The Difference Between Retractable and Fixed Awning
Having an outdoor living space is all the rage these days. With a well-designed patio or deck, you can hold a range of activities that will not only bring your family members together and relieve modern day stress, but also increase the value of your home.
In order to get the most out of your outdoor space, you can add an awning that works to protect the dedicated outdoor space from extreme weather conditions while extending the amount of time you can comfortably spend outdoors.
You will not only get to spend more time in the comforts of your backyard, but you also get to protect your deck from bleaching as well as your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. There are two types of awning – retractable and fixed, which differ in various ways. Keep reading as we discover the differences between retractable and fixed awnings.
1. Durability
Both retractable and fixed awnings offer varying levels of durability but the latter can withstand the wear and tear of Malaysia’s unrelenting weather. This is due to its fixed position whereby once installed, fixed awnings tend to stay put. Besides, it can turn your deck or patio into an outdoor space that you can use when the weather is less than perfect.
Retractable awnings, on the other hand, often have fabric tops and support structures that are less reliable than their permanent counterparts. In most cases, you will need to retract and store them during bad weather conditions to prevent damage.
2. Space requirement /size
Fixed awnings can be customized to cover patios of any size. Whether you’re covering the backyard or a massive parking lot, it’s possible to get your fixed awning custom-made to cover any size of your outdoor space.
On the contrary, retractable awnings tend to be limited in size due to their portable, lightweight property. For instance, if you have a small or medium-sized deck that you want to cover, you may be able to find retractable awnings that will stretch over it. Otherwise, your options will be limited to fixed awnings.
3. Material
Fixed awnings are typically made of aluminum steel piping or tubing that can last up to several years. This is because the awning is installed in a fixed position and exposed to a range of weather elements that will corrode the metal over time.
Retractable awnings, on the other hand, usually comprise various components using different materials including fabric, metal, and steel. Once installed, these different materials will be subjected to varying amounts of dirt and debris that can accumulate over time and affect their integrity.
4. Lighting and sun exposure
Unlike retractable awnings that allow homeowners or property owners to control the amount of light exposure, fixed awnings don’t offer such control. Rather, it makes the space appear dark on a cloudy or rainy, overcast day.
In terms of exposure to sun or rain, both retractable and fixed awnings offer similar levels of protection and shade. However, fixed awnings are a sturdier option during bad weather conditions compared to retractable awnings.
5. Cost
It should come as no surprise that retractable awnings have a higher price tag than fixed awnings. Motorized retractable awnings tend to be more expensive than those that are manually operated due to the components needed.
Fixed awnings, on the other hand, usually cost a lot less than retractable awnings as they require fewer components. That said, the quality of the material used for the awnings can significantly impact both the price and the potential longevity of the awning.
6. Maintenance
When you install an awning in your backyard or front yard, you would rather spend your time enjoying the shade it provides than working to maintain it. Some will argue that it’s easier to maintain a retractable awning as the build-up of dirt and debris tend to fall off once the awning is retracted.
Meanwhile, reaching for the roof of a fixed awning will require you to do some climbing, which can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. Plus, you will need to use the right cleaning method to keep your fixed awning looking great.
Should you require further information about retractable and fixed awnings, you can consult a specialist like M & N France Fabric Awning. As Malaysia’s commercial awning manufacturer, our team of well-trained technicians can install and replace awnings efficiently to meet your requirements. For more information, contact 012-9891491 or visit our showroom here.
