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Frequent Awning Questions                                                       Awnings Save Energy

Can I use a retractable awning for both sun and rain?

Yes, provided that the slope of the awning is at least 15 degrees below the horizontal (20 degrees if the

projection is more than 11' 8").  Anything less will lead to water pooling on top of the fabric, therefore

causing the fabric to become deformed.

Is the awning fabric waterproof?

No, but it is water-resistant.  That means that the fabric will not let water through freely, but it will get wet.

In that case, it is best to let it dry out (2 to 3 hours after a full soaking) before retracting the awning. 

However, it is safe to roll up a wet awning for one or two nights, if bad weather persists.

Can I use a retractable awning during snowfall?

Not really.  A few snowflakes will not do anything, but unlike rain, snow will accumulate on top of the fabric

until the fabric begins to deform.

Should I roll up my awning during strong winds? And how strong is strong?

Yes, you should retract an awning during strong winds.  But that does not mean that you have to leave

yourself without sun shelter: as a rule of thumb, you know you should retract the awning when the wind is so

strong that you do not feel comfortable being outside.

Can I adjust the slope of my awning after installation?

Yes.  The method by which you do it depends on the model.  The Adalia Plus model lets you adjust the slope

using the same crank you use to extend and retract the awning.  Other models will require a few common

tools (and a step ladder if needed) for the adjustment.

I would like my retractable awning to be used by someone who can't easily operate the

conventional crank.  What can I do?

The easiest remedy is having the awning with a remote-controlled motor.  The awning can then be fully

operated with a three-button (extend, retract, stop) remote control.

I would like to get a retractable awning, but I have trouble seeing how one could possibly fit onto

the place where I want it.   Is there a way for me tell one way or the other?

Call or email us.  There are many different ways to install an awning, and we have over 20 years of

experience in figuring out the best way to do it.  We will ask you specific questions to figure out how the

awning can be installed.  If you have a digital camera, you can make things even easier by taking pictures of

the location and emailing them to us.

What do I do if the fabric on my awning gets soiled?

Fabric gets dirty, it's a fact of life.  The material can be washed off easily.  We recommend that you use mild

cleaners, if cleaners are necessary.  Don't forget to let the fabric dry before retracting it.

What is the maximum width of a retractable awning?

The only limit is in the dimensions of your building.  By fitting more than two arms, we can make awnings

that are well over 20 feet wide.

Do retractable awnings come in standard sizes?

The arms (which determine projection from the wall) do, but the width is custom-specified down to the

nearest inch.

Some of the models of retractable awnings on your Products page look very similar.   What's the

difference?

The difference between most of the conventional retractable awnings is functional.  For example, only the

Adalia Extenda will give you an awning that is longer than its width, only the Physique XL uses 13-foot-long

awning arms, and only Adalia Plus will let to you adjust the slope of individual arms using a conventional

crank.  To find out which one is right for you, contact us.  The actual look of an awning comes mostly from

the choice of fabric.

Can you print text or graphics on the awning fabric?

Yes.  In fact, we are certified to use the Sunbrella Graphics System for high-quality, consistent results.

If something happens to my awning after the warranty has expired, can I replace just the part that

broke, or do I have to replace the whole awning?

Usually, just the part that broke.  This may be easier or harder, depending on which part is broken.  Also,

different parts have different warranty lengths, ranging from 5 years (the industry norm) to lifetime warranty

for the Adalia arm shoulders.  So check to be sure that the warranty has expired.

So how much does it cost?

There is no quick answer, because each awning is custom-made, and there's a lot of factors that effect the

cost.  We will need to ask you a number of questions before we can give you a quote, so contact us.

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