A retractable awning offers something no other shade solution can: the ability to have full shade, full sun, or anything in between — on demand. But not all awnings are created equal, especially on the coast. Here's what to evaluate before you commit.
Fabric: Why Sunbrella Matters
Sunbrella is the industry-leading outdoor fabric for good reason: it resists UV fading, repels water, prevents mold and mildew, and holds up in coastal humidity. It's available in hundreds of colors and patterns. Generic awning fabrics may look similar initially but degrade dramatically faster.
Motorized vs. Manual
Motorized awnings deploy with the push of a button or phone command. Manual awnings use a hand crank. For awnings wider than 12 feet, motorized operation is strongly recommended — manual cranking gets old fast on larger spans.
Wind Sensors: A Coastal Essential
The biggest risk to a retractable awning is wind damage while deployed. Automatic wind sensors detect high gusts and retract the awning before damage occurs. On the coast, this isn't optional — it's essential.
Sizing & Projection
Awnings are measured by width (along the house) and projection (how far they extend). Most residential awnings offer 8–14 feet of projection. We custom-size every awning to your specific opening for seamless coverage.
