How Much Does a Retractable Awning Cost?

• Typical Range: $500 to $25,000
• National Average: $3,100

Awnings are a type of exterior architectural element that provides protection from the sun and rain. There are many different types of awnings, including porch awnings, exterior awnings, and sunshades. They can be made from metal or fabric and can be mounted on the wall or on the roof.

According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners who add an awning to their home for protection from the elements pay a national average of $3,100, though the cost of materials and installation can be as low as $500 or as high as $25,000. Multiple factors influence the final cost, including awning size, material, and customizations. No matter a homeowner’s budget, there’s an awning cost that can fit within it.

Estimating retractable awning cost is possible. Here are some factors to consider along with tips on how to save on a retractable awning installation.

Factors in Calculating Retractable Awning Cost

Retractable awnings are an excellent way to make a home more attractive and comfortable. Not only do they offer protection from the sun, but they can help a home stay cool during hot summer days.

There are many factors that affect the total cost of an awning, and it is important to understand these before going through with an installation. Some of the major factors that influence price include the size of the awning, what materials it’s constructed from, and the inclusion of any additional features such as lighting or heating. See how the following factors can lower or raise the total cost of a retractable awning.

Awning Size and Style

The size and style of an awning are two of the most important factors when it comes to determining an installation cost. How much does a retractable awning cost based on size alone? The average cost to install a 20-foot by 20-foot is $4,000 to $10,000. A smaller canopy will almost always be more affordable. Installing a 10-foot by 12-foot awning can cost between $1,200 and $3,000. Upgrades and customizations will almost always raise the cost of an awning, no matter the size.

Awning style also influences the final cost. A retractable canopy can cost between $500 and $6,000, depending on the size, material, and features. A retractable drop-arm awning has a similar price range between $500 and $6,500. A retractable freestanding awning is a great option for homeowners who either don’t want to or cannot attach a canopy to their home. This type of awning can also be the most affordable with some models costing as little as $300. But larger sizes and retractable freestanding awnings made from high-end materials can cost as much as $7,000.

Retractable vertical awnings are another affordable option. These work similar to a sunshade and can be manually operated or motorized. A manual vertical awning will be more affordable, costing as little as $750. But motorized options or vertical awnings for larger windows can cost as much as $7,500.

Finally, retractable motorized awnings are the type most likely to result in a high installation cost.

This high-cost retractable awning can be as much as $25,000 or as little as $1,000. Like all other types of awnings, larger sizes will cost more. Installing smaller awnings, even those that are motorized, may be a DIY job for a homeowner. This can offer plenty of up-front savings. But larger options, including those with side panels or other customizations, may need to be installed by a professional. The addition of labor can increase the price, but the homeowner can rest assured that the awning will be installed quickly, correctly, and safely when done by a professional.

Awning Material

Awnings can be made from a variety of materials. All offer unique pros, cons, and price points. Canvas or fabric is a common awning material. This option gives homeowners the choices of virtually endless colors and design combinations. Canvas or fabric awnings offer just the right amount of shade for a fair price. But they tend to fade and deteriorate in harsh direct sunlight. Heavy snow and rainfall can also lead to damage with time. Both vinyl and acrylic awnings cost between $150 and $2,500, depending on square footage.

Metal awnings hold up much better than fabric, but this comes at an additional cost. It’s true that metal awnings can corrode or rust over time thanks to humidity, water, and other environmental factors, but protective coatings can help extend the average lifespan of a metal awning. An aluminum awning can cost between $5 and $15 per square foot.

Finally, copper awnings are another type of material to consider. These are less common, likely because they’re the most expensive. But they offer homeowners a virtually maintenance-free awning and can last for decades without ever rusting or corroding. Copper awnings cost between $90 and $120 per square foot.

Frame Material

Homeowners tend to focus on the awning material first, especially because of how it will visually affect their outdoor space. But frame material is equally if not more important because of the strength it adds to the awning.

Frames can be made of a variety of different types of materials, including wood and metal. Wood is affordable and easier for DIY homeowners to build a frame with. With the right stain or paint, wood frames can also be more aesthetically pleasing. But a wood frame will require more maintenance and is more prone to rot than metal.

Metal is the more expensive option, but a metal frame will almost always outlast a wooden design. It’s also easier to have more pitch positions and retractable options with a metal frame.

