If you have an outdoor living or entertaining space, then you know how beautiful it can be outdoors – just not when it’s blaring hot with the sun beating down on you. That’s where a retractable, or folding arm awning comes in. They can be a great way for you to enjoy the outdoors. There are some factors that you should however consider when purchasing retractable awnings. We’ve outlined them below:

Price

You should always compare pricing when purchasing retractable awnings. Folding arm awnings are some of the most expensive shade furnishings, and you should expect it to be a significant investment, even for a basic set up. For a purchase like this, avoid buying a product of lesser quality for a cheaper price, as the cheapness will become evident in not much time at all.

Manufacturing

Australian made is a great choice for awnings. Australia make some of the best window treatments in the market, and for good reason. We have some of the harshest climate conditions in the world. It’s good to know that your awning is designed and fabricated within our local standards, and that the product will therefore withstand the harsh conditions we find here, especially when summer hits.

Again, beware of companies that offer you low-cost retractable awnings at prices that seem too good to be true. Often they are too good to be true.

Warranty

You should always purchase your awning from a reputable supplier who offers a full service warranty. You can expect to pay a bit more up front, but the cost is worth it. In many cases, suppliers will provide a five-year warranty, which will ensure that your awning gives you stress free service throughout the five-year period.

Installation

If you haven’t thought about the cost of installation of your folding arm awning, before you shop is the time to consider it. If you go for a cheap product, you will not only (no doubt) find quality issues, but you will also likely have to install the awning yourself. Unless you are a DIY awning expert, you should probably leave it to the experts. This will have some cost attached to it. Also keep in mind, if you do choose to install the awning yourself, that in some cases this may void your warranty. Find out all the facts before you do DIY or have the experts install your awning.

We hope these tips have helped you out for buying your own folding arm awning, and we hope that you have a relaxing, cool, shady area to enjoy this summer!