Shade structures like retractable awnings, pergolas and canopies improve the curb appeal and bring comfort to residential and commercial outdoor spaces. They protect you and your guests from the hot summer sun or the occasional rain showers when you want to spend some time outside.
Choosing the best shade solution for your outdoor space involves understanding three popular options — retractable awnings, pergolas and canopies. In this guide, we discuss the features, pros, cons and differences between the three options.
What Is a Retractable Awning?
Retractable awnings are protective shields typically made of canvas that extend your deck or backyard. They’re usually installed over doors and windows, making your patio, porch, terrace, pool area or deck more comfortable and usable. Retractable awnings provide convenience and flexibility by allowing manual or motorized lowering and raising of the awning, depending on the weather.
High-quality awnings are equipped with weather-detection motors that allow them to retract automatically as the sun’s position changes. Most awnings are custom-made to boost your home’s functionality and overall aesthetics. Models lacking motorized controls are easy to set up and come with side curtains.
Pros
Some of the advantages of retractable awnings include:
- Superior ultraviolet (UV) protection: Retractable awnings reduce sun exposure, protecting people’s sun and skin from the dangers of UV rays and furniture from wear and tear caused by continued exposure to the elements.
- Improve resale value: Retractable awnings may boast a positive return on investment because they extend your home’s living area. Additionally, they enhance the overall curb appeal and promise to deliver long-term value to potential buyers.
- Long life span: The ability to retract your awnings when not in use means they continue providing value for longer because they’re not always exposed to the elements.
- Lower utility bills: Awnings help you manage energy consumption by keeping sunlight away from the building’s interior, minimizing cooling needs and boosting the home’s energy efficiency.
Cons
There are very few reasons not to invest in retractable awnings, including:
- They can’t stand up against extreme weather conditions like heavy rains, high winds and thunderstorms.
- The initial cost of retractable awnings and the costs associated with maintaining motorized options are higher than some alternatives.
What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is a visually pleasing shade structure built using a grid of rafters or beams. A roof or drapes are often placed on top to provide shade and sun protection. You can make a lattice-style pergola structure even more appealing by growing vines and other plants that improve the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor living space. A pergola can be mounted to the side of a building using two supporting beams or constructed as a freestanding structure unrestricted by a wall or roof attachment.
Pros
Here are some reasons pergolas are popular for residential and commercial use:
- Heavy-duty: Pergolas are usable in all weather conditions, including heavy rains, hot summers and strong winds.
- Flexible: They offer flexibility because they can be installed either freestanding or permanently and may or may not be attached to a nearby building.
- Enhance curb appeal: You can choose from various pergola coverings, including roofs, flowers and climbing plants. You’re also not limited to the colors, styles, designs and material choices.
Cons
- Wooden pergolas are high maintenance, as they need regular treatment and upkeep.
- They are sometimes fixed structures, which may be challenging to install and relocate.
- They’re not effective at offering sun protection, hence why you need to add coverings.
What Is a Canopy?
A canopy is a versatile shade structure typically made out of canvas or fabric that rests on columns. They’re installed as window and door coverings, similar to pergolas, and can be attached to a building or installed independently with the support of vertical posts. They’re often made of durable and waterproof fabric that provides ample shade and protection against the rain.
Pros
Some advantages of canopies include:
- Temporary structures: A retractable canopy can be moved from point to point and taken down when you’re not using them.
- Customizable: Canopies can come in a custom size that can be extended as long as needed.
- Versatile: You can maximize the usability and enjoyment of backyards, patios, decks and other outdoor seating areas.
- Portable: They can be mounted on the ground or a building and moved to different locations.
Cons
Consider the following disadvantages before choosing a canopy:
- Uninstalling and reinstalling requires effort and several people.
- When not firmly grounded, they provide limited weather protection.
- They have limited durability because of the constant exposure to the elements, which may result in wear and tear.
Retractable Awning vs. Pergola
Retractable awnings and pergolas have distinct structural differences. Awnings are made of fabric, vinyl or metal, while pergolas are constructed of metal or wood. The installation also differs, with awnings attached to a building and pergolas being permanent, freestanding structures. Awnings provide sufficient sun protection, whereas pergolas don’t unless you add a protective material like roofing. Pergolas also lack the convenience and flexibility of retractable awnings, which can effortlessly be removed and stored away.
Canopy vs. Retractable Awning
Canopies are movable, but they’re often heavy and bulky. Retractable awnings can be quickly and easily removed, either manually or automatically, with the touch of a button. Canopies are less durable than retractable awnings and more capable of withstanding strong winds and heavy rains. Retractable awnings generally last longer because they can be removed when not in use to protect them from wear and tear.
Canopy vs. Pergola
Unlike canopies, pergolas don’t provide much protection against the sun and other elements. However, pergolas are available in more styles and colors, allowing you to create extensions of your home’s interior and boost the aesthetics. Maintaining wooden pergolas is more of an investment, as you need to refinish the wood regularly.
Enjoy the Benefits of High-Quality Retractable Awnings
You must choose high-quality options to get the most out of your shade structures. Retractable awnings take the day because they’re durable, convenient and versatile. Garrety Glass is an authorized dealer of Betterliving products, offering high-quality manual or motorized retractable awnings in York and surrounding areas. The Betterliving awnings maximize the shade and comfort of your commercial and residential outdoor areas.
We customize awnings to fight tight spaces and extra-long projections. Our skilled installation team specializes in installing your awnings to ensure they’re durable and you have peace of mind. Check out our blog to discover more ways to enhance your outdoor spaces, or contact us today for a free estimate for the design and installation of your retractable awnings.
