A magnificent and practical awning canopy over the patio area can double as the roof for a brand new outdoor living room. A lot of folks take advantage of these shade structures and the protection they offer from the sun and the rain, and fully decorate and furnish their patios with comfy chairs, couches, tables and patio accessories that make outdoor living a real delight.
Among the great things about a patio awning that is installed to protect a deck or patio is that it creates a space that is almost like an extra living room and it is a wonderful area for hosting garden or patio parties. There are many folks who just feel more relaxed and comfortable when they have a chance to be in a comfortable outside setting with a group of friends, as opposed to mingling in an enclosed indoor space. There are two distinct categories of awnings, which are fixed and retractable. As the name implies, a fixed awning does not move and is not adjustable. In the majority of areas, fixed house awnings also need the appropriate permits in order for it to be constructed. Once these types of permanent shade structures are in place, there is no flexibility and it is part of your home for good unless you decide to demolish it for some reason.
A permanent awning also requires a framed structure, which includes support poles. These can often cause an obstruction and can prevent you enjoying a full and complete view of the rest of your yard or garden area surrounding the patio. If you have small children who enjoy being active and running around the patio and yard, then the structure can also pose a safety issue, as they usually are placed away from the house at the edges of the patio and children can run into them while playing.
Due to the lack of flexibility, adjustability and safety concerns, many folks favor having a retractable patio awning added to their home. These retractable awnings systems are very flexible and can be adjusted to cover varying portions of the patio. This is helpful for those spring and fall days when you want a bit more sun on the patio to warm the area. On the other hand, when the sun is blazing or the rain is falling, you can extend these versatile shade structures for maximum coverage and protection from the elements.
Patio awning systems that are retractable can be pulled back completely until they are flush with the side of the house. This can be very helpful when storms arise and you want to be sure the awning will not be damaged by winds, or when you simply want to have as much natural light as possible. You can choose from a manual retractable awning, which is adjusted with a hand crank, or an electric retractable awning that has a motor and remote controls to make the desired adjustments.