The Ultimate Patio Cover Buying Guide

Once you’ve found your dream house, it may seem like the journey is over and you can just sit back and start enjoying the good things in life. But sometimes it isn’t that simple. If you want to spend time outside with your family or host outdoor events like neighborhood barbeques as part of your dream life in your new home, then it’s time to think about what to do about the outside of your house.

The most obvious choice to make your dreams a reality is to build a patio! It makes a nice spot for cooking and just sitting and talking with neighbors, but the weather can sometimes but a damper on your outside adventures. That’s where patio covers come in. But just like buying the perfect house and building the perfect patio, buying and installing a patio cover takes some time and research to ensure you get just what you want.

All that work just sounds like a drag when you’re so close to having everything perfect, doesn’t it? That’s why I’m here to give you the ultimate patio cover buying guide. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll be a master at buying patio covers and will know just what to look for when you go out to get your own!

Choosing Your Material

The first thing to consider when buying a patio cover (aside from what size you want it to be, of course) is what material you want your patio cover to be made out of. This will determine things down the road like budget, the complexity of the style you want, and whether you hire a professional to install it or do it yourself.

The three main types of materials for patio covers are wood, vinyl, and aluminum. In addition, there is Alumawood, which is a specially manufactured material that takes aspects of all three materials and combines them. I’ll list below a few pros and cons of each.

Wood

  • Wood has a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes, making it ideal for those who want a unique look for their patio cover.
  • Wood has a traditional, natural appearance that can be made to match almost any home.
  • Wood is durable in the face of nature’s whims, making it a long-lasting, sturdy choice.
  • On the other hand, wood patio covers are extremely expensive.
  • They also require more maintenance and will eventually wear out – rotting, being eaten by bugs, and other natural issues can damage your wooden patio cover greatly.

Vinyl

  • Vinyl is a much more cost-effective choice for a patio cover.
  • It requires little maintenance once set up.
  • However, vinyl isn’t as tough as wood – it can be damaged more easily in places where tree limbs fall often.
  • Vinyl also has less variety to choose from, and some communities restrict its usage.

Aluminum

  • Even more so than vinyl, aluminum can withstand climate and nature issues to provide a durable patio cover requiring little to no maintenance.
  • Aluminum is the least costly of the materials for patio covers.
  • Like vinyl, there are some restrictions on the use of aluminum in certain communities, so be sure to research your local ordinances before installation.

Alumawood has the strength of aluminum, the variety and authentic look of wood, and the low maintenance of vinyl, making it the all-round best choice of the materials that patio covers can be made with.

Types of Shading

Most would recommend choosing the type of shading you want for your patio cover first, but I think it’s important to first decide what material you want to work with. This will allow you to better judge costs and decide what type of shading would work best for you. Below I’ll describe the types of shading your patio cover could use.

The Awning

Awnings are a lot like curtains, except they extend outward instead of down. You can choose from traditional awnings to high-tech ones at your leisure. Their main benefit is providing shade that cools you down.

Umbrellas

I think everyone already knows what umbrellas are! But I will say that their benefit is that they can be easily moved as the direction of the sun changes to provide shade 24/7!

Lattice

These are a thinner, more simple form of shading, that leave space for sun, making them more aesthetically pleasing to most. You also have the option of putting fabric over it to increase your shade. Lattices are most often made out of wood.

Solid Covers

A solid patio cover is just that – a solid piece of material that creates protection from sun and weather. It can be considered an extension of your home and can add value to your property if you plan on selling in the future.

DIY or DIP

For the sake of cost effectiveness, it is possible to buy a patio cover kit and simply set it up yourself. If you have the tools, knowledge, and the time, I say go for it! If you don’t, however, it might be time to call in some professionals. 

Here are a few ways to find reliable professionals in your price range to install your chosen patio cover.

First and foremost, get some local recommendations. Not only are you assured of people’s honesty in their recommendations, but local workers are more likely to give deals and work harder for the sake of their reputations than a major corporation. You can also check the Yellow Pages or websites that advertise local workers.

First, look at the reviews and credentials of each business, and consider maybe not going with a business or individual that has no review or feedback, as you can’t tell anything about the work they’ve done. 

If you decide you like their reviews, contact them to say you are looking into having a patio cover installed and would like to know about their availability and prices. Let their reply speak for them – how long does it take them to respond, is the price they suggest within your range, do they ask questions about your patio cover, can they guarantee to work with your schedule? Once you’ve found a professional that fits, your job is done, and you can sit back and watch your ideal patio cover become part of your dream home!

