Awnings over windows and patios are designed to protect against sunlight, glare and radiation in hot weather. Made from weather-treated canvas on an aluminum frame or aluminum panels retractable awnings can be closed in winter or during rainy weather. Canvas awnings can be rolled up into a neat roll against the house. Aluminum panel awnings are more often used in places where there is weather that make canvas awnings impractical. They can also be retractable or fixed. Your patio needs one because cutting the sunlight and glare from entering your home will reduce the cost of your air conditioning.

It will also protect carpet, curtains and upholstery from fading in direct sunlight and make your patio look fantastic.

When sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation enter through a window they heat that area. As the heat circulates it raises the temperature of the whole room. The air conditioner is constantly working against this heating element so the compressor will continue to run. If the window has a retractable awning that keeps the room in shade, the temperature of the room stays more constant and the air conditioner does not work so hard. This not only reduces your electricity bill but puts less wear and tear on the air conditioning unit which will make it last longer without maintenance.

Sunlight and UV rays also make fabric deteriorate faster by heating it and fading the colors. If the sun constantly shines on furniture with fabric upholstery or polished wood they will begin to look shabby compared to the rest of the room and need to be replaced. Retractable awnings will protect the interior of your house during the season when the sun shines directly into it. There are other reasons why your patio needs one.

Retractable awnings are attractive and can give a café atmosphere to your patio. You can enjoy your garden and have meals al fresco without the glare and skin damage of sitting in the sun. Your patio needs one because it will look decorative and enhance any backyard even with a very simple garden. It will make any boring house into an interesting looking place. Retractable awnings also add value to any home.

There is some advice for the use of retractable awnings. Always put a rectangle shaped awning over a rectangle window. Arched awnings look out of place and awkward over a rectangle window. Also, when choosing the colour try to get a large swatch of the fabrics you like to get a proper idea if it suits your patio and home architecture. Some like stripes and some prefer solid colours. Solids are considered more formal by some and stripes too busy for a cluttered façade. The main thing is you should like the colour and it should compliment your home.

If you like the idea of a retractable awning for your patio but you don’t want to deal with putting it up and taking it down there is a model for you. Mechanical awnings can be retracted or extended with the push of a button or a remote control device. This makes it easy to have one even if you are not able to get outside and manually roll it up when needed. Some maintenance is required for the canvas because leaves and debris accumulates on it and it needs to be cleaned once in a while. With minimal effort for your retractable awning your patio needs one to get maximum charm like a bistro or seaside cottage.
Retractable awnings come in a large variety of sizes and colours and can either be bought prefabricated ready to install or custom made for your patio. Your patio needs one because they are a simple inexpensive device that will add value to your home, allow you to enjoy your patio more often in different kinds of weather and are eco friendly because they help you save on electricity consumption.