A motorized retractable awning opens and closes at the touch of a remote or wall switch, so you can have shade over your deck or patio in seconds and roll it away just as fast. Aladdin Inc installs custom motorized awnings for homes across Connecticut as the area’s original Sunesta dealer. See our main retractable awnings page for the full range of sizes and fabrics.
How a Motorized Retractable Awning Works
A small motor is built into the roller tube that holds the fabric. When you press the button, the motor turns the tube and the folding arms push the awning out to its full projection. Press it again and the fabric rolls back into place against the house. There is no crank to find and no effort involved, which is why motorized awnings get used far more often than manual ones.
Most homeowners control the awning with a handheld remote, a wall switch near the door, or both. That means you can open the awning from inside the kitchen before you carry food out to the table.
Sun and Wind Sensors
A motorized awning can be fitted with a sun and wind sensor. When the wind picks up, the sensor tells the awning to retract on its own, which protects the fabric and frame if a storm rolls in while you are away from home. A sun sensor can extend the awning when the deck starts to heat up. For many Connecticut homeowners, the wind sensor alone is the reason to choose a motor, because summer storms can arrive quickly.
Motorized or Hand Crank?
A hand crank awning costs less and has no electrical work, and it is a good fit for a smaller awning that you open now and then. A motorized retractable awning makes more sense for a wide awning, for anyone who wants to use the shade every day, or for anyone who would find cranking a large awning hard on the shoulders. Our guide to hand crank versus motorized retractable awnings compares the two in more detail.
Sizes, Fabrics and Installation
Every awning we install is made to your measurements. Custom frames are available in widths up to 40 feet with projections up to 23 feet, and you can choose from over 100 weatherproof fabric options. Our awnings carry the exclusive lifetime Sunesta warranty.
A motorized awning needs power at the mounting location. The electrical connection should be outdoor rated and installed to code, and we will talk through the options for your house when we measure. The awning itself mounts to the framing of the house, so it can go on homes with vinyl siding, wood, brick or stucco. You can see finished projects in our installation gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a motorized awning if the power goes out?
Ask about a manual override when you order. Some motorized systems can be operated by hand in an emergency, which is useful if a storm cuts the power while the awning is out.
Does a motorized awning retract automatically in the wind?
Only if it has a wind sensor. With a sensor, the awning retracts on its own when the wind reaches the set level. Without one, you need to retract it yourself before bad weather.
Can I add a motor to my existing awning?
It depends on the awning. Some manual awnings can be converted and some cannot. Call us with the make and size and we can tell you whether it is possible.
Should I leave a motorized awning out in the rain?
Light rain is fine if the awning has enough pitch for water to run off. Retract it in heavy rain, strong wind or snow.
Get a Motorized Awning for Your Deck or Patio
We measure your space, show you fabric samples and explain the motor and sensor options before you decide. Call Aladdin at (203) 776-9996 or contact us to set up a consultation.
We install motorized awnings for homes across Connecticut, including Wallingford, Hamden, North Haven, Cheshire, Guilford and Milford.
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Aladdin is family-owned and operated, located in Wallingford, CT. With over a half century of proven results, Aladdin is a name you can trust to change your home or business for the better. We’re also proud to be a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, and we continue to support their high standard of business practices.
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