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Retractable Patio & Deck Awnings
Retractable patio awnings and deck awnings are designed for sun, UV, glare & heat protection, LIGHT rain & wind up to +-20 mph (when extended) and no higher. This product type is water RESISTANT, not WATERPROOF. For residential & commercial patios, decks, courtyards, restaurants, hotels, wedding events, nightclubs, pubs, swimming pools, hot tubs & open entertainment areas.
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Retractable Patio Pergola Covers & Louver Roofs
Most retractable patio covers and pergola covers are designed for sun, UV, glare & heat protection, HEAVY rain & HIGH winds up to 175+ mph/281+ km/hr. Systems & fabric are waterPROOF meaning no water enters. Used for residential, commercial, institutional & government patios, decks, courtyards, restaurants, hotels, wedding events, nightclubs, pubs, swimming pools, hot tubs.
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Retractable Side Arm / Drop Arm Awnings
Retractable canopy awnings are designed for sun, UV, glare, heat protection and LIGHT wind and LIGHT rain. Solution dyed acrylic fabric used on this product type is water RESISTANT. Can be wall mounted outside any commercial, governmental, institutional or residential window or door opening.
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Retractable Screens
Retractable screens are designed for sun, UV, glare, heat protection & LIGHT to MODERATE wind (depending on fabric & model used) and HEAVY rain (depending on fabric & model used). For residential, commercial, governmental and institutional applications, wall mounted OR mounted on to posts around the outside of a pavilion, pergola or gazebo. Fabric can be water RESISTANT.
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Retractable Canopies
Retractable canopies are designed for sun, UV, glare and heat protection, LIGHT wind and LIGHT rain. Solution dyed acrylic fabric used on this product type is water RESISTANT. Can be wall mounted outside any commercial, governmental, institutional or residential window or door opening.
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Retractable Free Standing Awnings
Most free standing retractable awnings are designed for sun, UV, glare & heat protection, HEAVY rain & HIGH winds up to 175+ mph/281+ km/hr. Systems & fabric are waterPROOF meaning no water enters. Free standing awnings are floor mounted and used for residential, commercial, institutional & government patios, decks, courtyards, restaurants, hotels, wedding events, nightclubs, pubs, swimming pools & hot tubs.
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Retractable Electric & Motorized Awnings
Electric & motorized retractable awnings with an optional wind, rain, sun and motion sensors are designed for sun, UV, glare, heat protection & for light to heavy wind (depending on fabric & model used) and light to heavy rain (depending on fabric & model used). Electric & motorized retractable awnings are used for residential, commercial, governmental and institutional applications. Fabric can be water resistant or waterproof (depending on fabric & model used).
Retractable Patio & Deck Awnings
The most timeless and popular design, born in the Mediterranean and along the Nile, is the simple folding lateral arm retractable awning. At Retractable Awnings, we are an international supplier (manufacturer/distributor) and installer of folding arm retractable awnings.
Scroll down to learn more about our folding arm awnings.
What are Folding Arm Retractable Awnings?
Folding arm awnings, also known as commercial or residential retractable awnings for decks use a moveable contained joint, along with the awning fabric, mounted on a wall, eave/soffit, fascia, beam or roof that allows these awnings to be stowed or folded away and conveniently stored when not in use. Our commercial and residential retractable awning arms contain Italian springs that push the arms open with a German, Flexon brand, non-rusting stainless steel chain in the elbow of the awning, extending the fabric cover. Most typically used over patios and decks, the retractable awning can be extended and retracted to provide shade, protection from damaging UV rays and light rain protection when necessary and allow sunlight to enter a home or building in the winter months. Residential and commercial retractable awnings can be either motorized or manual and if motorized can be controlled with a wall switch, remote control transmitter, smartphone, tablet, voice control, wind sensors, motion sensors and rain/sun sensors.
How do modern folding arm awnings work?
Using spring loaded arms, under high tension, our modern folding arm retractable awning arms contain Italian springs that push the arms open with a German, Flexon brand, non-rusting stainless steel chain in the elbow of the awning, extending the fabric cover.
Can I adjust my foldable awning?
All of our modern retractable awning models allow the ability to adjust or stop the awning at any point when being extended or retracted. In addition, all our modern retractable awning models provide the ability for the customer to adjust the pitch or angle of the arms to allow for light rain runoff and/or better sun, UV, glare and heat protection from a sunrise or sunset.
How much do folding awnings cost?
Our high quality, European TÜVProduct Approved, CE Certified, 80,000 cycle tested folding arm awnings range from $2,000 - $12,000 for a very large unit.
What types of weather can foldable awnings withstand?
The best lateral arm retractable awnings (all of our models) can withstand winds up to approximately 20 mph depending on the model and size. For wind beyond 20mph, it is recommended to use either a wind sensor or motion sensor to automatically close the lateral arm awning. Lateral arm awnings are designed for light rain runoff assuming enough pitch is placed on the arms. Lateral arm awnings are not designed for heavy rain regardless of how much pitch/angle is placed on the arms. For heavy rain, consider either a retractable patio and deck pergola cover or our Bioclimatique louver roof system.
