A patio without shade has a lot of unused potential, especially for homeowners who want to spend afternoons outside without getting toasted. Roofed decks also make a cozy spot for sipping hot cocoa as you take in the falling rain leaves without getting wet. If you love a bit of shade but don’t want permanent roofing over your patio, a retractable awning is the perfect solution.
Why Awnings Are Beneficial for Homeowners
Awnings are more than home accessories. These sunshades give you control over how much light and heat exposure you get. Mounted above doors or windows, they extend outward to cover seating areas, walkways or even an entire deck.
More homeowners gravitate toward retractable awnings for patios. Here’s why:
Shade and Comfort
Patios often become unusable from late morning to mid-afternoon as the sun’s heat builds. A retractable awning blocks direct sunlight, lowering surface temperatures and creating a shaded outdoor space that feels up to 3.34 degrees Celsius cooler. This difference is especially valuable in summer and early fall, when temperatures remain high but homeowners still want to spend time outdoors.
UV and Indoor Protection
Sunlight can be so powerful that it fades the home’s flooring, drapes and furniture. Awnings act as a barrier, blocking ultraviolet rays before they pass through windows or sliding doors. This protection helps fabrics stay vibrant longer and slows wear on hardwoods and finishes.
Energy Efficiency
Awnings ease the workload on air conditioners by limiting solar heat gain. In one study, awnings reduced solar heat gain and cut energy use by about 15% in climate zone 3A. That translates to lower cooling costs, particularly in hot or mixed climates.
What Are the Top-Rated Retractable Awnings for Patios?
Retractable patio awnings come in many forms, from fully motorized systems to affordable manual rollouts. Here are some trusted providers homeowners often consider.
1. Asher Lasting Exteriors
For homeowners in the Midwest, Asher Lasting Exteriors is a name tied to longevity and local trust. This family-owned company has been in business for over 50 years, serving customers who want outdoor living products they can rely on for decades. The name and 98% customer satisfaction speak for themselves.
Asher Lasting Exteriors is a one-stop shop for exterior upgrades. For retractable awnings, the company installs Sunesta products — the first and only brand to receive International Building Code Product Approval, making them strong enough to withstand powerful winds.
Aside from tried-and-tested durability, homeowners don’t get generic, off-the-shelf shades, but beautiful, custom-built retractable awnings tailored to each home’s dimensions and design. They also come with smart adjustment features accessible via remote or mobile app.
Another key advantage is Asher’s approach to installation and service. All technicians are trained in-house to Renewal by Andersen® standards, ensuring only experienced professionals work on your beloved home.
2. SunSetter
SunSetter is another well-known shade provider for American homes. With four decades in the industry, they’ve helped homeowners reclaim their outdoor spaces. Over one million customers have installed their awnings, making the brand a common sight in neighborhoods nationwide.
SunSetter’s retractable awnings open in less than a minute and are available in manual and motorized versions. Fabric options include SunSetter Performance Acrylic and Sunbrella®, which are designed to resist dirt, sun and snow for year-round protection.
Rather than ordering unthinkingly, homeowners can work with authorized SunSetter dealers. Local dealers provide fabric samples, help with sizing and guide you through installation for a more hands-on process. A 10-year limited warranty adds peace of mind, giving you a full decade to enjoy and test your awning.
3. SunAir
SunAir is another veteran in the awning and solar screen industry. Founded in 1978, it was among the first companies to introduce European-style retractable awnings to North America after their success in Sweden and Scandinavia.
Today, SunAir specializes in retractable awnings and pergola shading systems for residential and commercial applications. The brand is nationally recognized for bringing indoor comfort outdoors through its products.
SunAir offers manual and motorized retractable lateral-arm patio and deck awnings that can be mounted on walls or roofs. The awnings are self-storing, making them convenient for cloudy days when you prefer an open sky. Homeowners can choose from hundreds of fabric colors and customize them to match their exterior. The company also offers LED lighting options, extending the usability of your outdoor space into the evening.
