Retractable Awnings

coffey87

Hi All, looking to see if anyone has experience of installing a retractable awning and if it is worth doing with the Irish weather. Thinking of adding one to the patio, but worried it would be destroyed within a year

looksee

There was one on the balcony of the house I am currently living in. Obviously a good quality one new and very well anchored to the wall. It was taken down to get work done on the house though and never put back up, and tbh I haven't missed it. It had to be high to miss the original doors which opened outwards, then it was still not high enough to clear the new open doors which were slightly different.

However when it was in place it was only of use for a very limited period of the day and in midsummer when the sun was high, past noon it provided very little shade as the sun shone in from the side and front.

If its retractable - as this one was - the weather doesn't really matter as you would not have it open in bad weather, it could certainly stand up to a bit of a breeze or a shower. The leading edge of the canvas was pretty sad looking from weather, fading and birds, but the fabric was otherwise sound.

If you figure it will provide shade as and where you need it, it could be a good investment, but I reckon you would need to spend decent money to get something worthwhile.

kabakuyu

I have one for five years,3m x 4m,works on crank handle,reasonable quality,got from Denmark,company called Dancover.

Mine got damaged once when I left it extended during windy weather,easy to fix,took down cloth and reinstalled it.

I'd say they have a life of about 10 years but possibly longer with regular maintenance.