Retractable Awnings
The Retractable Awnings Design and Installation Pros in Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale
Arizona Awnings’ retractable awnings are designed to create a natural extension to your outdoor living areas. Not only do retractable awnings add beauty, reduce energy costs and protect you and your property from the harmful elements, they also turn your deck or patio into a more comfortable living space while adding value to your home as well.
Arizona Awnings’ retractable awnings expand the interior boundaries of your home, combining indoor comfort with the beauty of outdoor living. Our Durasol Retractable Patio Awnings are available in a wide range of fabric patterns and options that will expand your home’s personality and charm.
Our retractable awnings provide outstanding UV protection, allowing everyone to stay outdoors longer without concern of the harmful effects of the sun. As an added benefit, your retractable awnings will also prevent fading of patio furniture. You’ll enjoy worry-free outdoor living and experience elegant, on-demand solar protection with easy push-button or hand crank convenience.
Our retractable awnings effectively filter the sun’s light, creating a cool and relaxed environment. Solar heat gain is greatly reduced by limiting the amount of direct and indirect sunlight that enters a window or door. The use of fabric, retractable awnings will reduce solar heat gain by up to 77 percent and lower indoor temperatures by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our Retractable Patio Awnings Features
- Optional one-piece powder coated aluminum hood
- Vacuum injected, cast formed arm components that are five times stronger and 40 percent more flexible than those used in typical retractable awnings
- Frame castings that pass rigorous ASTM testing and are made from grade 18-8 or better stainless steel, ensuring years of trouble-free operation
- We use only 133 strand double aircraft-grade stainless steel cable or interlocking, no grease chain – both tested to 10,000 pounds – to achieve 30% greater tension and 200% more strength than our competitors
- 78 to 85 mm premium grade galvanized roller tube with a 1.5 mm wall thickness to support spans up to 20' without center support
- 40 mm square torsion bar made from 6061 T-6 aluminum along with the same grade mounting brackets – all powder coated – ensuring dependable operation in any weather conditions
- Large dimension front bar made with internal ribs and multi-chambers to greatly increase rigidity and eliminate sagging and bowing while keeping the fabric taught
- In addition to crank operated retractable awnings, we also have a variety of remote control or wired solutions for motorized operation, along with sun/wind sensors to make operation as simple as a touch of a button
- More than 200 fabric options available
- We heat seal all the fabric tops so there is no opportunity for thread rot or degradation from the sun
- Our retractable awnings are crafted with Sunbrella fabrics that carry a 10-year warranty, which is also the same as the retractable unit itself
Where Retractable Awnings Work Best
Patios and Backyard Seating Areas
Many Phoenix homeowners use retractable awnings to create shaded outdoor living spaces without permanently covering the patio. This allows families to enjoy more comfortable seating areas during the hottest parts of the day while still maintaining the option for open sunlight during cooler mornings and winter months.
Outdoor Dining Spaces
Restaurants, cafés and residential outdoor kitchens benefit greatly from retractable shade systems. Adjustable coverage allows dining areas to remain more comfortable while still preserving airflow and visibility.
West-Facing Patios
West-facing patios often receive intense afternoon sun exposure in Arizona. A retractable awning can dramatically reduce glare and heat buildup during peak afternoon hours when outdoor spaces may otherwise become difficult to use.
Homes Where Seasonal Flexibility Matters
Unlike fixed awnings or permanent patio covers, retractable systems allow homeowners to adjust coverage throughout the year. During cooler seasons, the awning can retract to allow additional natural light and warmth into the home.
Reducing Indoor Heat Without Permanently Darkening Windows
Large patio-facing glass doors and windows can significantly increase indoor heat gain in Phoenix homes. Retractable awnings help reduce direct solar exposure while still allowing homeowners to retract the system when full natural light is desired.
Manual vs. Motorized Retractable Awnings
Manual Retractable Awnings
Manual systems use a hand crank to extend and retract the awning. These systems are often more budget-friendly and can work well for smaller patios or homeowners who do not plan to adjust the awning frequently.
Motorized Retractable Awnings
Motorized awnings offer significantly greater convenience. With the push of a button, homeowners can extend or retract the awning quickly and easily.
Wind sensors are especially valuable in Arizona during monsoon season because they can automatically retract the awning if strong wind gusts are detected.
Phoenix Heat and Monsoon Considerations
Retracting During Storms and High Winds
Retractable awnings are designed primarily for shade and sun protection, not for handling severe wind loads during monsoon storms. Retracting the awning during high winds is critical for protecting both the fabric and frame system.
UV Exposure and Fabric Quality
Arizona sun exposure is extremely intense year-round. At Arizona Awnings, we use high-quality fabrics like Sunbrella materials because they resist fading, UV damage and long-term degradation better than lower-grade fabrics.
West-Facing Heat Load
West-facing patios experience some of the harshest solar exposure in Phoenix. Proper awning sizing, projection and fabric selection become especially important in these applications.
Mounting Stability
Retractable awnings place significant load on mounting surfaces when extended. Proper attachment to stucco homes and structural framing is critical for long-term performance and safety.
Tension and Sagging Checks
Over time, retractable awnings may require occasional tension adjustments to maintain smooth operation and proper fabric alignment.
Common Retractable Awning Problems and Repairs
Like any mechanical shade system, retractable awnings may occasionally require maintenance or repairs. Some of the most common issues include:
- Uneven Rolling: If the awning retracts unevenly, the fabric may begin tracking improperly on the roller tube. This can often be corrected through adjustment and alignment.
- Fabric Sagging: Over time, fabric tension can loosen due to age, heat exposure or wear. Professional retensioning or fabric replacement may be needed.
- Motor Issues: Motorized systems occasionally experience electrical or motor-related problems, particularly after years of use or storm exposure.
- Hardware or Mounting Concerns: Loose mounting hardware or worn components should be addressed quickly to avoid larger structural issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do retractable awnings cost in Phoenix?
Pricing varies depending on size, fabric selection, motorization and customization options.
Are motorized retractable awnings worth it?
For many homeowners, the ease of use make motorized systems well worth the investment.
How far can a retractable awning extend?
Many residential systems can extend 10 to 14 feet or more depending on the design.
Do retractable awnings hold up in monsoon storms?
They are more susceptible to damage than static awnings if they are not retracted during monsoon storms. Wind sensors or diligence in retracting it prior to high winds can help prevent storm damage.
Can retractable awnings reduce indoor heat?
Yes. Any patio awning that shades exterior walls and glass surfaces can significantly reduce solar heat gain. Because most Phoenix patios have sliding glass doors and windows, retractable awnings on west- and south-facing patios can have a significant impact on HVAC efficiency and indoor temperature control.
Can retractable awnings be installed on stucco homes?
Yes. Proper mounting and structural attachment are extremely important when installing retractable awnings on stucco homes because the awning must be securely fastened to the structural framing behind the stucco. Our team has installed hundreds of retractable awnings on homes with stucco exteriors and can make sure it’s installed correctly.
Do retractable awnings require maintenance?
Periodic inspections, cleaning and occasional adjustments help maximize lifespan and performance of retractable awnings.
Can I replace the fabric on a retractable awning without replacing the entire awning?
In many cases, yes. Fabric replacement may be possible if the frame and hardware remain in good condition.
SERVING THE PHOENIX AREA FOR OVER 90 YEARS
Get a FREE Onsite Estimate
Every retractable awning or retractable shade installation we perform is customized, which is why it’s always necessary for our team to visit your home or business and provide a free consultation and estimate. Call 602-252-3430 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
