Motorized Retractable Awnings or Manual Retractable Awnings?
Picking a retractable awning might sound like a simple task, but it’s actually more complex than it seems. One of the main considerations is whether to choose a manual or motorized option. Both have benefits and drawbacks, and you need to pick the one that’s right for you. Even if you think you already know the answer, it’s worth some thought and research. When deciding between motorized and manual retractable awnings, consider these factors:
- Upfront investment versus long-range benefits
- User-friendliness and anticipated usage frequency
- Household members’ physical capabilities
- Awning dimensions and heft
- Power requirements and electrical accessibility
- Automation preferences and smart home compatibility
- Regional weather conditions and climate trends
- Upkeep needs and overall longevity
- Design options and personal style preferences
- Impact on property value
The goal of installing a retractable awning or retractable roof is to improve your life by improving your home. Making your outdoor space more livable in all seasons and protecting property like decks, patios, and furniture make life more convenient. A motorized retractable deck or patio awning boosts that convenience, allowing you to use this addition with unparalleled ease. Many motorized awnings are even responsive to inclement weather, retracting when high winds would endanger the integrity of a manual awning.
If you choose a motorized awning, you can extend and retract it with the mere press of a button. Your leisure time won’t be interrupted by fussing over an awning that’s supposed to add fun and relaxation to your day. The more often you adjust your awning, the more you’ll appreciate how a motorized awning does all the work for you. For property owners with disabilities, removing the work of manually extending and retracting an awning might be not only convenient but outright necessary. This is especially critical with larger awnings, which are harder to handle manually.
A Manual Retractable Awning
Despite the convenience of motorized awnings, some property owners prefer the benefits of manual awnings. The first and most obvious plus side of a manual awning is cost. Most are less expensive up front than motorized versions because they don’t include the price of convenience-enhancing technology. They can also be easier to install since they don’t involve electrical wiring or require any power source aside from your own elbow grease.
Other people prefer manual awnings because of their lack of mechanical parts. Despite the ease of adjusting a motorized awning, its complexity increases the potential for breakdowns in the function of one part or another. Fortunately, proper caretaking and maintenance dramatically reduce the likelihood of such problems. Some people believe that the simple construction of a manual awning means it will last longer, but that’s not necessarily true. Destructive weather can ruin a manual awning if you’re not at home to retract it yourself, whereas a motorized awning will safely tuck itself away before high winds have a chance to create notable damage.
Choosing Your Ideal Retractable Awning
There’s no such thing as the perfect retractable awning for everyone. Consider your specific needs when deciding whether a motorized or manual awning is right for you. If you’re looking for convenience and responsiveness to inclement weather, a motorized version is your best bet. If you prioritize low up-front costs and don’t mind putting in a little extra work on a regular basis, a manual option might be just right.
