One thing you can say about awnings: there is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to choice. Architects, building owners and business tenants all love the fact they can create awnings unique for each situation. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want stationary or retractable awnings .
Stationary awnings are permanently installed, so you get the same look and benefits all year round. Retractable awnings can give you on-demand coverage that you use seasonally or only during certain parts of the day. Both offer distinct advantages and some potential disadvantages, depending on what roles you want awnings to play for your building and business.
What should you know about stationary awnings?
One of the most valuable benefits of awnings is their ability to promote your business by displaying your name, address and specialized graphics. Stationary awnings can do that around the clock, all year long, whereas retractable awnings only promote when they’re in use.
Permanent installation is a once-and-done proposition for the lifetime of your awning, which should be several years. Permanent installation is also stronger. And you have more choices when it comes to materials. A fixed awning can be fabricated entirely of aluminum, it can have a fabric-covered frame or it can include specialty panels with louvers or clear thermoplastic material. Retractable awnings require the flexibility of fabric in order to roll up.
Because they don’t move, you can design stationary awnings in any shape you want. They can be far larger than retractable awnings, because you can add support posts at the outside edges or underneath, if needed. That means they can also be constructed as a free-standing canopy structure.
What should you know about retractable awnings?
Because they have moving parts, they can be more expensive than stationary awnings.
You can get your exercise with an old-fashioned hand crank, or use a motorized remote control to unfurl and retract your awning. You can go ultra-high tech and add sensors that open retractable awnings when the sun gets too warm for comfort and retract them when the breeze gets too stiff for safety.
You can achieve an authentically historic look. If your building is an NYC Historic Landmark or you’re located in an historic district, you’ll have to abide by the Landmark Preservation Commission’s rules, so retractable awnings may be your only choice.
Retractable awnings can be closed up for winter, allowing maximum natural light and no-cost solar heat through your windows.
It’s not just a matter of personal preference.
Aside from landmark status , there are other factors outside your control that affect the appropriateness of stationary versus retractable awnings. Even if your building isn’t officially “historic,” it could well have lovely architectural details you want to enhance.
If you’re located where winds or snow load are especially harsh, retractable awnings may be a safer alternative because you can tuck them away. But with the right structural engineering and materials, stationary awnings can withstand almost anything Mother Nature has to offer.
Today’s synthetic and laminated fabrics for both fixed and retractable awnings meet stringent performance standards. They also offer an outstanding array of colors and other options, further complicating the personal preference side of your choice equation.
How do you choose?
Talk with a professional awning expert. They have the product knowledge and experience working with many different types of businesses, so they know what works and what doesn’t for your building and location. They’ll help you decide if stationary or retractable awnings are most appropriate, and then help you make all the other choices that lead to awnings that are just right for you.
Photo Credit: @dbasanta via Flickr.