Top Benefits of Installing Retractable Awnings

If you're looking to improve your outdoor living space, rarely can you find an option that combines beauty, comfort and functionality in a single solution like retractable awnings. To offer beauty and aesthetics, add protection from the elements (rain, sun, snow, or wind) and to help optimize the use of outdoor spaces, retractable awnings do them all. At Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire, we've experienced the beauty and functionality that can be created with a simple retractable awning in patios, decks, or even windows on various residential and commercial properties.

In this article, we will detail the many benefits of retractable awnings and how they are emerging as an essential element for homes and businesses from Virginia and beyond.

 

1. Instant Shade and Comfort

The convenience of instantly having shade is one of the primary benefits of a retractable awning. There are many occasions in the summertime when direct sun makes your deck or patio uncomfortably hot. By simply extending your awning, you can eliminate unwanted heat, allow a particular amount of light in, block harmful UV rays, reduce glare, and create a cool, comfortable space for yourself and guests to relax, socialize, or entertain. At Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire, our retractable awning models are watertight and made to offer maximum sun protection while allowing natural light and fresh air to enter your outdoor space. Unlike solid types of cover, retractable awnings make it easy to enjoy your outdoor space without the discomfort of too much glare or excessive heat.

2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Reductions

Retractable awnings do not stop with comfortable outdoor living; they can also affect your energy bills. Retractable awnings block direct sunlight to windows, doors, and outdoor walls, which slows or reduces the internal heat from gaining access to your home. Slowing and reducing the internal heat allows a lowering of the temperature inside the home and allows running the air conditioning less in the hotter months. Studies show that correctly installed awnings can reduce internal cooling costs by up to 25%. That is significant over time! Yet another good reason to buy a retractable awning from Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire.

 

3: Flexibility and Control of Your Environment

One of the best benefits of retractable awnings, and what sets them apart from fixed awnings, is the flexibility of the awning itself. A fixed awning will never move. A retractable awning allows you to extend or retract the awning to create the outdoor environment you want.

For instance,

• Sunny morning? Retract the awning and enjoy the warmth.

• Hot afternoon? Extend the awning and create a cool area.

• Light rain? Leave the awning extended for protection without closing off the space completely.

Motorized or manual, our retractable awnings allow you to easily operate and adjust them to the weather and your needs at Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire.

4. Expanding Outdoor Living Spaces

Retractable awnings provide a great way to enhance your living space and extend your usable living space. They create a comfortable shaded area that can be used for outdoor dining, family gatherings, and simply enjoying a book outside! For businesses, particularly restaurants and cafes, retractable awnings can provide additional dining seating areas and entice customers who want outdoor seating but don’t want to sit in the direct sun or be exposed to the rain.

Moreover, our awnings are available in dozens of colors, fabrics, and styles, providing you with the ability to choose the look of your awning to complement your home’s architecture and your individual tastes.

5. Enhancing Home Value and Curb Appeal

A retractable awning is both practical and adds aesthetic appeal to your property. It can easily improve the visual exterior of any home and make it look more attractive to guests and more interesting to potential buyers.

Retractable awnings can increase a home's resale value because something that enhances both function and form can add value, and a home with a retractable awning that improves the outdoor comfort of the home and saves energy is going to be an appealing opportunity to a buyer.

6. Guarding Outdoor Furniture and Décor

Furniture, rugs, and décor are always affected when in contact with the sun, and when doing so for long periods of time, they can fade or deteriorate from sun exposure. A retractable awning will protect outdoor furniture, rugs, and décor from damaging UV rays, lending to a longer life in color, condition, and overall look of these items. This will allow a patio set, cushions, and flowers to look good and save money on replacements.

7. Durability and Low Maintenance

Modern retractable awnings are made to withstand the elements. At Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire, we use some of the best quality, weather-resistant materials available, capable of handling the varied seasons of Virginia. Our fabrics are fade resistant and easy to clean, and our tough frames keep them performing long and strong.

And since the awning retracts in times of extreme weather, it is likely less prone to damage than a fixed shade structure will be, requiring less maintenance and having a longer life.

Why Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire?

With decades of experience serving the central region and southeastern Virginia specifically, Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire has a great reputation for service, craftsmanship, and the personal touch. We take pride in our ability to create your custom retractable awning to meet your specific needs, whether that's for your small backyard, large deck, or even your commercial property.

From the first meeting to installation to ongoing service, we want to ensure you have a great customer experience. We believe that all outdoor spaces have the potential to be beautiful, usable, functional, and comfortable—our retractable awnings help to ensure that.

Conclusion

Retractable awnings provide an excellent combination of style, comfort, energy savings, and flexibility. They provide cover for outdoor areas according to your terms, protection for your home and furnishings, and increased value to your property.

If you are ready to change your outdoor space with a shade solution that will get the job done and look great doing it, just phone Awnings by Bigley & Hogshire. Our experienced staff will work with you to find the best retractable awning for your lifestyle and make your home or business more inviting year-round.