Awning Brand

How much do retractable awnings cost by brand? There are multiple brands of awnings on the market. Some are more affordable than others, but some also offer exclusive features that make their higher price tags worth the additional investment.

For homeowners who want to shop by brand alone, here are some pricing examples from some of the best retractable awning brands.

• Aleko: $500 to $2,000 installed
• KE: $700 to $3,000 installed
• Sunesta: $900 to $4,000 installed
• SunSetter: $1,000 to $3,000 installed
• Sunair: $2,200 to $7,000 installed

Installation Location

A retractable awning can be installed nearly anywhere. While many homeowners think an awning needs to be connected to a home’s exterior wall or roof, there are other options for locations that don’t bump up directly to a home. Different locations can have different installation costs, depending on ease of access and difficulty.

How much are retractable awnings by installation location? Here are some location estimates.

• Installing an awning over a pergola can cost between $40 and $100.
• Installing a simple awning over a window or door can cost between $250 and $500.
• Balcony installs cost a bit more, with a range between $300 and $2,000.
• Adding an awning over a hot tub can run between $300 and $6,000.
• Installation over a deck costs between $800 and $6,000.
• Installing an awning over a pool carries the most expensive potential installation cost with a range between $1,200 and $25,000.

Manual vs. Motorized

As a general rule of thumb, a manual awning will always cost less than a motorized awning. Many manual awnings come in kits and can be installed by homeowners, as long as they’re not oversize. But a motorized installation requires the assistance of an electrician, which can raise the cost.

The motor itself also raises the cost of materials. When comparing motorized awnings to manual, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 per awning for a motorized feature.

The good news is that, while more expensive, motorized awnings can help homeowners get more use out of their awning with less work. It’s also easier to keep an awning safe from high winds, rough rainstorms, or even hail by being able to quickly retract it with a motor.

And if a homeowner lives in an area where power outages are common, it may help to know that awnings can be installed with both a motorized retraction feature for daily use and a hand crank as a backup.

Labor

Labor greatly affects the total retractable awning cost. Not all installations are the same, though, so it really comes down to complexity when professionals are providing labor quotes. For a manual or crank installation, homeowners can expect to pay between $200 and $400. For a motorized installation, labor jumps up to between $500 and $1,000.

When it comes to oversize awnings, labor is about the same as it is for motorized designs, with a range between $600 and $1,000. But complex awnings rack up additional labor fees, falling within a range of $1,000 to $2,000.
Permits
Permits are usually required for commercial awning installs but aren’t always required for residential awning installations. But planning permission may be required in some instances. It’s best to consult with the neighborhood HOA or local municipality for more information on whether a permit is needed to avoid penalties or fees.

Working with a contractor who is experienced in awning installation can help clear up any uncertainty surrounding permits. If a permit is required, homeowners can expect to pay between $25 and $100.

If an electrical outlet is being added to accommodate a motorized awning or technology upgrade, an inspection may be required. Some home inspectors will check for permits, so having an awning installed without one (when a permit is required) can lead to delays down the line.

Geographic Location

Geographic location can also be a determining factor in the cost of retractable awning installation. This is because costs are higher in areas with larger populations or a higher demand for services than in rural areas or those where awning installation isn’t a highly sought-out home improvement job by homeowners.

Some of the more affordable locations to have an awning installed include Fargo, North Dakota, where an install can be as low as $400. Other low-cost areas include Austin, Texas, and Boise, Idaho, where homeowners can have an awning installed for as low as $300.

More expensive geographic locations include Cincinnati, Ohio, and Reno, Nevada. Installs in Cincinnati start at $1,600, while homeowners in Reno can expect to pay a minimum of $14,000.

The cost of installations for homeowners in Memphis, Tennessee, falls within an average range of $800 to $4,400. Residents of Boston, Massachusetts, can also expect average awning installation costs between $700 and $4,600.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Additional features, customizations, and maintenance can increase retractable awning price. While not all of these additional features are required, homeowners should understand the benefits that come with each uptick in price so they can decide if it’s an investment they’re interested in.

Heaters

Infrared heaters are an optional expense for retractable awning installation, but they pack a lot of benefits. These heaters are compact in size and can be installed directly to the awning’s arm or frame. This means they won’t block traffic or create a visual eyesore.

