Retractable awnings are a popular solution for outdoor shade. Because they can be fully or partially closed and opened, either by hand crank or motor, they give a homeowner the ability to control the amount of shade or sun exposure that a porch, patio, or deck receives throughout a day. Traditional retractable awnings, though, are not the best solution for all homes or for every situation. Luckily, not all awnings are built the same. Two alternatives to standard retractable awnings which often meet the specific needs of many homeowners are Fiesta patio awnings and freestanding awnings.
Fiesta patio awnings are a favorite shading option when a porch, patio, or deck receives a significant amount of direct sun throughout the day. In a situation like this, retractable awnings are not usually ideal because homeowners may not want or need to retract the awning at any time. Fiesta patio awnings are simply awnings that do not retract. Because of this, Fiesta patio awnings are supported by their own legs at the front of the canopy, unlike retractable awnings which have no front support legs. The advantage to support legs is that they remove a good deal of the awning's weight from the wall of the home to which the awning is fastened. That weight is then distributed to the support legs. The frame on Fiesta patio awnings is constructed of a hard-wearing, sturdy galvanized steel tubing for superior strength and durability. A couple of additional features of Fiesta patio awnings include a choice of multiple widths to accommodate just about any size deck, patio, or porch as well as a choice of valance styles.
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Another alternative to retractable awnings are freestanding awnings. Freestanding awnings, unlike retractable or Fiesta patio awnings, do not attach to the side of the home. Instead, the awning's legs are mounted to a deck or sunk into the ground, or they are supported by two freestanding bases. Freestanding awnings make an ideal solution for shading when mounting a structure to the side of a home is not desired or simply not an option. These awnings offer a lot of flexibility, too, which cannot be matched by awnings that attach to the side of a home. Freestanding awnings can provide room-sized shade on the deck, porch, and patio, but also next to the pool, in the garden, or in any comfortable space located away from the home. Freestanding awnings are able to tilt from back to front to provide the best coverage through the day as the sun's position changes in the sky. In addition, the canopy on some freestanding awnings retracts with the help of a patented drawstring. This feature provides the homeowner with control over the amount of sun exposure or shade.
To ensure that Fiesta patio awnings and freestanding awnings remain in good working order for an extended period of time, they should be protected from heavy snow. In the case of Fiesta patio awnings, this means removing the canopy fabric and putting it safely in storage until spring. For freestanding awnings, this means closing the canopy and using a protective cover to prevent damage from extended periods of harsh weather. No matter which type of patio awning is preferred, one feature that every homeowner should insist upon is a weather-resistant, durable, and high quality fabric canopy. A fabric, such as Sunbrella fabric, that is mildew and fade resistant, is easy to clean, and that blocks out most of the sun's harmful UV rays is the best choice and will last for many years.
Overall, when retractable awnings cannot be considered as an option for shade protection, it's good to know that there are alternative types of awnings that can fulfill the individual needs of just about any homeowner.
Awning Alternatives - When Retractable Isn't Right
Trey Collier is owner of BackyardCity.com - Where North America shops for Outdoor Living essentials, including a wide variety of high quality Patio Awnings for home and business.
ALTERNATIVES
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