Retractable Awnings

I'm concerned about purchasing an awning that I have not seen in person. We highly recommend you review the certified engineering of any retractable awning product you are considering purchasing. You can look at a product all day long but the independent engineering studies tell the real story. If you purchase a retractable awning from a company that isn't proud enough of their engineering to publish the results of an independent engineering test I would not consider purchasing it. The reasons are numerous but most important to you is the ability of product to withstand normal stresses in daily use without any distortion of the frame members. A small distortion of the main mount tube will result in a magnified difference in the drop height, i.e., a 1/8" distortion of the mount tube would translate into a change in several inches in the height of the front bar when the awning is fully extended. Strength of the product, as evidenced by engineering tests, assures you that your awning will operate for many years with a minimum of maintenance or concern.

The common TUV engineering certification many awning companies have including us is not a determination of the strength of a given product. It is simply a rating of product suitability for the advertised use. TUV is similiar to our well-known UL Listing.

Why Buy a Retractable Awning?
A retractable awning offers the ultimate in versatility. About 40 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up in your house comes in through windows. Although both exterior and interior shades can control this heat gain, exterior shades -- items such as awnings, louvers, shutters, rolling shutters and solar screens -- are more far effective, since they block sunlight before it enters the windows and doors. You can adjust the tilt of the awning up to 45 degrees from the straight out position. You can extend the awning as little or as much as you like.

How much Does a Retractable Awning Cost?
Our SNAP system allows you to design and price an awning just for you. Just visit the product that is of interest to you.

Will I Realize Any Savings on My Air conditioning?
A properly installed awning can reduce heat gain in your home up to 65 percent on southern windows and as much as 77 percent on eastern and western windows. We have awnings on our home now because it was impossible for our air conditioner to keep up with cooling the westerly rooms. We now have cool rooms and a happy AC unit since my awning was installed, not to mention eliminating the fading issue with the furniture and paintings.

How Do I Operate My Retractable Awning?
The most popular system is a manual operator using a simple removable hand brace. This system may be installed inside the home if needed or outside either end of the awning. The installation of a tubular motor provides the maximum utility for a retractable awning. The motorization of your awning provides the additional option of a sun and wind sensor that automatically operates your awning as you program it. Imagine the awning senses the sun and out it goes to provide the shade you desire. The sun goes down and your awning automatically retracts safely waiting for the next time the sun comes out.

Can I install it myself? Installation
If you have basic carpentry skills and some knowledge of home construction, you can install these yourself. However, if you prefer not to manage the awning installation yourself, simply find a local handyman, carpenter or awning installer. We'll be more than happy to answer all of his and your questions. Click here for average installation fees.

How Do I Install My Retractable Awning?
Typically, most are installed on a wall using brackets that are solidly attached to wall studs or concrete beams. The suggested height above the ground should be between 8' and 10' high We install under soffits directly to roof trusses. This is especially popular where the overhang of the soffit is over 18" wide. We install on the fascia area at the end of the roof. This installation is utilized when the minimum 8' vertical clearance is not available. Additionally, we offer a roof mount bracket for the unusual situation where the necessary height is not available.

What is the Warranty on the Retractable Awning Frame, Operators and Cover?
The frame and cover are warranted for 5 years. Motors are warranted for 5 years.

What Fabric is Used on the Awning? Fabrics
We have a variety of products available but our primary fabric is "Sunbrella", a synthetic fabric available in many patterns and colors.

How Do I Choose My Fabric?
We have an extensive fabric selection on-line. We're sure the perfect color/pattern will be there. If not, simply provide us the name of the manufacturer and the fabric you desire.

How long will the fabric last?
You can expect the most common acrylic fabrics will last 8 to 12 years depending on use and exposure.

How Do I Decide How Large the Awning Should be?
First, I find it is wise to overlap the width of the area requiring shade by 6" - 12". This will limit the side loss of shade. The extension dimension should be the area you want covered plus 12" - 18". Remember, the sun isn't always directly overhead. Also, you don't have to extend the awning all the way. The extra 18" is cheap assurance of the shade you want. So, the width is 12" - 24" wider than you think it should be and the extension is 12" - 18" more than you think it should be.

Is the Width of the Awning its true width or is it larger due to the hood, end caps, and motor?
If you order a 16'-wide awning, the overall width including motor, hood and end caps is 16'. The actual fabric width will be 3" less or 15' 9" wide.

When an awning is fully extended, what is the height of the awning's front bar in relation to the mount point height?
The drop from the mount point of the awning to the front bar when the awning is fully extended is easily adjusted by you. We have a recommended pitch chart shown below. This chart provide an ideal for maximum strength. We understand that the ideal may not be possible or even desirable in many installations. This is why we have a very adjustable awning system.