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Positive and Negative Aspects of Retractable Deck Awnings

Deck awnings are considered to be a huge investment, but it will add overall value and comfort to the house or property’s exterior. Before purchasing any retractable awning, it is very important to look into several features provided.

Pros

  • A retractable awning is bought by homeowners to provide some extra shade over the deck. It can help an individual spend more time outdoors as well. Although installation costs can be both low and high, awnings will help save the added cost in the future. Since they are providing shade to your house, you won’t have to spend more on air conditioners, helping reduce the electricity bill. If you want to make some significant savings, then this is the right purchase for you.
  • Retractable awnings are famous for saving both indoor and outdoor furniture. It will provide shade needed, so you will be able to save furniture that can easily be ruined by bleaching effects if they are exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
  • In comparison to non-retractable awnings, retractable awnings will not get damaged during any bad weather. You can easily retract it and keep it stable during a windstorm.
  • After fitting the retractable awning, you will be able to operate it in a simple manner. You can either pick the electric or manual awning depending on your budget. If you’re opting for the electrical ones, then just with one button, you will be able to extend the awning or retract it automatically whenever needed.

Cons

  • Most people are refraining from retractable awnings, even after knowing its benefits, due to costs. You can easily find some cheap quality, retractable awnings but they won’t offer you the same durability higher quality awnings can provide. If an expensive retractable awning is difficult for you to purchase, then you can always approach dealers who can help you purchase retractable awnings at an affordable price.
  • Whether you are opting for non-retractable or retractable awnings, you will have to be very consistent with the maintenance and cleaning on a seasonal basis. Awnings are more susceptible to the collection of dirt, dust, and other things that can damage its quality. You can also encounter some mold growth if water is getting stored in the fabric awnings. Maintenance will be something to occasionally spend on.

The benefits of a retractable awning easily surpass its cons. Mostly, the budget can be the matter of concern, but you will have to look into future savings that can be made. Apart from buying, you will also have to concentrate on the installation process as well.

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Guide to Choose the Best Retractable Awning

Retractable awnings can provide numerous benefits. Having a retractable awning installed outside your house means you can gain better shelter from the sun, enjoy extra living space, and also receive protection from the rain. However, you need to choose the best retractable awning so that you can make the most of it. The last thing you would want is an awning that stops working when you need it most. You can also check out Spettmann, in case you are looking for high-quality retractable awnings.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a Retractable Awning

There are many factors that need to be considered when it comes to owning a retractable awning. Below are the main factors that you should learn more about.

1.       Durability

There are different grades of retractable awnings available, as you can discover both expensive and low-priced products in the market. If you intend to purchase retractable awning that can last decades, then you should consider awnings made with European and US components and materials. Retractable awning made with materials from China only last a few years.

2.       Warranty

You should also check the warranties that are provided with the retractable awning. If you are spending high on a product, then you need to make sure that the product is something worthwhile. A reputed company will always provide you with a warranty period.

3.       Sizing

Choosing the right retractable awning size for your house can be a difficult task. There are two factors that decide the size of a retractable awning that need to be understood. This includes the space that needs to be shaded and the direction it will face. Based on these two factors, you can decide on the size of the retractable awning. In order to make things easier, you should measure the size of the area that you wish to cover. This will give you an idea about the accurate size you need.

4.       Colour

Retractable awnings are installed outside of your house, which is an accessory that will be easily noticed. Therefore, you need to choose a color that will complement the color of your walls in addition to the whole exterior of your house.

5.       Features

A good retractable awning manufacturer will provide you with a variety of features and add-ons. Before you choose your awning, you should also look at the options. When purchasing an awning, you should make sure it is of high-quality.

Who Provides the Best Retractable Awnings In Southern California?

We are the largest manufacturer of awnings and canopies in Southern California. We specialize in custom canopies and awnings for commercial, residential, and industrial properties. Our main aim is to provide the best quality products to our customers. We offer our products at highly competitive prices along with after dedicated service. Additionally, we carry a wide range of products to offer – all designed to meet the needs and preferences of our customers. In order to prove the quality and superiority of our products, we have put up a comparison chart below.

 

Sunsetter Awning vs Superior Awning

Where are the companies based?

Superior: The company is based in Southern California, and is one of the largest manufacturers of customized canopies and awnings out there. The company offers a variety of other products as well.