How do I get my Lateral Arm Awning Installed?
Homeowners and business owners that purchase a residential patio awning can install the folding awning themselves or use the services of a local contractor, handyman or carpenter or check our sister website https://www.awninginstallers.com to find a local installer.
How do I get my folding arm awning repaired?
The good news is that technical issues with parts on all of our folding arm awnings are very rarely are a problem as we use the very, very best in the world from European vendors (nothing from China). Homeowners and business owners that purchase a folding arm retractable awning, and need parts for our folding awning can change out the part themselves or use the services of a local contractor, handyman or carpenter or check our sister website https://www.awninginstallers.com to find a local installer. As long as the part being replaced is within 25 years of purchase, the part itself is replaced at no charge. Our 25 year frame warranty is not prorated
Additional information
Looking for more detailed specifications of the awnings we provide, or need help deciding what kind of awnings is most suitable for your needs? visit our description section on our “Choose your awning” page.
Our retractable patio awnings and deck awnings are easy to use, structurally sound covers that offer fully retracting overheads to give you control over, and protection from light rain, hot weather, sun, and other natural elements. While nightclubs, hotels, office complexes, sporting venues, and more have tapped these advantages for ages, more and more homeowners are also learning the advantages of deck awnings. Call (866) 438-2964 toll free from within the US or Canada or (305) 628-2424 worldwide for more information. We are eager to help you, and we provide professional installation services for the convenience of our customers all over the world.
Important Note: The FAQ questions and answers below ONLY apply to retractable patio and deck pergola cover systems from Retractableawnings.com and not to any other product type available on our website or retractable patio and deck pergola cover systems from any other vendor.
Important Note: The FAQ questions and answers below ONLY apply to folding lateral arm awnings from Retractableawnings.com and not to any other product type available on our website or folding lateral arm awnings from any other vendor.
Are all your folding lateral arm awnings motorized?
No. We offer manual operation with a detachable crank, motorized and motorized with backup manual override.
What is backup manual override?
The backup manual override is used to close the retractable awning in case of loss of electricity in your home, building or neighborhood. This will prevent damage to the awning as you can close the awning manually prior to a storm or high winds.
Can you partially extend a folding lateral arm awning?
Yes, our retractable lateral arm awnings can be stopped at any position when being extended or retracted and when operated manually or using a motor.
What is the difference between the Palermo and Palermo PLUS models?
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Both models allow the ability to adjust the pitch/angle. On the Palermo, the pitch is adjusted manually with hand tools using a ladder and on the Palermo PLUS the pitch/angle is adjusted using a detachable crank when standing below the arm.
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The Palermo PLUS models has bubble levels on the front bar to attain a perfectly level front bar and the Palermo does not.
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The Palermo model can be manufactured with a projection greater than or equal to the width as shown in the first picture on the Palermo model web page. The Palermo PLUS cannot.
- The Palermo has a maximum projection of 11’10” and the Palermo PLUS has a maximum projection of 13’2”
What type of fabric do you use on your lateral arm awnings?
Retractableawnings.com only uses brand name solution dyed acrylic fabrics (such as Para, Dickson and Sunbrella) due to the long lasting color of these fabrics. We do not use traditional tent type canvas, cotton, polyester or duck fabrics as these fabrics tend to mildew, rot and fade very fast. In addition, we don’t use vinyl because even though vinyl does provide shade, it absorbs the heat and does not breathe and thus it is very hot under the retractable awning.
What is solution dyed acrylic fabric and why is it important to use?
There are two different ways that fibers for fabric are colored, and each method produces fibers with different characteristics. One way to color fibers is to dip them in a vat of dye after they are extruded. This method is great for achieving bright colors, and allows manufacturers to create smaller quantities of dyed fibers. In this method, the dye penetrates just the outer surface of the fiber. Think of a radish: the interior is white, but the exterior is red. This is the same way a “piece-dyed” or “yarn-dyed” fiber is colored. Most fabrics and carpet fibers today are dyed in this way.
The other way to dye fibers is to add the dye to the liquid fiber solution before the fibers are extruded. This allows the color to be mixed into the solution thoroughly, bringing the color all the way through the fiber once it is extruded. In this instance, picture a carrot: unlike a radish, which has color only on the outside, a solution dyed fiber has color all the way through the fiber.
What difference does the dye method make? A lot, if you are looking for a colorfast retractable awning fabric with a 10 year warranty! Solution-dyed fibers are the most colorfast in the industry.
Do you heat seal or sew the fabric panels to make up the full width of the retractable awning?
Retractableawnings.com uses high speed pneumatic machines to sew all of our folding lateral arm awning fabrics using Gore Tenara thread – the absolute best in the world. Gore Tenara thread maintains its strength even after continued exposure to UV sunlight. UV resistance is built into each and every thread, and is not a coating or additive that can wear. In addition, Gore Tenara thread remains flexible and extremely strong in hot and cold extremes. The thread won’t absorb water and it resists acid rain, salt water, pollution, snow and freezing. Retractableawnings.com does not use any other type of sewing thread including polyester as polyester does not stand up to the elements especially UV rays. Based on our testing Retractableawnings.com does not use heat sealing due to the fact that with even low amounts of humidity the fabric separates at the seam. Seams sewn with Gore Tenara thread are guaranteed not to come apart for life.
