Custom Motorized Awnings

Motorized Awnings: The Cliff Notes

Motorized awnings have an electric motor and control system to extend and retract the awning.

1. Electric Motor: This sits near the awning’s roller tube, hidden from sight. It winds and unwinds the awning fabric.
2. Control System: Here, you have several options:
   • Remote Control: Many motorized awnings include a handheld remote that lets you adjust the canopy with the push of a button. Some remotes may have additional features, like pitch control.
   • Wall Switch: Some installations use a wall-mounted switch to control the awning from inside the home or business.
   • Smart Home Integration: Smartphones, tablets, or voice platforms like Amazon Alexa can control motorized awnings when integrated with smart systems.
   • Sensors: Sun and wind sensors can automatically extend and retract the awning based on changing weather conditions.
3. Pitch Adjustment (Optional): Some motorized awnings allow for pitch adjustment. This means you can change the canopy’s angle or slope to fine-tune the shade and rain protection it provides.
4. Power Supply: Motorized awnings can run on standard household electricity or with a battery pack.
5. Safety Features: Most motorized awnings come with safety features. For instance, if the fabric gets jammed or obstructed, the motor will stop automatically to prevent damage.
6. High-Quality Fabrics: Motorized awnings use high-quality fabrics that withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, and UV rays. These fabrics are also water-resistant, mold and mildew-resistant, and fire-retardant.

Benefits of Motorized Awnings

• Convenience: No more manual cranking! With the push of a button, you can extend or retract your awning hassle-free.
• Protection: Wind and sun sensors enable automatic adjustment to changing weather conditions. This protects your property and the awning.
• Energy Savings: An awning blocks solar radiation from entering your home or business, reducing heat gain through windows and doors. Plus, a shaded patio can be 60 degrees cooler than one exposed to intense sun.
• Precise Control: It’s easy to adjust the position of a motorized awning for the right amount of shade or sunlight.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Motorized awnings come in various styles, colors, and materials. When retracted, they blend seamlessly with the building’s facade.
• Increased Outdoor Living Space: A motorized awning creates a comfortable area to enjoy the outdoors, entertain guests, or relax, even during inclement weather.
• Property Value: Prospective buyers often appreciate a motorized awning’s functionality and aesthetics, making your property more attractive.

Cassette or Non-Cassette Motorized 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.

Who Uses Motorized Awnings?

Here are some primary users of motorized retractable awnings:

• Homeowners with patios, decks, and balconies.
• Restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating areas.
• Hotels and resorts with shaded pool areas, balconies, and outdoor dining spaces.
• Retail stores to create eye-catching displays and protect merchandise from sun damage.
• Outdoor event venues that host weddings, concerts, and festivals.
• Homeowners’ Associations install motorized retractable awnings in community centers, pool decks, or picnic areas.
• Schools and educational institutions use awnings in courtyards, playgrounds, and outdoor learning spaces.
• Medical facilities often place awnings in outdoor waiting areas over entrances.
• Sports facilities like tennis courts and golf clubhouses install awnings to shelter and shade players and spectators.
• Commercial spaces sometimes have awnings over building entrances, outdoor meeting zones, and employee break areas.