So you want to buy an awning. It's a smart move! But it's also a big purchase, and you're a smart buyer, so do some research before you sign the bottomline.
Here are six questions to ask your salesperson. I hope these questions will help you make an informed decision.
1. Where will the retractable awning be installed?
For most of our customers, the retractable awning will be over a deck or patio. Ask if the location will fit your needs and provide the protection for the shade you are hoping for.
2. How will the retractable awning be mounted?
The awning can be mounted to the exterior wall, to the roof above the gutter or to the eave under the soffit. This is an important discussion to have, because this will affect the height of the awning and thus, the pitch (or how steep the slope is.) The mount will make a difference when it comes time for the awning to be installed.
3. What does the warranty cover?
This can be a little confusing, because the different components all have different warranties. We warranty our installation for the first year, the awning components 12 years, the fabric is under warranty through the manufacturer ( 10 years ) and the motor is warrantied by Somfy ( the manufacturer ) for five years. Be sure to ask your salesperson for more detailed info.
4. Is motorized or manual the best option for you?
I have to admit, I am biased, but I highly recommend motorization for your awning! We have learned through customer surveys the customers that have motorized awnings are much happier with their purchases than those that opted for manual. Motorized awnings are convenient (you can even control the awning with an app on your smartphone). Another positive aspect of the motorized is that we install a motion sensor on it, so if you are in the house or have run to the store and winds were to pick up the awning will retract.
5. What is the lead time?
You'll want to make sure that the awning is installed at a time that is convenient to you.
6. Who will install the awning?
I recommend using skilled, professional installers. Spending money on a high end retractable awing and then it not being installed properly could be a very costly mistake. Also there are some customers that choose to install the awning themselves, but be aware that this will affect your warranty.
Here are six questions to ask your salesperson. I hope these questions will help you make an informed decision.
1. Where will the retractable awning be installed?
For most of our customers, the retractable awning will be over a deck or patio. Ask if the location will fit your needs and provide the protection for the shade you are hoping for.
2. How will the retractable awning be mounted?
The awning can be mounted to the exterior wall, to the roof above the gutter or to the eave under the soffit. This is an important discussion to have, because this will affect the height of the awning and thus, the pitch (or how steep the slope is.) The mount will make a difference when it comes time for the awning to be installed.
3. What does the warranty cover?
This can be a little confusing, because the different components all have different warranties. We warranty our installation for the first year, the awning components 12 years, the fabric is under warranty through the manufacturer ( 10 years ) and the motor is warrantied by Somfy ( the manufacturer ) for five years. Be sure to ask your salesperson for more detailed info.
4. Is motorized or manual the best option for you?
I have to admit, I am biased, but I highly recommend motorization for your awning! We have learned through customer surveys the customers that have motorized awnings are much happier with their purchases than those that opted for manual. Motorized awnings are convenient (you can even control the awning with an app on your smartphone). Another positive aspect of the motorized is that we install a motion sensor on it, so if you are in the house or have run to the store and winds were to pick up the awning will retract.
5. What is the lead time?
You'll want to make sure that the awning is installed at a time that is convenient to you.
6. Who will install the awning?
I recommend using skilled, professional installers. Spending money on a high end retractable awing and then it not being installed properly could be a very costly mistake. Also there are some customers that choose to install the awning themselves, but be aware that this will affect your warranty.