Control The Sun With Push-Button Ease

6/2/2005

There's an old saying: Everyone talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it. This conventional wisdom is changing for thousands of home owners who install retractable awnings that let them control the weather on their decks and patios with the push of a button.

A retractable awning has a lateral arm system, electric motor and electronic controls that extend a fabric awning when you want to escape the sun's burning rays. Retractable awnings let people enjoy being outside even in summer, while preventing sun damage to interior furnishings and reducing energy costs.

"When the awning is extended, you block out more than 90 percent of harmful UV rays for anyone lounging on the deck or patio, while you also reduce the temperature inside your home by as much as 20 degrees," said Larry Bedosky, director of marketing for Durasol, a leading manufacturer of retractable awnings. "Extending and closing the awning is as easy as pushing a button and with remote control you could not ask for more convenience."

Some of the newest innovations in retractable awnings include electronic sensors that automatically extend the awning when the sun comes out and automatically retract it if the wind picks up.

"A home owner can override the automatic sun control function at any time, but there is great peace of mind knowing that you have added protection from high winds if you are not at home to bring the awning in," said Chris Olivieri, director of marketing for Somfy Systems, a leading manufacturer of electric motors and electronic controls for retractable awnings.

In addition to being practical, retractable awning systems are long lasting and add to the beauty of a home. High-performance fabrics contribute to the beauty of retractable awnings and help assure years of trouble-free enjoyment. The fabrics come in a wide variety of solid colors and stripes that complement the most popular shingle, brick, siding and trim colors; they are also highly fade- and mildew-resistant and easy to clean.