If you are considering adding a retractable awning to your home or business, you may be wondering if is it really worth it. While there is no product that is right for everyone, many people benefit from and enjoy the many advantages offered by these shade structures.
Retractable awnings are an excellent way to add curb appeal to your home, cut down on your energy costs, and add additional living space. They also offer protection from the elements, making them perfect for homes located in areas where there is frequent inclement weather.
Despite their many wonderful benefits, nothing is perfect. Retractable awnings can be expensive, costing anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 depending on the size of the awning.
Thus, it is important that you weigh out both the pros and the cons of adding an awning before you take the plunge. If you want to learn more about retractable awnings, read on to find out if they are worth it.
What Are the Pros?
Retractable awnings have numerous positive aspects which make them great additions to any property. First off, they provide shelter from harsh weather conditions such as sun, heat, UV rays, wind, and precipitation.
This makes them ideal for those who live in climates with extreme temperatures.
In addition, they provide a shaded area for you to enjoy fellowship with family/friends or celebrate holidays/birthdays, all the while keeping you out of the elements and preventing nature from dropping upon you.
Simply put, there is nothing worse than enjoying a picnic outside when a bird flying over you decides to relieve itself on one of your guests. It is equally problematic when you’ve worked all week to throw the perfect party just to have a summer shower roll in right at party time.
When you add a retractable awning, you are sure to enjoy every moment of your time spent outdoors, protected from the worst that nature has to throw at you.
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Secondly, they help keep your house cool during hot summer days. With retractable awning shading windows and doors, you will, not only save money on air conditioning bills, but you’ll also reduce your cooling expenses because less sunlight enters through the window.
Additionally, they prevent condensation build up inside your home, helping to lower humidity levels. Finally, they allow you to open your windows without worrying about losing precious indoor air quality. All this means fewer sick days!
Thirdly, retractable awnings improve the appearance of your home. Covering your patio can give your home a fresh new look, style, and a bit of pizzazz. Even better you won’t need to worry about cleaning off your porch furniture and patio, nearly as often, since it will stay cleaner.
This is a great benefit when you are hosting your next get-together. Not to mention, your porch furniture won’t be subjected to the harsh rays of the sun every day all summer. That means your investments won’t crack and fade but will last longer and look better!
Another advantage of having a retractable awning installed at your residence is that they increase its value. Most homeowners prefer to sell their houses rather than rent them and increasing the amount of square footage available for potential buyers to see is always beneficial.
Adding a retractable awning increases the overall livability of your home, giving more space to spread out and enjoy time together in nature, which is often attractive to prospective buyers. Especially for those who have large families, love the outdoors, and/or love to entertain!
Lastly, retractable awnings are quick and simple to install. Thus, once you’ve decided to take the plunge, your local retailer should be able to accommodate your request without delay. That way you get to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible going forward!
The Cons of Having an Awning Installed At Your Home Or Business
While retractable awnings do have several positives associated with them, there is no one size fits all product.
One drawback is often cost. If you’re looking into purchasing an awning, it’s important to know what kind of investment you’re making before you buy.
Factors like size, style, the material used, features, etc. will all influence how much an awning and its installation will cost. However, if you purchase a quality model that comes with a warranty, you can expect to get many years out of your investment.
So, while a quality product is often more expensive up front, they pay for themselves by saving you thousands of dollars in energy costs over the course of their lifetime.
It is always important to discuss your unique needs and budget with a professional awning company to determine what the best value for your budget would be.
A second downside to owning a retractable awning is maintenance. Anytime you add something to your property, it will take time and money to keep it up and running properly.
The good news, however, is that awnings have limited requirements when it comes to maintenance, making the extra hassle worth it for most people.
Lastly, choosing the wrong company or product is a very real risk when considering an awning. While a quality awning often makes the investment worthwhile with its added benefits, choosing a cheap, poorly constructed awning could cause you to lose money.
While it may be tempting to hire the cheapest contractor or attempt a DIY job, remember that paying a second time to correct an issue will cost you more than trusting a reputable company in the first place.
Henceforth, should you decide to invest in a retractable awning, make sure you choose a reputable manufacturer. This ensures that you receive top-notch customer service from start to finish, as well as a quality product that stands the test of time.
Also, be sure that any contractor or installer you hire has experience installing these types of products.
Don’t forget to ask questions regarding warranties and guarantees so you understand exactly what you’re getting into. That way you can have peace of mind that you made the right decision by choosing a retractable awning!
So, are retractable awnings worth it? After considering all the facts, that is for you to decide. However, it seems safe to say that they are indeed worth it!
When you consider all the ways this investment saves you money and enhances your life, it doesn’t take long to come to the conclusion that adding a retractable awning is simply a no-brainer!