Sunsetter: With the company mainly based in the US, the product can only be assembled in the US. The company operates from Massachusetts, and provides both their direct and dealer system to the buyers over the phone and online.

Who makes the components parts?

Superior: Our awnings are mainly manufactured in Germany. However, the products are customized in Los Angeles, California.

Sunsetter: Most of the components are sourced or manufactured in Asia, with China being their main hub. Because of these components, the company is able to offer lower priced products, with a long-term warranty on all their products.

Who installs the awning?

Superior: We promise to provide you with free installation of your awnings, so you can relax and leave the rest to us once you are done with your purchase. Our workers are also bonded and insured.

Sunsetter: When you make a purchase with Sunsetter, it is usually through a registered dealer of the company. The dealer then hires another company or even a local handyman in order to install the awning.

What are the available sizes?

Superior: You can choose different sizes of awnings with us. You can even order awnings based on your needs. For example, you can order awning widths up to 40 feet. We aim to provide only the best to our customers.

Sunsetter: Awnings between the range of 10 feet and 20 feet are mainly manufactured by the company. However, the made-to-order option is also available.

What are the color and fabric choices available?

Superior: We provide a wide variety of color choices for our buyers. You can choose any color or pattern based on your need. We have something in store for every home or business.

Sunsetter: For the metal frame, you can only have one option. However, there are 16 fabric pattern options available.

What is the maximum projection offered?

Superior: We always tend to prioritize the need of our customers. The maximum projection we offer is 14 feet. We also offer awnings as little as 6 feet as well.

Sunsetter: Sunsetter awnings are available in 9,10, and 11 foot projections.

Warranty Type

Superior: We offer 10 years of warranty on each of our products. This gives our buyers confidence in purchasing our products.

Sunsetter: The company offers a 5-year pro-rated warranty on its fabric, frame, and electronic components.

We have provided an honest and fair comparison. Being the largest awning manufacturer in California, we take pride in serving our buyers with the best.

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How Much Do Awnings Cost to Install?

There are several advantages when it comes to awning installation, such as shelter and protection from sun rays. With its many benefits, awnings are usually installed over a door, a window, or even a patio. Ultimately, the location of the awning depends on the individual and the area they wish to cover. Considered to be a great decision for most homeowners, installing an awning can overall provide a nice outdoor space to relax in.

Installing an awning is not a difficult task, especially when working with a reputable company. With the help of a renowned professional, you can get the work done more easily and quickly. Additionally, while they can also suggest the best options for your house, hiring a professional service to install the awning can increase the overall cost by $100 to $400.

The average cost of installing an awning will sum up to $2,459. Most homeowners spend around $1,261 to $3,691 after the awning installation. The canopy alone will range between $250 and $3,500. A closer, detailed look at the costs are highlighted below.

Cost of Awning by Type

There are different types of awnings listed on the market including canvas, non-rollup, manual retractable, and others. Each type comes with different features, causing price points to vary. This means that even the cost of installation will vary depending on the type of awning you choose. The awning itself will range between $250 to $3,500, and need to be chosen based on preferences and needs.

1.       Canvas Fabric

The cost of canvas awnings range between $300 and $700. As the material is durable and long-lasting, canvas awnings are usually deemed worthy. Additionally, these awnings can also add extra décor to your house. One of the main advantages of wanting canvas fabrics is that you can have a lot of customization options. For example, you can receive many options based on sizes, colors, shapes, and patterns. If you reside in an area with harsh weather conditions, canvas fabrics may not be a good option. This type of awning is best suitable for smaller patios and above windows.

2.       Manual Retractable

Manual retractable awnings will range between $500 to $1,500. These awnings can be folded based on preferences, and depending on weather conditions. Overall, these types of awnings are best suited for patios.

3.       Metal Awnings

Metal awnings are available within the price range of $250 and $800. Although this type of awning is stronger than other types, metal awnings do come with a drawback – less visibility. Metal awnings are generally made of aluminum. However, there are other types of metal awnings available too. You can make good use of metal awnings in a larger space, such as patios and doors.

4.       Non-rollup Awnings

The cost of installing non-rollup awnings will range between $250 to $500. This type of awning can be made with either metal or canvas; you can decide based on your need. The main advantage of installing non-rollup awnings is that they are very much affordable. However, the downside is that they are less flexible. You cannot adjust the awning once you install it, which may be a problem during bad weather.

