Protect yourself from the weather with retractable awnings that are attractive and versatile deck and patio covers.

Whether it's escape from sun or rain that you seek, think of retractable awnings as a smart investment. Retractable awnings can be ordered in 10 to 18 foot lengths and extend up to 10 feet from your house. That's enough space to comfortably accommodate a patio table and chairs under cover.

While permanent patio covers, such as gazebos and pergolas are also attractive options to keep you dry and cool, retractable awnings give you the flexibility to deploy or retract them depending on the weather.

Motorized models are also extremely convenient. With the press a button, a motor winds and unwinds the awning partially or completely depending on your needs.

Look for self-supporting retractable awnings

Probably the first feature you need to look at is the support system. Some retractable awnings require vertical supports when the awning is fully extended.

More convenient and appealing are styles that employ two or more lateral arms that extend as the awning is unwound and eliminate the need for vertical poles. These types of awnings offer the most flexibility.

You don't have to worry about arranging seating around support poles or accidentally walking into one when carrying a tray of cool summer beverages.

Best retractable awning fabrics

The best awning materials are those made from:

• UV-protected fabric (vinyl or polyester canvas), which prevents sun damage, keeps temperatures cool, and stays waterproof.
• 12 to 18 oz multilayered or multithread awning material.

There are generally two kinds of awning fabrics used. One is a multilayered fabric in which the colored, pigment dyed fabric is sandwiched between layers of vinyl and acrylic. Together, the layers provide strength, durability, and UV protection. The other type of fabric is one layer of heavy polyester canvas that contains all the UV resilient and fade resistant properties rolled into one.

Motorized or manual retractable awnings?

Whether you choose a manual handcrank or motorized retractable awning is a matter of personal preference. However, the motorized models are extremely convenient and some come with an remote control for operating the awning from a distance.

For motorized models, the motor should be hidden inside the roller bar mounted to the house.

Other essential retractable awning features

When you're shopping around for retractable awnings, consider the following essential features:

• Easy home installation: the awning should not require professional installation and should be do-able in 2-3 hours. The products featured on this page can be installed on wood, brick, stucco, aluminum and vinyl siding as well as directly on eaves and overhangs. Also, look for installation instructions on the website.

• Quality materials: look for a heavy vinyl powder coating on all metal parts to prevent rust, and 12 to 18 oz multilayered or multiithread awning fabric.

• Wide variety of color choices

• Free shipping: a retractable awning is a large purchase. Good vendors offer free shipping to your door (within the continental U.S.), which is saves you considerable shipping costs.

Retractable Awnings