The adjustment of our Sundown Gold awning is over 45 degrees. For example, an awning with a 10' extension would have a recommended 30" drop based on the pitch chart. This means, if you mount the awning 10' high, the front bar will be 7'6" high when the awning is fully extended. Lets say you mount your awning 9' high and you want the front bar 7' high when the awning is fully extended. The drop would be 24". You could also adjust the awning to have a 5' drop or no drop at all. The adjustment is up to you. The chart is only a recommendation.

Do I Need a Protective Hood?
If your installation is under an eve or soffit, I would save the money. If exposed to sunlight and weather, it is a worthwhile purchase.

What maintenance is required?
The beauty of these awnings is the fact they are virtually maintenance free. In inland areas simply wash the frame and fabric once per year with mild soap and water. In salt water areas we suggest rinsing the frame and cover monthly.

How do I clean the fabric if it gets soiled or stained?
You can clean lightly soiled fabric with a solution of soap flakes and water. Severely soiled or stained fabric can be professionally cleaned to look like new.

What is a spring-loaded shock absorber?
The shoulder joint is the hinged point where the extension arm attaches to the mounting frame. It is the point of most stress. Our exclusive, spring-loaded shoulder joint acts as a shock absorber protecting the awning from damage due to wind and rain that would destroy an ordinary awning made with common die cast aluminum knuckle.

How Much Wind and Rain Can the Retractable Awning Withstand?
Retractable awnings are for protection from the sun and engineered for winds 32 to 63 M.P.H. (depending on the size of the awning). I generally recommend the awning be retracted if you would be uncomfortable sitting under it. In other words, if it is too windy for you to comfortably sit under the awning, then it is uncomfortable for the awning as well, and it should be retracted. Wind Loads Chart

Light rain will not be much of a problem if the pitch is adequate for water run off. However, the awning is a sun shade and should not be expected to protect from heavy rain or snow. I suggest you consider a motorization option with a sun and wind sensor to automatically extend and retract the awning as needed.

Can these be used in the rain?
If the awning is installed with the minimum recommended angle of pitch, it is safe to use in light to moderate rain. However, it should never be left in the rain unattended, as heavy rain could cause water to pool on the fabric and possibly damage the frame and the fabric.

Will the remote from the sun and wind package operate the awning from inside the room the awning is covering? The remote is an infrared control, like your TV remote. So, you will need to aim the remote at the switch/eye to control the awning motor. If you mount the switch/eye inside the house and can aim the remote at it, you will be able to control the awning from inside the house.

Will the awning stress my wall?
When extended, the awning does exert a significant force at the point at which it is mounted to the wall, but our wind load testing was conducted on ordinary 2"x4" stud construction walls without any adverse effects. Even under excessive force, the mount will generally release before any structural problem could occur.

Can I still have an awning if I have a very low clearance above my door?
If you have low head room or a restricted mounting area where you would like the awning, we have specially designed roof brackets allowing the entire unit to be safely mounted on the roof.

Why would I want a motor for my retractable awning? Motorization Options
A motor makes operation both easier and more convenient. It sure is nice to simply push a button to roll your awning in or out, plus you can add an automatic Wind and Sun sensor or a remote control.

Can I add a motor to my awning later?
Yes, you can always add a motor later at a slightly higher cost due to the extra labor involved.

Do I need an electrician if I want a motor?
You would want to have an electrician wire the motor if you have an interior switch. You can order the awning with an exterior weatherproof switch box that simply plugs into an existing exterior outlet.

Will the installation permanently deface my siding?
There will be some holes from the bolts used to secure the mounting brackets, but there should not be any substantial modification needed on a common type home wall.

How Long Does it Take to Receive My Awning?
Two to three weeks from the date of the order.

How Much is Shipping?
Please visit our Shipping page for the details. Shipping

Why Should I Order My Awning From AGI Group?
AGI Group has over 19 years of experience. We have learned from experience how to maximize the utility and dependability of the product. We can answer all your questions and can ask you the appropriate questions to insure a smooth installation. We want total customer satisfaction and are proud of our reputation. However, if you prefer not to manage the awning installation yourself, simply find a local handyman, carpenter or awning installer. We'll be more than happy to answer all of his and your questions. Click here for average installation fees.

How Do I Place My Order?
Simply complete the on-line order from or call 800-823-6677 and we will take your order over the phone. A confirmation will be sent out . Payment can be made by check, American Express, Discover, Visa or Mastercard. Shipment is two to three weeks from date of order.