Where is the motor located and does it add any additional width to the retractable awning?
The motor on all of our folding lateral arm awnings is located inside the roller tube that the fabric rolls around and therefore does not add any additional width to the retractable awning. The motor can either be on the left or right side of the awning – your choice.
What is the difference between the Palermo/Palermo Plus, Venezia and Roma models?
All models components are from Europe – the very best in the world and nothing from China - the very lowest quality in the world. The Palermo/Palermo Plus models frame tucks neatly under the hood/cover. The maximum projection on the Palermo is 11’10” and on the Palermo Plus is 13’2”. The Venezia model is fully enclosed so none of the hardware, roller tube or fabric is visible. The Venezia also has a sleek appearance and does not allow birds, squirrels, rodents etc. to nest under the hood since it is fully enclosed. The Venezia has a maximum projection of 13’2”. The Roma model is available with either a 14’3” or 16’0” projection (largest folding lateral arm awning in the world). For a more detailed side by side comparison of all models, click on or copy and paste the link below in to your browser address bar. You can make the pdf larger if using Adobe Acrobat by clicking on the + sign or Ctrl +:
FOLDING LATERAL ARM AWNING MODEL MATRIX COMPARISON- RETRACTABLEAWNINGS.COM - 2017 VERSION
Which folding lateral arm awning model is right for me?
That depends on your needs, what type of weather you plan to have the awning extended or partially extended in, where you would like to install the retractable awning, how you plan to use it, the size you need or want (the area you want to cover) and your budget.
Can I leave my folding lateral arm awning open in the wind and if so, how much wind?
The very best folding lateral arm awnings in the world like our Palermo/Palermo Plus model can handle +- 20-24mph or 29-38km/hr. (Beaufort scale 5) when extended and in use. Most people are indoors when the wind speed is above 20mph or 32km/hr. and would not be using the retractable awning. To be sure your folding lateral arm awning is not damaged by high wind, Retractableawnings.com highly recommends using either a wind sensor (anemometer) or motion sensor to automatically close the awning. All models except are Beaufort wind load tested.
What is the difference between your wind sensor (anemometer) and motion sensor?
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The wind sensor (anemometer) will close the awning when the wind reaches a certain speed. The wind speed can be set to close the awning anywhere between 12mph and 31mph and can always be changed in the future if wind conditions change. The anemometer is a wired device and needs to be plugged in to an outlet.
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The motion sensor will also close the awning when the wind reaches a certain speed. The sensitivity is based on the movement of the front bar of the retractable folding lateral arm awning and can be changed in the future if wind conditions change. The motion sensor is not a wired device (i.e. it is wireless) sending a radio signal to the motor and does not need electrical power. Instead, it operates using batteries.
- The main benefit the motion sensor has over the wind sensor (anemometer) is that since it is placed on the front bar, it detects wind (in the form of movement) from either side or the front and under the retractable awning whereas the wind sensor (anemometer) only detects wind at whichever side of the awning the anemometer is installed.
Can I use or leave my folding lateral arm awning extended during the rain or during the snow season?
All lateral arm awning models from Retractableawnings.com can be used for LIGHT rain but not for HEAVY rain. HEAVY rainfall is considered more than .30” (7.6mm) per hour per the American Meteorological Society. Water from LIGHT rain will run off as long as there is enough pitch (angle/slope) placed on the arms/fabric. Should you need a product for HEAVY rain, hail protection or snow load please consider one of our retractable patio and deck pergola cover systems designed for these types of weather. Click on or copy and paste the link below in to your browser address bar to see a complete side by side comparison of all 20 retractable patio and deck cover system models on 2 pages. You can make the pdf larger if using Adobe Acrobat by clicking on the + sign or Ctrl +. Here is the link:
Can I install your folding lateral arm awnings on vinyl or aluminum siding, stucco, or on masonry (common materials used for masonry are brick, concrete block, granite, glass block, marble, travertine, cast stone, limestone) or to the side of my RV (recreational vehicle) or mobile home?
All models offered by Retractableawnings.com can be installed in to any of the above. What is extremely important, is to use the correct type of fastener depending on what substrate the awning will be installed in to. Retractableawnings.com provides everything needed for the retractable awning and installation except for the fasteners. The decision on fastener type and length used is to be made locally based on the substrate being installed in to along with building code requirements (if any).
Can I mount your lateral folding arm awnings to my wall OR soffit / eave / overhang OR roof OR side of the rafter OR to a beam?
All models offered by Retractableawnings.com can be attached to a wall, soffit / eave / overhang, roof and side of a rafter or beam. We have non rusting (non-corroding) aluminum brackets for all of the above mounting options.