Infrared heaters offer subtle and consistent heat. They also offer instant heat, especially compared to other heating options like a fire pit or a chiminea. Infrared heaters are also eco-friendly. While gas heaters can emit carbon dioxide, infrared heaters burn clean. And also unlike some electric, oil, or gas heaters, infrared heaters are silent so they won’t interrupt the party or kill the mood.

Installing an infrared heater is simple and affordable. The cost for a heater can add $300 or more to the cost to install a retractable awning. Larger awnings may benefit from multiple heaters, while smaller awnings may be able to stay nice and toasty with just one.

Awning heaters don’t just warm up the people sitting beneath them. They can also help keep an awning dry after a storm, along with the deck, patio, or cement slab the awning is installed over. This makes it easier to maintain and protect both the awning and the area it covers.

Though infrared heaters do raise the cost for retractable awning installation, they make it possible to enjoy an awning more days out of the year. This makes them a small investment for a large benefit.

Mildew Treatments

Awnings can develop mildew, which is an early-stage type of mold. As microscopic fungus floats through the air, it lands on moist surfaces, where the wet conditions lend a hand to serious growth. Mildew is mostly a cosmetic issue, but prolonged exposure can cause health problems. And if mildew is left to grow on an awning for too long, there can be cosmetic damage that eventually shortens the lifespan of the awning.

To avoid damage to an awning, especially certain materials, it’s better to avoid mildew development in the first place rather than treating it when it pops up. That’s where mildew treatments come in. These simple applications can help prevent mildew from growing on an awning, making maintenance easier and preventing damage. These are affordable at $50 to $100 per treatment, depending on the size of the awning. The number of treatments required per year can vary based on geographic location, how susceptible an awning is to mold, and whether it’s more wet or dry than average in a given year.

There are also awning materials that are naturally mildew-resistant, including polyester and nylon. Homeowners can also help prevent mildew growth by routinely inspecting awnings for pooling water, pitching them properly for runoff, and washing their awnings with soap and water to remove bacteria that can speed up mildew growth.

Technology Upgrades

Do technology upgrades influence automatic awning cost? In most cases, yes. But how much depends on the type of technology being added to an awning.

For example, sensors can make owning an awning more convenient and improve the value of investment. If an awning isn’t extended, an installed sensor can detect excessive sunlight or rainfall and automatically extend. At the same time, an awning with a sensor can detect when the sun is no longer a heat or UV threat and automatically retract. It can also automatically retract when excessive wind speeds are detected. Sensors make it easier for homeowners to enjoy their awning without having to constantly operate it, either manually or with a button, and ensures an awning won’t be damaged during dangerous storms when a homeowner isn’t home. An awning sensor can cost up to $15,000 and is best left to a professional to install.

Speakers are a straightforward install that can really set the tone under an awning. Lively music works great for a party, while calm background music is a nice addition for dinner conversations. Speakers make it simple to enjoy clear sound without earpieces or carrying around a portable device. Speakers can also be connected to multiple devices, like an outdoor television or tablet, for a comfortable yet productive outdoor work station. A single speaker costs $200 or more to install. One can be enough, but multiple speakers may be needed for larger spaces.

Finally, outdoor lighting is another technological upgrade that homeowners can consider when installing an awning. Some models can have lighting added at the initial installation, while others allow for lighting to be added at a later time, such as hanging party lights and rope lights. These can be easily attached with clips or hooks to an awning frame, as long as care is taken that they aren’t damaged during retraction. A simple hanging light set can cost as low as $25. Awning lighting can get more expensive if an outdoor outlet needs to be installed, and this can raise the price by about $225.

Customizations

There are plenty of awning kits on the market. Many brands offer a variety of fabrics, materials, colors, designs, decorative flairs, and more to give homeowners plenty of options when choosing a prefabricated awning.

But there’s also the option to have an awning completely customized, from size to material to decorative edges to curtains. If a homeowner can dream it, a contractor can build it—for a price.

Simple customizations, like side curtains, can cost between $80 and $500. Certain materials can raise the price of an awning, especially if they have complicated patterns or have been pretreated to resist mildew. Many of the same factors that influence the cost of a prefabricated awning, like size and type, will also affect the price of a customized awning, but possibly on a steeper scale.

Other customizations, like contrasting trim or awnings with a scalloped edge, rarely raise the price of a custom awning. And if they do, the increase is minimal.

