The pros and cons of retractable awnings for New Zealand homes

Retractable awnings have been growing in popularity in New Zealand as an innovative and convenient way of controlling the amount of shade and shelter your outdoor living areas receive. In recent years they have also been integrated with things like smart technology, adding a raft of new features and functionality. They are, however, a bit of an investment so it's important to know as much as you can about what they have to offer.

There are many advantages to choosing retractable awnings, especially with recent developments that have added even more features than ever before.

1. The ultimate in shade control

One of the big appeals of retractable patio awnings is the precision and control they give you as a shade and shelter system. You can choose to cover an entire space with its full extension or part of a space if total shade isn't required. Some products also allow you to adjust the angle of the awning, letting in different levels of light which can be great for creating a bit of mood and atmosphere for a social gathering.

2. Freeing up floor space

Retractable awnings are more often than not, roof or wall-mounted which means they don't take up any floor space in your outdoor living area. This means you'll have more room for outdoor furniture, cooking appliances and people. Space on a deck or patio comes at a premium for most so this is a benefit that shouldn't be undervalued.

3. Cleverly concealed when not in use

Further to the previous point, the ability to fully retract the awning in a discreet way is also a tremendous plus, especially for those who prefer a minimalist approach to design and styling. A retractable awning also allows you to open up the view at any given time when shade isn't desired.

4. Endless range of styling and material choices

A retractable awning is a high-end choice when it comes to awnings in New Zealand and with that comes high-end design options and plenty of them. This means you can choose from a wide variety of shapes, colours and materials to match your needs and preferences. There are even customisable awnings that you can consider for something unique to you.

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5. Smart technology for fingertip convenience

The latest retractable awnings in New Zealand now often feature integrated smart technology and apps that allow you to control your awning from your smart device. This adds a number of great features like programmable and automated settings that you can set in advance as well as access and control from remote locations. Some also feature innovations like wind detection which will automatically retract the awning in strong winds and heavy rain, preventing damage and increasing the life of the product.

6. Adding value to your home

A retractable awning is seen as a highly desirable feature of an outdoor area, one that only adds to the overall value of a home. While they have become increasingly popular in recent years, they are still fairly rare when looking across all homes in the country, giving those that have them a real point of difference. As premium products, they also look great increasing the kerb appeal of your home.

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While there are many positives to appreciate there are a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before making that final decision. They are fairly minor in the grander scheme of things but ones to flag nevertheless.

1. Typically used for larger spaces

Retractable awnings in New Zealand tend to be designed for larger spaces rather than smaller ones. This is due to the nature of their design and functionality with space required for the folding arm awnings (or otherwise) to extend and retract. If you are thinking about a shade solution for smaller outdoor areas, a portable shade like an outdoor umbrella or fixed awning might be a better fit.

2. Professional installation recommended

While experienced builders and DIYers will have the skills to install a retractable awning, professional installation is always recommended, ideally by the outdoor shade professional supplying the product in the first instance. They will know the unique features and nuances of all their shade systems and understand the physical tolerance they can withstand in certain conditions. This allows them to customise the installation in a very specific way, according to the situation and environment at hand.

3. Regular maintenance and cleaning required

A retractable awning has more moving parts than a traditional awning which invariably means there is more to clean and maintain. With electrical and mechanical components involved, this also means this work, with regards to maintenance, needs to be done by a professional. This will come at a cost but at the same time, will increase the longevity of the product for a greater return on investment.

4. Can be more costly

Given the features and flexibility that a retractable patio awning offers, it is not surprising that it is usually a more expensive option compared to traditional outdoor awnings. However, the overall price will vary depending on several factors, including the size, materials, type, features, brand, installation complexities etc, meaning there is a bit of a range of pricing between products.

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Besides the pros and cons discussed, there are a few other questions that frequently come up which are worth addressing as part of your decision-making process.

How much do retractable awnings cost?

As previously mentioned, the cost of retractable awnings in New Zealand can vary depending on various factors such as size, quality, features, installation requirements and more. At the lower end of the spectrum, you'll find manually operated awnings from around $500 that some will be able to install themselves at no cost.

Motorised retractable awnings will start anywhere around $1,000 and go upwards of $5,000 and more with the latest models full of innovative features.

Are there different types of retractable awnings?

The main way a retractable awning is classified is through its mode of operation, the two choices being a crank handle operated manual awning which is operated by hand and a motorised awning which is extended and retracted with the push of a button. They can also be differentiated by their placement, typically being wall-mounted or roof-mounted.

Another way to view these products is by the material they are made of, with the main choices being polyester, acrylic or canvas awnings though new options are always emerging into the market. Most of these are water and wind-resistant but it always pays to do a bit of extra research into this to ensure your choice is suited to your local conditions and environment. The number of years given in the warranty is also a good indicator of quality and the willingness of a brand to stand by its product.

How do you choose a retractable awning?

When choosing a retractable awning, the first thing to do is to take measurements of your space to ensure the sizing is right. This is obviously for practical reasons but stylistic ones too as you don't want it to be overbearing to the eye.

The mode of operation, between manual and motorised, is an important early decision to make and one that has a significant bearing on retractable awning pricing so is something you'll want to be certain of. In New Zealand, it also pays to prioritise durable, weather-resistant materials like powder coated aluminium frames and UV-resistant fabrics for longevity given our sometimes extreme weather conditions. Innovative features like wind sensors and smart controls add another layer of convenience but also put you into a higher price bracket so you'll have to think about how much of a premium you are willing to pay for this.

On the styling side of things, the materials and colours should ideally complement the architectural style of your home. Otherwise, it will be a distraction or at worst, an eyesore. Last but not least, compare the warranties offered on your options and look for reputable local suppliers (like those on ArchiPro) to ensure robust installation and proper customer care.

Related article: Choosing the perfect outdoor shade solution for your home

Having covered all the pros and cons of retractable awnings, you now have a solid platform of knowledge to make an informed decision for your home. For most people, they are a great choice that will make their outdoor space more functional and enjoyable but they are an investment which is why it's important to be confident that it's the right option for you.

(This article was updated on the 3rd December 2024)

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