Manual Retractable Awnings

Benefits of Manual Retractable Awnings

• Flexibility: You can extend the canopy for shade and retract it when you want to enjoy direct sunlight.
• Affordability: Manual retractable awnings are usually cheaper than motorized versions and easier to install.
• Low Maintenance: Manual retractable awnings have fewer mechanical components. There’s less to maintain. There are fewer potential points of failure.
• Energy Savings: An awning over a window or patio blocks sunlight from entering your home. It keeps your space cooler and reduces air conditioning costs.
• Protection from Elements: The canopy shields outdoor furniture, shades windows, and protects against harmful UV rays. It shelters you from light rain while you enjoy your deck or patio.
• Unblocked View: With the canopy retracted, you have a clear line of sight and unobstructed views.
• Increased Living Space: An awning expands the living space of your home or business. When extended, it creates a shaded oasis for relaxation.
• Longevity: Retractable awnings are less exposed to the elements. You can retract your canopy from November to February to protect it from winter winds and weather, and deploy it only as needed.

Customizing Your Awning

1. Fabric: Choose a material that meets your needs and a color, pattern, and texture that best complements your outdoor decor or building facade.
2. Graphics and Branding: If you have a business, consider adding your logo, business name, or promotional message to the canopy to enhance brand visibility.
3. Valance Style: The valance is the little “curtain” hanging from the canopy. Valance styles range from straight edges to scalloped or wave patterns.
4. Trim and Binding: Trim can match or contrast with the fabric color, creating a decorative border.
5. Frame Material and Color: Select the frame material for your awning, such as aluminum, steel, wrought iron, or wood. You can also customize the frame color and finish to match or contrast with the canopy.
6. Accessories: Windbreaks, awning storage covers, and tie-down straps secure your awning in windy conditions.
7. Side Curtains or Screens: Side curtains or screens provide additional privacy, wind protection, and insect control.
8. Heating and Cooling Options: Some awnings can accommodate heating elements or misting systems, allowing you to regulate temperature and comfort in your outdoor space.
9. Custom Sizing: We can customize your awning size and shape to fit your outdoor area.

Cassette or Non-Cassette Awnings?

Cassette, half-cassette, and standard are the three types of motorized awnings we carry.

• A standard awning is exposed to the elements when retracted. It’s the most affordable type of retractable awning.
• A cassette completely encloses the retracted awning for maximum protection.
• A half-cassette system is a hybrid; it covers the retracted awning but doesn’t enclose it. It offers partial protection and a sleeker look than a standard awning.

Awning Fabrics & Styles

We offer various patterned and solid color fabrics with a straight or scalloped valance option.

Common materials include acrylic, polyester, and vinyl-coated polyester. These fabrics are durable, fading and mildew-resistant, and water-repellant.

At Aero Shade, we recommend woven acrylic or laminated fabric but can make your awning out of almost any suitable material, including canvas.

• Our woven acrylic fabric has a layer of dyed acrylic cloth with a top and bottom protective coating.
• Our laminated fabric has a Dacron mesh strengthening center layer with a dyed acrylic weave on either side. It’s finished with a top and bottom protective layer.