I’d like to use my deck more and the hot summer sun is a problem. I’m thinking about getting a retractable awning. There’s a cheap one that gets advertised on tv a lot. I want something better quality than that. That tv awning looks pretty flimsy.
Anyone have experience with these? Is there any reason to spend the extra $ for an electric one? Is the hand crank type easy to use?
How effective are awning at shading and keeping the deck cool in the summer?
Can the awning be kept up year around? I’d plan to keep it retracted most of the time. I’d only extend it out when I’m on the deck and need it.
Does it require cleaning? How?? just hosing off? or does it need scrubbing?
Any typical maintenance problems? Does it sometimes jam when you extend or retract the awning?
Expected life? Assuming I keep it retracted much of the time? Hopefully I’ll never let a hail storm ruin it.
My folks have had one for about 11 years now - they use Eclipse brand - more expensive but better quality.
I’ve helped the folks take theirs down and put it up - no motor and it’s easy beans.
Very effective - the deck is wonderful to sit on with the awning out, and the house is cooler in the back too so it saves on air conditioning for them.
Well, if you get snow - no. The load would get too heavy and tear it. My folks put theirs up in the spring and it stays up all summer until just before snow flies. It’s survived hailstorms without any damage.
Yes, hosing it off works for a quick clean but last year my folks noticed it was a bit icky on the top near the front. We scrubbed it with some soapy water and kitchen scrubbies and rinsed it off with the hose - came out just fine.
The one my folks have takes two people to do - one on each side - if one person tries to do it alone it will jam because it moves out unevenly. They’ve got one of the bigger ones with metal legs on the front that they fit into some bolted fittings on the deck though. Other than that, no jamming or maintenance problems.
Well, with my folks 11 years and counting. That’s for a good quality one that stays out for many months running each year.
Good luck with your choice!
My friends have one. I don’t know the brand but I know it’s one of the more expensive types. I believe they use a switch (like a light switch) to retract it. What little I do know: They use it frequently and seem to really enjoy it, as the deck gets a lot of sun and they don’t want to sit out in full sun. They don’t seem to have serviced it in any way in the three years I’ve known them; they just keep it retracted when not in use. They don’t take it down or anything, but they don’t leave it out unless they’re actually out there.
The only complaint I’ve heard is that the neighborhood birds like to try to build nests on it. But they do that with light fixtures too, so not an unusual problem.
I plan to keep the size small too. my deck is 16x16. I was thinking about getting a 12 ft wide by 8 ft deep. or maybe even a 10 ft wide and 8 ft deep. Get it centered on the deck. I really don’t need to cover the whole deck and a big awning is just more weight and easier to tear.
thanks for your comments. I’ve been considering this for awhile. This may be the year to do it.
My brother has one from the company mentioned in the OP that advertises a lot. It seems OK, based on what he’s told me. I think it was damaged in a windstorm (when it was left extended) but he had bought the extended warranty and they replaced it. I think his awning has the manual retraction feature.
I come in here groveling for forgiveness - I had the awning brand wrong on my folks’ - just talked to them today and they said no the Eclipse was a brochure they had left lying around and that’s why I thought it was theirs. They actually DO have a Sunsetter brand! So - my bad and I apologize for not having my facts straight for you. Hope I didn’t mess up decisions there.
No, I’m still looking around and researching. The one Eclipse dealer I found was 200 miles away. A couple of my local awning places seem to favor Solair.
I won’t decide until I get quotes from some dealers. It’s surprising how many Awning companies we have in my city. The commercial work must them all busy.
