Lateral Arm Retractable Awnings
Lateral arm retractable awnings, or retractable patio awnings, are a modern version of the old storefront crank-up awnings of the last century. Tension arms and a roller tube are supported by a torsion bar. The torsion bar fits into brackets which are mounted to a wall or soffit. Hand-cranked awnings are still available, but motorized units are now most common. The motor is housed inside a tube, called a roller tube, which the fabric is rolled on. Many motors have a built-in receiver and are operated by remote control, home automation or a 3 way switch.
Lateral arm retractable awnings are considered custom sun control products as they can be manufactured to exacting widths and an assortment of projections. Whether you are covering a pool or beautiful landscaped garden, it can be customized to fit your area. Although it is recommended that retractable patio awnings over 30′ be split and installed next to another standalone unit, they be as long as 40 feet or more in a single unit and extend as far as 18 feet in projection. These awnings also offer the flexibility to only open the unit as far as desired or adjust the pitch with the simple turn of a crank. Retractable patio awnings typically utilize a solution dyed acrylic base fabric, which can be seen on the fabrics page.