Congratulations! You’ve finally decided to have window awnings installed on the outside of your home. The next decision you need to make concerns fixed vs. retractable window awnings. Which option is best for you?
Fixed vs. Retractable Window Awnings: Which Should I Get?
Window awnings are just as multifaceted as their bigger siblings — the ones you see covering doors, porches, and patios. They, too, protect your home’s interior from sun glare, UV rays, and the blazing heat that drives your air conditioner into overdrive.
And let’s not forget the mini English garden you have growing in your window box. A reliable window awning can help shelter your petunias and begonias from unforgiving weather.
But be mindful. You don’t want to approach this design decision thinking “an awning is an awning is an awning.” Take the time to investigate both fixed and retractable window awnings. That way, you can make the most dependable investment in your home’s look and function based on your lifestyle.
At SummerSpace®, we carry window awnings of both varieties. Here, we compare the two and offer suggestions for their best use. Each type comes in a wide range of customizable sizes and colors to fit seamlessly into your home’s design.
Fixed Window Awnings
Fixed window awnings are installed with permanency in mind. They consist of a strong, rigid material (e.g., metal or fiberglass) that keeps them fixed in their overhanging positions (hence the term “fixed awning”).
SummerSpace fixed window awnings are made from aluminum coated with a baked-on enamel finish. This makes them particularly durable under driving rain, sleet, and normal snow loads, not to mention intense heat and UV rays. What’s more, they’re engineered to be rust free, so you don’t have to worry about having an oxidized mess on your hands after years of rain and snow.
SummerSpace aluminum window awnings are a good fit if you prefer a “set it and forget it” solution. Remember, it’s a fixed window canopy. It has one position, and there it will stay. Also, the rust-free aluminum composition ensures that you won’t have to invest much in awning maintenance or cleaning.
These awnings come in handy when you want to protect vegetation in line with the window. Your shrubs, perennials, and that mini English garden may withstand the seasons longer with the protective covering secured above them.
Retractable Window Awnings
Unlike fixed awnings, retractable window awnings are designed to extend when you want to create shade and roll back up into a mounted spool when you’re not using it.
At SummerSpace, our Robusta window awnings have the capacity to extend and retract according to your preference. The covering consists of marine-grade Tempotest® high-performance fabric, designed for excellent shade and UV protection. The frame is made from our proprietary SummerShield™ powder-coated aluminum. All these elements contribute to a design that is both durable and elegant.
Our retractable window awnings are a good choice if your main objective is to create a cooler, shaded space around your window. Best practices note that you should retract fabric awnings such as these when precipitation rolls in, so keep that in mind as you weigh the options.
These awnings are great if you want to work with a large color pallet. The Tempotest fabric comes in over 100 unique colors, patterns, and texture combinations, making it ideal for stylizing your outdoor environment.
Fixed vs. Retractable Window Awnings: The Final Decision
Whether you choose fixed or retractable window awnings for your home or business, you can rest assured that they will deliver exceptional protection and beauty if they come from SummerSpace. Contact your local trusted SummerSpace dealer today to bring your choice of versatile upgrade to your home.
