Retractable Awning Connecticut Buying Guide: What to Specify Before You Order

Before you shop: retractable awning Connecticut basics

A retractable awning is an overhead sun and light-rain cover that attaches to your house wall and extends out over a deck or patio, then rolls back toward the wall when you do not need it. If you are shopping for a retractable awning in Connecticut, most of what separates a good purchase from a regretted one is decided before the fabric is chosen: how big, how it mounts and how it is controlled.

Our awnings are engineered and manufactured by SunPro, with powder-coated aluminum frames, a cassette housing that protects the awning when retracted, Sunbrella fabric and Somfy or DOOYA motorization. See the full spec on our retractable awnings page. This guide focuses on how to decide, not on repeating the catalog.

A wall-mounted retractable awning over a deck. Width, projection and mounting height are the first decisions.

Step 1: Decide the size

Two numbers define an awning: width (how far it spans along the wall) and projection (how far it extends out). Our awnings range from 10 to 40 feet wide with up to 12 feet of projection.

• Width: match the area you actually use. Covering the full run of a sliding door usually matters more than covering the whole deck.
• Projection: deeper is not always better. A deeper awning catches more wind and needs a stronger mount. Size it to the seating area plus a little margin.
• Height and sun angle: we check where the sun falls on your wall at the times you use the space, and set the mounting height and pitch accordingly during the on-site visit.

Our retractable awning cost guide shows how width and projection move the price.

Step 2: Choose the fabric and frame color

Our awnings use Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic fabric, which means the color goes through the entire fiber rather than just the surface. That is the reason Sunbrella is widely used on outdoor awnings. You can choose from 30+ in-stock fabrics and 200+ additional fabrics available through Sunbrella. Frame colors include white, beige, black and bronze.

Pick fabric outdoors, in daylight, against your siding and trim. Solids are easiest to match; stripes make a stronger statement. Ask for a free fabric sample kit during the consultation. For care, see our guide to Sunbrella awning maintenance in Connecticut.

Shade over the dining area is the most common reason for choosing a retractable awning.

Step 3: Motor, controls and sensors

Every Shoreline Shade awning comes with Somfy or DOOYA motorization and a wireless remote. Beyond that, decide on:

• Remote only, or wall switch and smartphone: some models support smartphone control and timers. If you have a smart home, read our post on smart home awning integration.
• Wind sensor: optional, and worth considering on exposed decks. It retracts the awning when wind exceeds a safe level.
• LED lighting: a built-in LED light bar is standard, which helps for evening use.

Step 4: Check the mounting surface

The wall is where most problems start. The awning must be anchored into solid structure, not just siding or sheathing. A good installer inspects the wall before quoting, because brick, stucco, vinyl over sheathing and a deck ledger all need different hardware. Be wary of any quote given without seeing the wall.

Our post on retractable awning installation in Connecticut covers the process step by step. If your home has an HOA or historic district review, ask before ordering.

Step 5: Compare quotes properly

If another company quotes the same product specifications, our apples to apples price match guarantee applies. Our guide to choosing a retractable awning company in Connecticut covers questions to ask installers.

What a retractable awning costs

Our published cost guide gives rough tiers: about $4,500 to $7,500 for a motorized mid-range awning, and about $7,500 to $14,000 or more for a premium motorized system. These depend heavily on size, fabric, frame, controls and mounting, so we quote after measuring. The full cost breakdown explains each factor.

Honest limits: when an awning is not the right product

• You mainly want insect control. An awning gives overhead cover, not bug protection. See motorized screens vs retractable awnings.
• Your deck takes constant strong wind. An awning must be retracted in high wind. A wind sensor helps; a more sheltered product may fit better.
• You want a permanent roof. If you want a fixed structure, compare options in our pergola vs patio cover vs retractable awning guide.
• You have no solid wall to mount to. We will tell you at the measurement.

Connecticut timing and care

Because awnings are custom built, order ahead of the season. Our post on the best time to install a retractable awning in Connecticut explains the seasonal queue. Before winter, see how to winterize a retractable awning. Shoreline and coastal homes, such as those on our Old Saybrook awnings page and Madison awnings page, should ask specifically about salt-air durability. If an older awning needs work, see retractable awning repair and replacement.

For general information on how exterior shading affects home cooling, the US Department of Energy has an overview of window attachments and solar heat gain.

Common questions