5.       Mechanical Retractable

Mechanical retractable awnings are awnings that can retract automatically. This may cost you between $2,000 to $3,500. As the most expensive awnings you can get, you can find both metal and canvas awnings in this category. If you live in an area with uncertain weather conditions, you can make good use of this type of awning. Although more expensive than others, a mechanical retractable awning is worth the price.

6.       Portable

Portable awnings are perhaps the most convenient option, as they can range between $100 to $400. Advantages of this type of awning doesn’t require any installation, and can be erected anywhere you want. They are also suitable for temporary use on decks and patios.

Sunesta Prices

Sunesta awnings will cost between $700 to $3,000. However, you can receive more variety from the company. Additionally, they also offer a 5-year warranty on their products which can extend up to 10 years in high-end product cases.

Sunsetter Prices

Sunsetter products range between $800 to $2,500. The company will mainly offer retractable products made of canvas. A 5-year warranty on their products will also be offered. However, the company does not provide installation services.

Average Awning Installation Costs

Now that you understand the various costs associated with different types of awnings, let’s take a look at the installation costs.

Other than the cost of the product, installation costs usually range between $175 to $450, with each square foot ranging between $6 to $9. This includes hiring an electrician for the motor, as well as a professional. It takes about one hour to install an awning, but can extend up to 5 hours or more for a complex retractable awning.

Patio vs Window vs Deck

The cost for door and window awnings is much less, as they only range between $100 to $400 at maximum. This is mainly because these are not retractable products. The upside is that they provide permanent privacy and shade. However, awnings for decks, porches and patios will cost more. Awnings in these locations will range around $600 to $3,500. Awnings for patios, windows, and decks are attached to your house, but in some cases, they can be free standing as well.

Size

As already mentioned above, each square foot of the awning will be installed between $6 to $9. However, the price may vary based on the condition of your house, the total area to be covered, and the material that you select.

Awning Accessories

Some homeowners also choose to install accessories, such as side curtains, with their awnings. This may incur an additional cost between $100 to $200. You can also save the extra cost if you install accessories at the same time as the awning installation. Other than curtains, you can also add other accessories, like mosquito nets which ranges between $100 and $250.

You can also choose to enclose the entire patio space at a cost between $8,500 to $23,000. This option may be more expensive, but it is also permanent.

Permit

In case you need a permit, you may have to spend more than $25 to $100. Commercial buildings need to attain a permit in order to install an awning. In some cases, even residential areas may have to attain a permit. However, this is not true in most cases. You can also consult with your contractor in order to find out if a permit is required or not. For more detailed information, you can even have a word with the municipal corporation of your area.

Pros and Cons of Installing an Awning

Installing an awning carries both pros and cons. Before you think of investing in such a project, you may want to take a look at both the pros and cons, detailed below.

Pros

  1. It may help you cut down on your energy bills, as window awnings can reduce the solar heat up to 77%.
  2. It also protects your furniture, curtains, and carpets from UV rays.
  3. You can also protect your exterior walls from damage caused by the sun, snow, and rain.
  4. It also provides you shelter from the weather elements (i.e. sun, rain, snow).
  5. It enhances the beauty of your house.

Cons

  1. It requires continuous maintenance cost. For example, you may have to spend on cleaning and repairing from time to time.
  2. Awnings do not last forever. This is especially true in the case of low-quality products.
  3. It prevents the penetration of natural light in your house.
  4. It blocks the view from your patio or windows.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

When it comes to the installation or a repairing of an awning, you need to first determine whether you need a professional. In case of simple products, you may eliminate the need for hiring a professional service. With little knowledge, you can implement the project on your own. This will help you to save between $100 to $400. However, in the case of motorized installation, you may have to request professional help.

Now that you understand the essential details of awning installations and its costs, you will be able to decide better whether you are up for such a project.