Whether a homeowner has a particular taste in style, wants to choose a color scheme that will appeal to the widest variety of potential home buyers, or just wants a unique awning that helps boost curb appeal without fitting into a cookie cutter design, a customized awning is the way to go.

Types of Retractable Awnings

There’s no shortage of awning types for homeowners to choose from, and they all offer a unique combination of pros and cons. For every home, there is an ideal awning design. The most common awning types are explained below.

Canopy

A canopy awning is the most common retractable design on the market and can cost between $500 and $6,000. These can be operated by a motor but work great with just a crank feature, making them ideal for areas where electricity isn’t an option, either due to logistics or budget constraints.

Where an awning tends to be attached to a home’s exterior wall, a canopy is a fabric or other type of covering that protects a separate structure, such as a pergola, from the elements. Because a canopy is often made from fabric, it’s easy for homeowners to find a variety of styles and designs to match their outdoor space’s current design.

It’s recommended that a canopy awning be custom manufactured to fit the precise measurements of the structure it’s being used for. Not only does an accurate fit enhance the appearance of a canopy, but it also ensures that the canopy will operate as designed and last as long as possible.

Drop-Arm

Drop-arm awnings are another common type of awning on the market. Also known as a pivot- arm awning, this design is a modern take on the traditional retractable awnings found over windows or doors. The angle of the awning can be adjusted, and retraction can be completed with a crank handle or motor.

Drop-arm awnings come in a variety of fabrics and colors, so finding a design that doesn’t clash with a home’s current style is simple and fun. Drop-arm awnings range in price from $500 to $6,500.

Drop-arm awnings work best when they’re custom fit to a window, door, porch, or deck. This ensures the fabric won’t droop or be pulled too tight. A proper fit not only looks great but can also help extend the life of an awning.

Freestanding

A freestanding awning provides plenty of sun and rain covering without the need to mount the awning to a wall. These are ideal for outdoor layouts that need shade in areas too far away from the home to mount a frame to. They can be retractable, though not all are. Freestanding awnings are also a great option for those unable to make permanent changes to the structure of their home, like short-term renters.

There are two types of freestanding awnings. A butterfly awning has a two-legged central framework that’s stabilized with either freestanding stabilization boxes or poured concrete foundations. There are also single-leg supported freestanding awnings. These always need to be fixed to a concrete foundation.

The cost of a freestanding awning can be quite affordable; a simple design can be as low as $300. But if a freestanding design includes retraction, lights, and speakers, homeowners can expect to pay closer to $7,000.

Motorized

A motorized awning retracts without manual labor. While a crank can still be used in some models as a backup retraction mechanism, motorized awnings make it simple to go from sun to shade or vice versa without breaking a sweat.

In some designs, a motorized awning can include sensors that automatically operate the awning. If the sensor detects sunlight, it will open to the ideal position automatically. Once the sun goes down, the awning automatically retracts. There are many benefits to owning an awning, but for homeowners wanting to save on their energy bills, an automatic motorized option can help keep a home cool without the AC having to work overtime.

Motorized awnings offer plenty of features, which makes them more expensive than other awning types on the market. Homeowners can pay as little as $1,000 for a motorized awning, while automatic motorized awnings with all the bells and whistles can cost as much as $25,000.

Vertical

A vertical awning acts as a vertical shade. It protects against the sun’s heat, UV rays, and glare and also offers protection against rain. A vertical awning can be retracted into housing attached to the outside or inside of a window. This makes vertical awnings ideal for anywhere there’s a window, including the interior and exterior walls of a home, gazebos, and screened-in porches.

Vertical awnings help reduce heat transfer onto window glass. They’re perfect for south-facing windows and are an affordable option for homeowners who want to lower their utility bills. A vertical awning can be as low as $750, while more expensive materials, elaborate designs, or additional square footage can bring the price up closer to $7,500.

Sailcloth

A sailcloth is a simple form of awning. It’s designed to be put up and taken down as needed, rather than being a permanent addition to a home or structure. A sailcloth is rarely powered by a motor. Manual operation typically involves tying the ends of the sailcloth either directly to a home or to supported poles.

Sailcloths are ideal for vacation homes where shade is appreciated but an awning can’t be monitored year-round. They’re also great for the occasional party or in geographic areas that don’t get a lot of hot weather.

Sailcloths are incredibly affordable, costing between $40 and $100. They’re unlikely to last as long as mounted awnings made from durable materials, but they pack a lot of comfort and convenience in a small price tag.

