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Extend the Time You Spend on Your Patio with a Retractable Awning

By: JC Mims

So, what are retractable awnings and what are they used for? Well, increasing your deck or patio usage and providing shade are two of the most obvious uses. You can easily increase your entertaining area with the simple addition of an awning as well. What better way to enjoy a summer day from the protection of the sun?
If you do not have a garage, an awning provides a dry space to enter your home when you come home to rain. This is especially true if your awning is located in the front of your home. Often times the awning will attach to or just under the eaves of your home.
The addition of a retractable awning can provide your ideal space that you can decorate with plants, patio furniture, and maybe even a relaxing fountain.
Set up your outdoor area with a patio table, chairs, and a grill and you have the perfect spot for outdoor BBQ's, but without having to worry about hot Summer days, or rain.
This can be a great energy saver when it comes to cooking and air conditioning. The breeze and the grill will be enough to have you spending hours outdoors that you did not spend before.
Another use for a retractable awning is putting it over a hot tub or Jacuzzi. This can be beneficial for a couple of reasons. It keeps it free from debris when you do not have the cover on it and it is great for entertaining.
The first thing you need to decide before you pick which awning is right for you is determine what you plan to use it for. Awnings come in a wide variety of sizes including sizes as large as 40 feet x 17 feet. The roof line of a typical awning will drop approx. 3 inches per foot extended. Thus, 17 feet is generally the maximum length of an extended residential type awning.
Check the space you have available for your retractable awning by measuring this area. An idea of how large an awning you need can be judged by doing this. A good clearance is needed as well. The size will also affect your windows that may be under the awning. The shade they provide will allow the interior immediately next to the awning to remain a little cooler due to the fact the sun will not be beating on the glass of the window.
You can purchase sensors for your awnings that will allow them to be automatically rolled in and out according to the weather. The difference in light is sensed and the awning will roll out when the sun gets too bright. Then when the night begins to fall, the sensor will automatically send a signal that the awning is to roll in. Look for quality when purchasing a retractable awning because with care, they can last for several years.

Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com

Before making any purchasing choice, make sure you check out this additional resource from JC Mims about deck awnings . Also, visit this resource for other backyard projects .

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