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Types of Awnings Available In Los Angeles At Superior Awning

Manual
This is the basic and most frequent kind of retractable awning available and requires your direct involvement to function. Basically, all manual retractable awnings have some type of cranking mechanism — whether vertically or horizontally oriented — which requires you to crank it in order for the awning to both extend and retract.
The downside to this type of mechanism should be obvious: annoyance. Aside from the fact that you need to devote the time and energy physically extending and retracting the canopy, the crank itself may be tricky to manage for users who aren’t quite as powerful as others — especially for elderly clients. On the plus side, a manual retractable awning is much less prone to mechanical failure than the electric type and are significantly easier to fix should something fail.
Electric
Rather than this manual retractable awning, the electric retractable awning is a thing of convenience. Rather than having to crank the mechanism to extend or retract the canopy of your awning, you just press a button and an electric motor is going to do all the work for you. In actuality, this can actually offer additional advantages that may even increase the lifespan of your retractable awning in the first place.
Specifically, some of the higher-end models of electrical retractable awnings come equipped with storm detectors. These sensors are able to find out the strength of the end in addition to the saturation of the canopy when a storm is blowing in and will retract the canopy automatically. This is especially helpful if you happen to forget to retract the canopy or is a sudden flash thunderstorm appears out of nowhere.
The principal downside of the electric retractable canopy is that more moving parts mean more possibilities for a mechanical failure. While this is bad enough on its own, the matter is further compounded by the fact that electrical retractable awnings are far more costly to repair than manual ones and are usually only cheaper to simply replace altogether.
Material

The material of a retractable awning generally indicates the canopy of the awning.