How to Choose the Right Awning For Your Home
Once you’ve narrowed the brands, the next step is personalizing your awning to fit your home. Here’s how to make wise choices.
1. Decide on the Purpose
Think about why you want an awning. For outdoor seating, a wide model with strong UV protection is best. If you aim to lower cooling costs, choose an angled awning to block the sun during peak hours. For rain protection, look for water-resistant or waterproof materials and a sloped design that allows water to run off easily.
2. Pick the Right Style
You don’t necessarily want the same awning your neighbors have. What looks great on one house may not suit yours.
- Retractable awnings: These are great for flexibility. They roll out for shade and retract when you prefer sunlight. They are perfect for homeowners who don’t want a permanent shade structure year-round. Options include manual crank systems or motorized versions, many of which open and close in under a minute.
- Fixed awnings: Mounted permanently, these offer continuous protection from the sun and rain. They’re low-maintenance and ideal for windows, doors or entryways where consistent shade or shelter is needed.
- Freestanding awnings: These stand independently, making them ideal for patios, pool areas or garden seating spots where a wall mount isn’t possible. They create a gazebo-like effect and are often larger in coverage.
3. Choose Durable Materials
Aside from boosting curb appeal, your choice of material determines how well an awning blocks sun and rain and how easy it is to maintain. Most awnings are made from fabrics like acrylic, polyester or canvas.
Canvas is the traditional choice, offering a classic look and good breathability. However, it requires more upkeep, is prone to mildew in damp climates and generally doesn’t last as long as synthetic options.
Acrylic provides strong UV resistance and can be treated to improve water resistance. While more durable than canvas, it tends to be more expensive and isn’t naturally waterproof.
Polyester is affordable, durable and often coated to make it waterproof. It also has high UV resistance. Its drawback is that, as a plastic-based material, it can weaken over time in areas with intense sun exposure.
Metal awnings, typically made from aluminum or steel, are also available. These are extremely durable and weather-resistant, capable of withstanding heavy rain, wind and even snow for decades. The only downside is aesthetic, as they come in limited styles and color choices compared to fabric options.
4. Match Your Climate
Climate is another defining factor in choosing the right awning for your home. In hot, sunny areas, UV-resistant fabric or light-colored awnings help reflect sunlight and lower indoor cooling costs. Ventilated or breathable fabrics are also helpful, allowing heat to escape and making the space underneath feel cooler.
For rainy or windy regions, sturdier options are best. Opt for either metal awnings or reinforced fabric models with a sloped design to let water run off. Avoid flimsy units that can collapse under strong winds. Proven brands like Sunesta, used by Asher Lasting Exteriors, are worth considering for durability.
Retractable awnings offer the most flexibility in mixed climates. You can extend them for shade or rain protection during summer and retract them in cooler months to let sunlight naturally warm your home.
5. Design and Aesthetics
Awnings should be large enough to block the sun without looking like gigantic hats overwhelming your home. Measure your patio carefully and consult providers for expert recommendations.
Beyond function, awnings also influence curb appeal, turning expenses into investments when it’s time to sell. Striped patterns create a traditional look, while solid, muted tones complement modern architecture. Many manufacturers even let you coordinate fabric with your home’s siding or trim, ensuring the awning seamlessly integrates into the overall design.
Practical Maintenance and Seasonal Use
Retractable awnings last longer with regular care. Clean the fabric once or twice a year using mild soap and water to prevent dirt, pollen and mildew buildup. Inspect the frame annually to ensure bolts and fasteners stay secure.
Wind and heavy rain can shorten an awning’s lifespan, so retract it when storms are forecast. In snowy regions, retract or store the fabric during winter to avoid excess weight on the structure. These simple steps help ensure your awning provides comfort now and for many years.
Invest in Comfort and Energy With Retractable Awnings
Adding a retractable awning this fall prepares your patio for cooler evenings and lingering sunshine. It also transforms outdoor space into a natural extension of your home. The right awning depends on your climate, style preferences and long-term plans.
