What is the difference between the 2 retractable patio awnings?

The Royal is equipped with standard pitch adjust allowing you to adjust the awning up or down as much as 45 degrees while the Imperial is built to include a 5' drop screen that rolls down from the front bar. Both awnings can incorporate our patented center beam.

How long does it take from order to install?

All of our awnings are custom made and take approximately 3 weeks from the time an order is placed until it is installed.

How well do they stand up in the wind?

Our awnings have been wind tunnel tested at Stuttgart University in Germany with some truly amazing results. However, due to the unpredictable nature of weather it is recommended that the awning be retracted at wind speeds exceeding 30 km/h.

What kind of maintenance is involved?

Our awnings are virtually maintenance free. We recommend hosing the awning off on a monthly basis with clear water during months of use.

Do I need a hood cover?

If your awning is to be installed directly under an eavestrough or soffit then a hood cover is typically not needed. If the awning is to be exposed to sunlight and weather a hood cover can extend the life of the fabric.

What are the benefits of the patented Marcesa center beam?

This carefully researched and patented design feature not only makes our awnings more spacious but offers greater strength and unsurpassed wind stability.

How much UV protection does the awning offer?

Our fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from the harmful effects of the sun when used in shade applications. Sunbrella fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer (www.skincancer.org). This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.

Do I need a motor for my awning?

A motor offers ease of use and is required if a wind sensor is needed. Research has shown that motorized awnings are used 4 times more often than a manual control. All our motors come complete with a convenient plug-in cable (no hard wiring is required) and a wireless remote control which will work up to a hundred feet away even through the walls of your home.

What color is right for me?

This is really a matter of personal taste. All fabrics provide the same shade although a darker fabric will appear darker underneath where a lighter fabric will appear lighter. UV is absorbed at the same levels, light or dark.

How long is the warranty?

All of our awnings and fabrics carry a 10 year warranty.

What material are the frames made of?

A combination of injection die cast, gravity die cast and extruded aluminum make up the framework of our awnings and ensure rust and corrosion will never be an issue. All aluminum components are then powder coated for a lifetime of strength and durability.

How will the awning protect the inside of my house from heat?

Not only does an awning protect you from the sun it will also protect furniture, fabrics and flooring from the sun's harmful rays as well as significantly reduce interior heat. Studies by the American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRE) have shown that awnings on windows and patio doors can reduce interior temperatures by 8-15 degrees. Depending on the exact position of the sun, awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows.

Is the fabric waterproof?

Our acrylic fabrics are water-resistant, not waterproof. Because they are woven, they are highly breathable, allowing the fabric to dry quickly with only air exposure. Another advantage to the acrylic fiber is that it will not support the growth of mildew. The fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency, meaning a light to medium rain will not allow water to penetrate.

Do I need a permit for an awning?

No. Permits are typically not needed for residential awnings, however if your residence has a condo board or architectural controls you may require approval.