How Do Retractable Awnings Work

These may extend and retract either manually or automatically depending on the type of awning.

How do retractable awnings work.

With retractable awnings the turn of a crank or the push of a button brings it back to your home s exterior wall or rolls it up neatly into an eave. Canvas types work similarly to roller blinds with spring tension. No matter what they protrude and obscure the window they are intended to shade. A manual retractable patio awning uses articulated arms that open and close in stages.

One end will have a handle that is slightly offset allowing it to be turned easily. The arms work because of a spring tension system or gas pistons. The awning handle is designed this way so that it can easily be removed from the frame and kept inside. Another turn or push and the awning extends providing blessed relief from the sweltering sun.

Aluminum types roll up into the cassette pushed by arms on the sides of the window. The other end will have a hook that fits into a clip next to one of the brackets. Manual awning a detachable hand turned crank is used to rotate the roller tube. The awning rolls up into the cassette that protects it from the weather when not in use.

This process is completed by manually winding a shaft clockwise or counterclockwise to unroll or roll up your retractable patio awning. The first arms are usually spring loaded and the ones after those furl to retract the awning or unfurl to extend it. Articulated and telescopic arms. Articulated arms essentially open in stages.

First the spring loaded arms extend. The tension from the springs or pressure of the gas ensures they open and close softly. Afterward the other arms extend. There are two types of arms that allow an awning to be retractable.

Many people assume they push the cover open but the arms simply automatically follow the cover as it opens or closes. As the cover extends the arm springs and elbows open to provide horizontal support.