The material which the canopy is made out of will normally determine how well the canopy holds up under different atmospheric conditions in addition to its general durability. The overwhelming majority of materials used for retractable awnings are either fabric or plastic due to their combination of good tensile strength in addition to their flexibility.
Canvas
Canvas is seen as the”classic” material used for retractable awning canopies and is also the only naturally occurring fiber readily used. It is important to note that yarn is usually made from linen or cotton but will sometimes be made from hemp too — though that is far less common nowadays. Canvas is one of the more durable materials used for retractable awning canopies, but it is also more prone to suffer from environmental exposure and is among the more expensive materials used also.
In terms of durability, canvas gets the most tensile strength out of all of the substances used for awning canopies except for aluminum. However, canvas is a lot more flexible than aluminum, so it provides the overall most durable performance for an awning canopy. Having said that, as an organic material, canvas is also the most prone to suffer from climate-related degradation.
For instance, untreated canvas will create mildew quicker and more intensely than any of the other materials on our list. Additionally, it does not help that canvas is one of the least hydrophobic materials used for retractable awning canopies which means that not only will it hold water it’ll feed the mould even farther. Finally, canvas is definitely prone to UV deterioration, though not as much as PVC or polyester.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is the first of many synthetic materials used in the manufacturing of retractable awning canopies. Although this material definitely has some advantageous qualities to it, it is ultimately the least desired material for one reason and one reason alone: durability. With respect to its actual tensile strength, PVC is likely the lowest on the list and is a lot more prone to ripping or tearing than any of the others.
Having said that, it’s important to remember that PVC is actually a type of plastic, and therefore, it carries with it many of the best attributes of plastic as well. For one, this is the only substance that’s exceptionally flexible that is also waterproof. While many of the other substances are hydrophobic, if subjected to sufficient moisture, they will ultimately retain the water. As plastic, PVC is also naturally resistant to mildew and will not produce mildew without an organic pesticide onto it.
Polyester
Polyester is arguably one of the very versatile and common materials used in the production of retractable awning canopies. In certain respects, polyester can be seen as providing the best of all worlds, even though it is not without some potential flaws which are considered before accepting this substance as the selection of your retractable awning canopy.
First, polyester is by far among the least expensive materials used for retractable awning canopies. The only other substance which can legitimately challenge it in cost points is PVC that’s truly a far inferior material in many respects by comparison. That said, the financial advantages of polyester are just further increased by the structural advantages that this synthetic fiber presents. When taken together, this almost definitely makes gardening the better all-around value — although not always the best performing for all situations.
Secondly, polyester is naturally hydrophobic and will retain water less than canvas. That said, this is in fact one of the more water retaining substances used for retractable awning canopies. Still, it’s also among the most naturally mildew resistant materials used and by far the most resistant fibrous material used. In the end, polyester is reasonably effective at resisting UV radiation and can easily be treated to resist it even better.
Aluminum
Aluminum is by far a special material used for canopies on our listing. For one, it’s the only material on our list that is not either woven into a fiber or welded as a plastic. Moreover, aluminum is by far the least flexible material on our list which generally reduces its effectiveness as a canopy material for retractable awnings. Still, there are some commercial and industrial awnings which either use aluminum shingles or just retract the whole awning.
That said, aluminum is definitely the most durable material used for retractable awning canopies. It’s naturally rust resistant and can actually be treated so it’s even more so. It has by far the best tensile strength of any material used and is more likely to be pulled from its scaffolding than it is to tear. In the end, aluminum is also naturally resistant to both mildew and UV radiation without any additional treatment — but it can fade from sunlight without some kind of protective coating.
Acrylic
Acrylic isn’t always actually a substance used for retractable awning canopies in its own right and is often better known as one of many possible protective coverings applied to a different base material. That said, there are literal acrylic fibers, and they also are often used as the base material for a canopy. We realize that is somewhat confusing, but the gap between the two is important.
Most oil coated canopies are now made out of canvas that has then had a coating of acrylic paint put on top of it to make it more durable and resistant to inclement climates. Acrylic fibers, on the other hand, function far differently and are more akin to polyester than the cotton fibers of heavy canvas.
Though acrylic fibers are wool-like in character and may be utilised in clothing for body heat retention, their use in retractable awning canopies generally doesn’t have the same effect. In actuality, acrylic is among the more UV-resistant materials that are either welded or woven into fabrics. Better still, acrylic fibers are naturally hydrophobic like polyester and PVC, which means you won’t have to worry about the canopy retaining water.
Durability
With any product that you purchase, its durability is going to be a key consideration. However, that is never truer than when the product in question is expected to withstand even mild exposure to the elements. In this example, it always helps if the constituent elements of the product are strengthened by one or more choices that will further boost the lifespan of the item. This is especially true for retractable awnings since it’s often not worth the money to try and repair a failed component and is rather simply a better idea to replace the entire awning altogether.
UV
Anything exposed to the sun over a long period of time will eventually begin to deteriorate under the barrage of its ultraviolet radiation. Some materials handle this better than others, but all of them are ultimately susceptible — especially when the exposure extends for many years at a time. With retractable awnings, this effect shows itself most prominently in the canopy.
While there may be some particular exceptions — especially if the canopy is not made from any type of cloth or plastic — most retractable awning canopies are prone to suffer from sun damage. This may actually take a few of forms, one of which will lead to the ultimate failure of your retractable awning while the other will simply make it less attractive and reduce any extra value it may provide the property it’s attached to.
The first type of sun damage involves the UV rays literally degrading the structural integrity of the duplex’s substance. In this instance, the sunlight will either melt or fray the fibers or sheet respectively until such point in time that they become prone to tearing. In fairness, this is a lot more likely to happen with plastic canopies than fabric ones, but both are prone to this issue.
The second issue with sunlight damage is a little more benign but can still ultimately reduce the value of the awning. Specifically, the canopy’s colors will fade over time as the UV rays bleach it. In fairness, this is actually the intent of retractable awnings used to cover windows, but it’s still an issue nonetheless. Thankfully, the solution for both problems is to simply buy a retractable awning that is made from a naturally durable material and is protected with one or more coatings that will block or reflect UV rays.
Mildew
Once again, the most delicate part of a retractable awning is the canopy — although this is logical since the other components are generally made out of either plastic or metal. No matter mildew will present a few risks to both you and your property should it grow on the canopy of your retractable awning that’s why it’s vital you make it a point to protect yourself from it.
To be clear, not all of canopy materials are equivalent in this regard either, even though they have a propensity to follow the inverse rule for sun damage. In this instance, canopies which are made from fabric are a lot more vulnerable to develop mildew than canopies that are made from plastic. Of course, metal canopies are rarely troubled by this circumstance .
Regardless, there are a couple ways that canopies can be protected against the growth of mildew. One of the more popular methods is to use some type of coating — similar to with UV protection — though this generally will not last as long. The other system of mold prevention entails treating the canopy before it’s ever woven or welded so that it stays protected inside and out.
Conclusion
As we can see, there is not any single product which is going to be the best option for all customers. If you are interested in convenience, you will probably want to opt for an electric retractable awning. But if overall value is more important, then a manual retractable awning should suit you perfectly.
We suggest scheduling a free consultation with our sales team. We can help installing an electric or a manual retractable awning depending upon your preference.
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7 Reasons You Should Choose Superior Awning For You Los Angeles Awning Installation

Any work for patio covers or awnings valued at $500 or more in labor and materials legally requires a contractor licensed by the State of California as protection for the consumer. If the awning contractor has employees, the Company is legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from being sued in the event an injury occurs during work performed at your premises. Companies which do awnings in Los Angeles County are not required by law to have general liability insurance; nevertheless, Superior Awning carries general liability insurance policy to reimburse you in the event of any damages, hiring only documented workers, verified license and workers’ comp insurance, clean complaint record, and much more.

