Awnings are a fantastic way to add capital to your home while improving your quality of life outdoors. They add shade where there otherwise would be none, and for those who enjoy sitting outside, it also offers necessary protection from the sun’s harmful rays. When deciding on an awning for your home, should you choose a motorized awning or one that is retracted manually? It depends on your preference, but also a few other criteria. Here’s how to choose.
Motorized Versus Manual: The Difference
The main difference between motorized awnings versus a manual awning is simple: they retract by different methods. Manual awnings use a crank that you place on a bolt or latch. Once the crank is in place, you can use it to raise and lower the moving parts. The electric model uses a button, switch, or remote control to lower and to raise the awning.
Manual Awnings: The Main Benefit
The biggest advantage of a manual awning is they are less expensive than their motorized counterparts. The difference in price is simply because of how a manual awning is constructed: there is no need to connect wiring from the motor to the home’s electrical system, which requires additional labor. A manual awning is also a good choice for those who don’t wish to install additional outlets or cut into the exterior of the home to make room for the wiring.
Motorized Awnings Have Some Perks, Too
Motorized awnings are much simpler compared to manual awnings because it doesn’t require more than the push of a button to open and close. This is an attractive choice for those who are differently abled or elderly. Unlike manual awnings, motorized awnings can be fitted with sensors that detect changing weather conditions and the position of the sun. Even if you are in the house attending to other things or away from the house, the sensors will signal the awning to automatically retract when wind gusts exceed a certain speed or when the sun reaches a certain position.
Choosing What’s Right For You
No matter what awning you prefer to install on your home, they both come with the same benefits:
- Protect people and pets from harmful UV rays
- Extend your outdoor living space
- Help control the climate within your home
- Awnings prevent your furniture and window coverings from fading
If you’re looking for the perfect accessory to complement your backyard, a retractable awning could be just the ticket. While the versatility of retractable awnings is clear, many homeowners are hesitant to choose motorized over hand crank because the upfront cost can be higher. It all comes down to preference and ease of use.
Remember, awnings are an investment, and Aladdin can help you choose the right retractable awning for your home that meets your budget and exceeds your wants and needs. When you’re backed by a team like Aladdin, you have the added benefit of an awning company that boasts decades of experience in helping homeowners find and install the right awning.
