Awnings add both practical and aesthetic value to any home’s exterior, especially in Singapore’s warm, sunny weather. If you are deciding on a suitable one for your home, this guide will be your stepping stone to making an excellent choice.
Types of Awnings Available
Two common awning types are widely used by households in Singapore: retractable and fixed awnings.
Retractable Awnings
A retractable awning features flexible, movable mechanisms that allow you to extend or retract the awning via a motorised mechanism (some of which may use automated sensors) or manual controls (such as using a crank or lever). An awning typically features a foldable shade made from durable fabric, which may be derived from polyester or acrylic, allowing the awning to be retracted without restriction.
The retractable awning’s versatility provides a pleasant, adjustable shade that you can use to shelter yourself from UV rays, strong winds, and sudden downpours while you are outside. It also offers unobstructed views once retracted, allowing you to enjoy the scenery outside your home on pleasant days.
Fixed Awnings
Unlike a retractable awning, a fixed (or stationary) awning is permanently positioned in a preset location, providing consistent and reliable shade from adverse weather conditions. Common fixed awning models typically use a durable, chemically inert metal like aluminium that can resist the elements (such as rain and rust), allowing it to last a long time while requiring minimal maintenance. Moreover, fixed awnings are available in various shapes, sizes, and designs that suit a wide range of outdoor settings.
Comparing Retractable and Fixed Awnings
Here are the key elements to consider when choosing between retractable and fixed awnings.
Durability
Generally, fixed awnings are considered more durable due to their permanent, wall-mounted position and the choice of construction materials used. While acrylic fabric is an option, many fixed awnings tend to use aluminium or other metallic alloys because of their higher resistance to wear and tear, which may be due to physical impacts or corrosion. They also feature a durable support structure that can also resist this wear and tear, preserving its condition for a long time.
Retractable awnings are typically considered less durable than fixed awnings, but their collapsible nature allows you to quickly retract them when bad weather intensifies. Some models allow you to retract the entire collapsed awning into a dedicated storage space, rather than leaving it exposed to the elements, which may help increase its lifespan.
Coverage
Both retractable and fixed awnings offer decent protection from the elements (sunlight, rain, etc.). Fixed awnings provide round-the-clock protection regardless of the weather or time of day. However, retractable ones may have a slight advantage for models that can be adjusted to your current shading requirements. This versatility makes the retractable awning a more suitable option if you frequently spend time outside your house for various activities, as you can easily make minor adjustments throughout the day.
Spatial Considerations
Both types of awnings require sufficient outdoor space to mount the awning and its supporting structures. Fixed awnings occupy a set area that can reliably protect you from sunlight, rain, and wind at all times. Retractable awnings easily fold or collapse into a smaller space that can rest against the exterior of your home or retract into a dedicated storage space.
Most homes opt for a retractable awning that closes up outside, as having dedicated storage for it will require additional interior space to accommodate the awning and its various components. Some homeowners may prefer this option, as it could help prolong the awning’s overall lifespan. However, it may require additional maintenance to ensure the awning retracts properly and prevents jams from occurring.
Cost Considerations
Fixed awnings are a more cost-effective option due to their permanent placement, making them an optimal choice for budget-conscious buyers. Retractable models tend to have a higher price point due to the additional mechanisms needed to retract and extend the awning, as well as to ensure it remains in place.
Design Aspects
Fixed awnings have a wider variety of designs that come in different colours, shapes, and sizes. Given their permanent placement, there is more room to accommodate unique designs that complement your home’s overall theme while providing reliable shading for your exterior. Retracted awnings can have some variation in their design, but they are more restricted, as the design should not prevent the retracting or extending action of the awning’s mechanisms.
Material Options
Fixed awnings can be made from durable metals or fabrics, with aluminium being the more common option due to its affordability and impressive durability, both against wear and tear as well as corrosion. Retractable awnings typically use acrylic or polyester fabrics that are flexible and durable, allowing them to function without impeding their retracting and extending mechanisms. However, there are rigid retractable awnings that use aluminium composite panelling that are typically longer lasting than fabric options, though this may influence the final price.
Installation
Fixed awnings are easy to install, as an awning installation service only needs to set up the supports and the main panelling that will serve as your shade. In contrast, retractable awnings require extensive installation work due to the complexity of the awning’s mechanisms. Motorised models are more complex, as they need sufficient space to mount their numerous components, ensuring they can retract and extend the awning without difficulty. Manual ones are a lot faster to implement because they only require a simple crank or lever to operate.
Maintenance
Fixed awnings are a low-maintenance option due to their static nature, so you only need to give them a clean-up every few months to remove grime and stains. In comparison, retractable awnings may need more regular checks to ensure that the mechanisms are in working order and can operate without complications. You may also need annual maintenance assessments by the awning installation team to conduct professional preventive care and maintain the awning’s condition.
Choosing the Right Awning
If you prefer convenient flexibility and versatility, a retractable awning is an excellent option for your home. You can easily adjust the awning’s position based on the time of day and weather conditions, especially if you spend a significant part of the day in your home’s outdoor section. While they may require additional maintenance checks to maintain their retracting and extending capabilities, their overall functionality helps improve their longevity, especially with proper care.
For a reliable, budget-friendly solution, fixed awnings can still provide decent shade from the elements while remaining durable and reliable over time. While they may lack the added versatility of an adjustable mechanism, they still retain their core functionality and also enhance your home’s exterior with their unique presentation.
In need of the right awning for your home? Contact DeGrille today to learn more about our awning and louvre options!