We offers awnings in different materials such as canvas or acrylic fabric, and aluminum awnings. Metal support frames for fabric awnings can come in either aluminum or steel. Awning options include support poles that hit the ground, or without support rods (lateral arm awnings). Retractable awnings can be manual or motorized, such as operation by remote control. Especially with commercial awnings for restaurants, some might be a standard awning which can be converted into a winterfront awning in wet or cold weather to surround an outside seating area. With fabric awnings there are many options among styles of valences.

Truly waterproof awnings are infrequent among fabric awnings, with most being only water-repellant, but to such a good degree that they need to perform well in a drizzle. Awning cleaning is a must for fabric awnings, annual at least. If well maintained, the cloth may persist for a decade or more but the metal framework should last much longer, even though it also should undergo periodic maintenance, trimming, etc..

Retractable awnings can be damaged by wind and should be retracted when not in use and in inclement weather, and ideally a motorized retractable awning needs to have a manual override allowing it to be cranked so that you may retract it despite the loss of power that can accompany stormy conditions. Retractable awnings also have the option of a protective hood to protect the retraction unit when that unit is mounted where it is not already sheltered by some type of overhang.

Awnings In Los Angeles CA

At Superior Awning, we specialize in high degree of custom work, where others might just be installing some other company’s manufactured product, so when choosing which awning contractor to hire, ask these questions about their experience, range of services, credentials, and methods and materials prior to deciding.

7 Reasons You Should Choose Superior Awning For You Los Angeles Awning Installation

• Are they awning makers, or awning installers, or both? If both, are they performing the setup themselves as licensed contractors or they’re subcontracting it out to a awning contractor and if so, which one?

• Can the awning company give you client names and numbers you can call as references?

• Do they provide a written warranty on their labor and for how long? Is there a written guarantee on the awning itself whether or not they’re the awning manufacturer? In the case of motorized retractable awnings, what’s the warranty period for the motor verus the one for the fabric? (There are often two different warranty periods).

• How many awnings do they perform every year that are the same type as yours? There may be a difference in the expertise required to between different types of awnings, such as regular awnings versus retractable awnings, motorized retractable awnings, aluminum awnings versus fabric, commercial versus residential, etc..

• Can they do computer design visuals of your specific property so that you can see how different design options in new awnings would look before making a choice among all the choices of awning type, size, material, colour, etc.. ?

• After you explain what you want, is there a similar, but less expensive alternative to what you have asked for and what could you lose? Similarly, is there a big jump in quality or function that could be had for just a little bit more money?

• Will they provide you with a thorough bid in writing to your new awning including the specific materials used to make your awning (kind and amount of aluminum or canvas, thickness of frame, etc ) construction process, fastening method, etc? This is important. A cheap awning company may only seem less expensive because they’ve left out important details from the bidding, preventing you from seeing that you’re getting less than that which another awning company has quoted.

Questions To Ask Installers of Awnings in Los Angeles County:

• Do they offer ongoing awning maintenance or awning repair services after installation? (We offer

• What allows for the awning will be required to your area of Los Angeles County? Will they be pulling the necessary licenses or do they expect you to do that? If they will, is that cost included in their price quote or is it additional and by how much?

• How many other awnings have they installed in Los Angeles County? How many in your city? This can be a sign of how familiar they are, or not, with county, state, or city ordinances regarding awnings.

• In preparation for a written bid for your evaluation, what process will they undertake to perform a comprehensive survey of your property first?

• Can the awning contractor prove that their employees sent to your property are legally allowed to operate in the U.S.?

• How well does the awning company know the setup crew coming to your property? Are they using trained, long term employees, or do they use temporary labor on a project-by-project foundation? Remember, the owner of the awning company might be a licensed awning contractor but his employees probably aren’t and employee abilities and level of professionalism can vary widely.

• Does the awning contractor have active workers’ compensation and general liability insurance for your protection? (Superior Awning carries workers compensation and general liability insurance for all our projects)

As soon as you’ve got answers to those questions, you are ready to reassess their bid. Cost should rarely be the deciding factor because cheap awnings in Los Angeles County usually are not the best awnings and it can cost you more to repair or replace than if you chose the best awning company to start with.

When you’ve picked the best awning company in Los Angeles County for your precise needs and priorities, make certain they are licensed in good standing with the State to perform the installation.