Benefits of Installing Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings offer plenty of benefits for homeowners, their guests, and even the environment. For homeowners on the fence about following through with an awning installation, the following benefits might be enough to convince them to schedule the job.

Increased Backyard Shade

The obvious benefit of a retractable awning is the increased backyard shade it provides. But shade itself has plenty of benefits as well. First, shade allows homeowners, their families, and their guests to enjoy more time outdoors. An awning helps extend a home’s living space by shielding a deck, patio, or other exposed area from the elements. This means kids can play board games, adults can engage in conversations, and families can gather and dine outdoors without having to worry about the hot sun or a soaking rain.

Nicely landscaped yards can increase a home’s value. One of the reasons is because landscaped yards often have natural shade built in. If a homeowner wants to increase the value of their home with shade but can’t afford to wait for newly planted trees to mature, a retractable awning is an option that potential home buyers are likely to appreciate.

Decreased Energy Bills

Properly placed awnings can help a homeowner save on their energy bills. Because awnings help keep a home cooler, continuous air conditioning cycles are a thing of the past. In fact, decreased energy bills can actually make retractable awnings a smart investment as they can pay for themselves over time.

A study by the Center for Sustainable Building Research at the University of Minnesota found that homes in Phoenix, Arizona, equipped with window awnings were able to reduce their home cooling energy by as much as 26 percent compared to homes without.

In ideal locations, window awnings can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year. But this goes beyond a single family’s monetary savings. First, a reduced demand for energy during times of peak usage results in overall savings for utility companies and all the clients they serve. Also, the environment benefits from less energy consumption.

Protection From UV Rays

Direct sunlight isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also be dangerous. Excessive exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays can lead to painful sunburn, premature aging, and increased skin cancer risk. Prolonged UV exposure can also increase the risk of potentially blinding eye diseases.

Additionally, UV radiation can lead to premature fading and wear of outdoor furniture. All it takes is a season’s worth of strong rays to make a brand-new outdoor patio set look like it’s in need of immediate replacement.

A retractable awning makes it possible to enjoy the great outdoors without the dangers the sun poses to human health and furniture appearance. A simple crank of a handle or push of a button is all it takes to go from baking in the sun to relaxing in the shade. The sound and peace of nature can still be enjoyed without the threat of UV radiation.

But exposure to the sun isn’t always bad. Exposure to the sun on a regular basis is the most natural way for the body to take in vitamin D. The good thing about retractable awnings is that they can be adjusted to allow sun in during the late afternoon hours when it’s more safe for direct skin exposure.

Retractable Awning Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

When preparing to install an awning, the first decision a homeowner should make is whether they’re going to install the frame and cover themselves or if they’ll hire a professional to handle the installation. Making this decision doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few things to consider.

The first is time. Installing an awning can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of installation and if other repairs or jobs are happening simultaneously. When it comes to taking a DIY approach to awning installation, having minimal experience in the process is likely to extend the timeline of the job. A professional is more likely to complete the job faster and with fewer complications that may throw off an inexperienced installer’s schedule.

The second factor to consider is budget. While it’s possible for a homeowner to save money by installing their own awning, this doesn’t always end up being the most cost-effective option. This is due to a few reasons. The first is that contractors typically receive discounts on materials. They also already have the tools needed to complete the job, whereas a homeowner may need to rent or purchase them. Finally, a professional is more likely to finish an awning install on time; a homeowner attempting to DIY can end up with a money-pit project that never seems to end.

The final factor to consider when trying to decide between DIY and hiring a pro is experience. Experience can’t be picked up in a tutorial video or instruction manual. In hiring a professional, a homeowner knows that dozens of previous installs have taught their contractor how to install an awning quickly, correctly, and safely. A DIY install leaves the door wide open for delays, errors, and injury.

Hiring a professional to install an awning comes with more up-front costs than a DIY install, but speed, experience, and quality craftsmanship are often worth the price to homeowners.

How to Save Money on Retractable Awning Cost

Retractable awnings can be expensive; some of the more elaborate designs can cost up to $25,000. But there are ways homeowners can minimize the cost of retractable awnings, including the following suggestions.

