| Retractable awnings are a treat for the eye: sleek, | | | | which imbrues the dye color into the fabric before it's |
| modern, stylish. Buying on a budget has its own set | | | | woven, so the color is long-lasting and fade-resistant. |
| of limitations - especially trying to find something with | | | | • Pneumatic machine sewing. |
| style. Retractable awning frames are all simple and | | | | Pneumatic machines sew from the center of the |
| similar, seemingly making it hard to find one that fits | | | | awning fabric out to the edges. This method is much |
| your specific house or building with a "one size fits all" | | | | straighter than traditional sewing machines because it |
| look. However, even on a budget, there are many | | | | can sew the entire length of fabric at once. This is |
| ways that a retractable awning can be individualized. | | | | excellent for patterns because it ensures stripes are |
| About Budget Awnings | | | | even on both ends of the awning. |
| Basically, budget awning lines keep prices down by | | | | • TenaraÂ(R) thread, |
| offering fewer frame styles, usually only one basic | | | | instead of cotton or polyester. TenaraÂ(R) |
| style, having a smaller fabric selection, providing | | | | thread is UV-resistant and tested in the Arizona |
| standard sizes instead of custom-measured sizes, and | | | | desert; it doesn't fray or break and is guaranteed for |
| having lower-quality construction, usually using frames | | | | the lifetime of the awning. |
| from China (with cheaper labor) than Europe (known | | | | The second most visible part of the awning is the |
| for innovation and engineering). | | | | valance, the strip of fabric that hangs at the end of |
| However, despite minor limitations, budget retractable | | | | the awning. There are a half dozen valance styles, |
| awnings have a clean-lined and modern style that can | | | | such as straight, scalloped, or squared, which can |
| work with almost any architectural style or era. And | | | | change the character of the awning look. Straight and |
| budget awnings do not have to be low quality if the | | | | angular styles are more modern or work with more |
| construction basics are covered: | | | | minimalist designs while scallops and waves work with |
| • A lightweight aluminum frame, | | | | gingerbread and flourished styles. |
| which is corrosion-proof and easy to install. | | | | Also, buyers can select their trim colors, usually from |
| • First-grade plastic end caps | | | | a selection of around 20 trim colors. Some |
| which, unlike regrind materials, isn't brittle or prone to | | | | manufacturers don't offer any choice on trim colors |
| break. | | | | and preselect valance trims for each fabric, so that |
| • Electrostatic powder coating, | | | | fabric A always has trim color B. A better budget |
| which doesn't crack or peel. | | | | awning company lets you select the trim and fabric |
| • Stainless steel mounting | | | | independently, and that opens up possibilities for |
| hardware, which won't rust or bleed. | | | | interesting custom combinations. |
| Buying a good awning is only the first step, though. | | | | From a functional perspective, accessories like |
| The goal is to find a good awning that is both | | | | motors and on/off switches make it easier to use |
| eye-catching and harmonizes with a home, something | | | | the awning. Especially practical are wind sensors with |
| both functional and personal. | | | | a time delay. This kind of sensor rechecks the wind |
| How to Make an Individual Impression | | | | speed on a schedule (roughly every ten minutes) and |
| There are a surprising number of components to an | | | | will reopen the retractable awning automatically when |
| awning: the actual frame, the awning fabric, the | | | | the wind slows to an acceptable speed. |
| valance, the color of the piping (or trim) along the | | | | And the last consideration is where the awning can |
| seams of the fabric, and other accessories, like | | | | go. Over 90% of retractable awnings are used over |
| sensors and motors. | | | | patios and decks, but there are many other places to |
| Even though there is usually only a single frame | | | | put an awning, which can create a completely unique, |
| option on a budget series, the other parts of the | | | | integrated appearance: |
| awning can have significant selections. Any good | | | | • Over windows and doors |
| retractable awning company can have well over 100 | | | | • At side buildings for recessed |
| fabric options, and they will provide fabric samples (if | | | | entertaining areas |
| requested). The biggest single visible option for an | | | | • Covering narrow walkways |
| awning is the fabric, and almost every color is | | | | • Over balconies and fire escapes |
| available, and available in both solids and stripes. For | | | | • In a series of small awnings |
| fabric, look for four things: | | | | spaced over a large area for "patchy," controlled |
| • Good selection. Color and, if it | | | | shade |
| fits the style, pattern are key to making an awning a | | | | The bones of a budget retractable awning frame |
| part of both the house and the general landscape. | | | | may all look the same, but everything that builds on |
| (The manufacturer should charge the same price for | | | | top if it, from the fabric to the way you use it, can |
| a striped fabric as a solid fabric.) | | | | be custom-suited to any home, building, RV, or trailer |
| • Solution-dyed acrylic fabric, | | | | with a little creativity. |