Manual Retractable Awnings

Pros and Cons

On the positive side, this type of shelter is available for your porch, patio, deck, or any other area, the same as a motorized version would be. You can find any width, any color, any style, and pretty much any pitch angle you could imagine to suit your space and your needs perfectly. Plus, when you get rid of the motor, you’re also getting rid of some real potential headaches. Things like possible motor malfunction, motor corrosion, additional weight, higher purchase price, and potentially greater upkeep and maintenance are not a concern when you choose a manual unit over a mechanized one. The only real drawback you’re looking at when compared to a motorized unit is the fact that extension and retraction isn’t as convenient as pushing a button - you have to turn a crank or perform a similar action to get the covering in place. Not that this is necessarily a grueling operation, but it does require physical action from you, which can be trying if you want the awning in place quickly or if there are adverse conditions like the hot sun or falling rain in play while you’re getting your covering set up.