How to Choose Between Retractable & Fixed Awnings for Your Home or Business in the Richmond, VA, Area

Retractable awnings have made a big splash on the custom shade market in recent years, thanks to their versatility in providing sun or shade on demand. However, there may be times when stationary awnings – especially heavy-duty metal awnings – are a better choice for your home or business in the Richmond, Virginia, area. Here are some factors to think about when choosing the best awnings to meet your needs:

Durability

Retractable patio or window awnings are made from fabric, whereas fixed awnings can be crafted from fabric or aluminum. If you opt for retractable awnings, you’ll have a variety of fabrics to choose from, some of which may remain colorfast and attractive for more than a decade. However, a high-quality aluminum awning is almost always going to outperform its fabric counterpart when it comes to longevity.

Purpose

Enjoying shade from the sun is likely your primary reason for adding awnings to your home or business, but you’ll want to fine-tune your goals to get the most value out of your investment. For example, are you interested in using your awnings to potentially reduce heating and cooling costs? If so, retractable awnings may be your best bet because you can extend them in the summertime to block heat from penetrating your windows and glass doors but retract them in the wintertime to allow the sun to warm your home or business.

Aesthetic Appeal

Metal awnings can provide a high level of curb appeal, but you’ll have many more colors and patterns to choose from if you have custom retractable awnings installed. Indeed, if you partner with Roberts Awnings for your upcoming shade project, you can also enjoy the option of having custom graphics expertly added to your fabric awnings.

Roberts Awnings has more than a century of experience in helping Richmond-area customers choose the best shade solutions to meet their needs. We’ll be happy to discuss your specific shading goals and help you choose the retractable or fixed awning that’s ideal for you. Contact us today for more information.