Resources About Awnings in Los Angeles County CA
The following is a list of trade associations and publications applicable to awnings & canopies.

Regulatory Bodies & Trade Associations for Awning Contractors in Los Angeles County CA
CSLB Contractors State License Board

DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs

PAMA (Professional Awning Manufacturers Association)
www.awninginfo.com

IFAI (Industrial Fabrics Association International)
www.ifai.com

WCPA (Western Canvas Products Association)
Www.wcpaonline.com

Publications Relevant to Awning Firms in Los Angeles County
Fabric Architecture Magazine
www.fabricarchitecturemag.com

Superior Awning Los Angeles Installation Geographical Coverage Areas

Superior Awning installs awnings in the following zip codes and areas:

91377, 91376, 91302, 90749, 90807, 90831, 90846, 90748, 90806, 90822, 90844, 90747, 90805, 90815, 90842, 90746, 90804, 90814, 90840, 91301, 90745, 90803, 90813, 90835, 90895, 90744, 90802, 90810, 90834, 90853, 90801, 90809, 90833, 90848, 90755, 90808, 90832, 90847, 90263, 90275, 90294, 90306, 90402, 90410, 90507, 90650, 90701, 90712, 90732, 90262, 90274, 90293, 90305, 90401, 90409, 90506, 90640, 90671, 90711, 90731, 90261, 90272, 90292, 90304, 90312, 90408, 90505, 90639, 90670, 90710, 90723, 90260, 90270, 90291, 90303, 90311, 90407, 90504, 90638, 90662, 90707, 90717, 90255, 90267, 90290, 90302, 90310, 90406, 90503, 90637, 90661, 90706, 90716, 90254, 90266, 90280, 90301, 90309, 90405, 90502, 90510, 90660, 90704, 90715, 90265, 90278, 90296, 90308, 90404, 90501, 90509, 90652, 90703, 90714, 90734, 90251, 90264, 90277, 90295, 90307, 90403, 90411, 90508, 90651, 90702, 90713, 90733, 90250, 90017, 90025, 90033, 90041, 90049, 90057, 90065, 90073, 90081, 90091, 90189, 90220, 90233, 90249, 90016, 90024, 90032, 90040, 90048, 90056, 90064, 90072, 90080, 90089, 90103, 90213, 90232, 90248, 90023, 90031, 90039, 90047, 90055, 90063, 90071, 90079, 90088, 90101, 90212, 90231, 90247, 90022, 90030, 90038, 90046, 90054, 90062, 90070, 90078, 90087, 90099, 90211, 90230, 90245, 90021, 90029, 90037, 90045, 90053, 90061, 90069, 90077, 90086, 90096, 90210, 90224, 90242, 90020, 90028, 90036, 90044, 90052, 90060, 90068, 90076, 90084, 90095, 90209, 90223, 90241, 90019, 90027, 90035, 90043, 90051, 90059, 90067, 90075, 90083, 90094, 90202, 90222, 90240, 90018, 90026, 90034, 90042, 90050, 90058, 90066, 90074, 90082, 90093, 90201, 90221, 90239, 90001, 90009, 90008, 90007, 90015, 90006, 90014, 90005, 90013, 90004, 90012, 90003, 90011, 90002 and 90010

We install awnings in the following cities:

Brentwood, Los Angeles, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Hancock Park, Harvard Heights, Hollywood, Hollywood Hills, Koreatown, Larchmont Village, Los Feliz, Mid-Wilshire, Pico-Union, Silver Lake, West Hollywood, Westlake, Westlake, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Montecito Heights, Glassell Park, Atwater Village, South Central L.A., Watts, Crenshaw, El Sereno, Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Montebello, Pico Rivera, East La Mirada, Cerritos, Norwalk, Downey, Bellflower, Paramount, Compton, Lynwood, South Gate, Bell Gardens, Bell, Maywood, Huntington Park, Malibu, Ladera Heights, Culver City, Bel Air, Beverly Crest, Beverlywood, Century City, Cheviot Hills, Pico-Robertson, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Del Rey, Mar Vista, Pacific Palisades, Palms, Playa Vista, Sawtelle, Venice, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Alondra Park, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Torrance, Westchester, Carson, Catalina Island / Avalon, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, Signal Hill, West Carson, Wilmington, La Mirada, West L.A., Glendale, East Whittier, North Whittier and Whittier CA

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