protect your patio furniture pieces and ensure they continue to stay in stellar shape.
Cons of Retractable Awnings
- Requires Maintenance
To ensure a retractable awning is looking and operating at its best, it needs to be regularly maintained. This just doesn’t mean lubricating the awning and scrubbing its fabric, but it also means making sure it is properly retracted and protected during overly bad weather conditions.
- The Upfront Cost Can Be High
The upfront supply and installation costs of a retractable awning can be considerable, especially if the installation process is complex. This can dissuade some homeowners from considering a retractable awning. However, awnings are a good investment, and the appreciation in your property value will make up for the costs.
There are also more affordable, simpler, non-retractable awnings available that are worth considering! They are neither as flexible nor useful as modern, retractable ones, but they get the job done if minimising cost is your highest priority.
Are Retractable Awnings Worth It?
The answer is a simple yes if the recent popularity of awnings is anything to go by. Many homeowners find them practical, affordable, and reliable – a great value!
However, ultimately, only you can decide whether an awning is worth it for you or not. Will you take advantage of all the utilities retractable patio awnings provide? Do the style and design of an awning appeal to you? Do their pros outweigh their cons? Considering these questions will help you answer whether awnings are worth it in your particular circumstances or not.