• Cut down on luxurious features. For example, to retract the awning, choose a crank instead of a motor for instant cost savings.
• Choose an awning material wisely. A cheaper material may not last as long as a pricier option, leading to more frequent replacements than with a larger initial investment for quality material.
• Think about how an awning can raise a home’s value and choose a design, both frame and fabric, if applicable, that will appeal to most buyers for a higher resale value.
• Get multiple quotes from different contractors, making sure to focus on value of the materials, installation, and warranties rather than simply choosing the professional offering the lowest installation price.
• Know how to care for an awning, including regular inspections and cleaning as needed, to get the most out of an awning’s life and its investment cost.

Questions to Ask About Retractable Awnings

It is important to ask the right questions when looking for a professional awning installer. This is the best way for homeowners to not only find a contractor that can handle the job but to ensure they’re getting a fair price. Here are some questions that homeowners can consider asking before, during, and after the awning installation process.

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you only install awnings?
• How long have you been installing awnings?
• How many awnings have you installed?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you carry business and workers’ compensation insurance?
• Do you have references or a portfolio?
• Do you offer free estimates?
• What’s included in my estimate?
• What happens if the installation goes over the estimated price?
• How can I save on my installation costs?
• Do you handle getting permits and scheduling inspections?
• What types of product choices do you have?
• What brands do you recommend?
• Do you work with designers for custom awnings?
• What’s the best way to reach you while I consider my options?
• How is your team trained?
• When can my installation start?
• How long will my installation take?
• Do I need to prep the space before installation?
• What times of day can I expect a team to be here?
• If I buy an awning from a big-box store, will you install it?
• Do you offer warranties?
• Do you require a deposit?
• What are the payment terms?
• Do you offer payment plans?
• How do I clean my awning?
• What happens if my motorized awning stops working?
• How do I maintain my awning throughout the years?

FAQs

A retractable awning can redefine a home’s outdoor living space. Homeowners can estimate their retractable awning cost by understanding a few influencing factors, all while gaining a deeper understanding of how awnings improve curb appeal, comfort, and home value. For the homeowner still weighing the pros and cons of a retractable awning, here are a few common questions and their answers to help navigate the decision-making process.

Q. Should I install a retractable awning myself?

It’s possible for a homeowner to install their own retractable awning. But these products are heavy and in most cases, more than one person is required for a safe installation.

If an awning’s design includes motor drives, controls, lighting, or heating, it’s recommended that an electrician be called in. Working with electricity is dangerous and in some scenarios, permits or inspections may be required. Working with a professional will ensure an awning is installed safely, correctly, and up to code.

Q. Are retractable awnings waterproof?

Retractable awnings are not designed to be entirely waterproof. The good news is that they are water-resistant. Most awnings can handle a steady rain if they’re installed with an ideal pitch, and this allows runoff from rain and snow. But if a retractable awning tends to pool water after a storm, it’s best to fold it in when not in use to protect it from damage.

Q. Why should I install metal awnings instead of fabric?

There’s no one awning type that’s ideal for every home. However, metal does have a few advantages over fabric. First, a metal awning can provide storm and sun protection, whereas fabric awnings offer little protection from the elements and can actually be damaged in storms.

A metal awning is also easier to maintain than a fabric version. In fact, metal awnings can last up to 20 years. Fabric awnings can succumb to high winds, mildew, and fading from the hot sun.

Q. Do I need a lot of clearance for a retractable awning?

A retractable awning doesn’t need support from the ground. Instead, an awning can hold itself up after being mounted onto the wall of a house, on a roof, or on an overhang. To make this possible, there needs to be a minimum of 6 inches of open space between the awning and the surface it’s being mounted on. And because most awnings pitch downward to avoid water pooling, there also needs to be at least 7½ feet of clearance between the ground and the lowest point of the awning when it’s extended.

Q. What is the average lifespan for a retractable awning?

With routine maintenance, like proper cleaning, a retractable fabric awning can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. This is a large range, and the lifespan of a fabric awning depends greatly on how it is cared for. A homeowner should inspect their awning about once a month and clean it as needed. Proper maintenance can also help keep a warranty intact, depending on the terms.

Q. How high should I mount a retractable awning?

A retractable awning should be mounted at least 7½ feet above the ground, with 6 inches of unobstructed space between the frame and the mounting surface.

Sources: Angi (1 and 2), HomeAdvisor, Fixr (1 and 2), Thumbtack, Happy DIY Home, SW Sun Control