Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
from our customers.
If you don't find your answers here, please call or contact us
using the form at the bottom of this page.
Our design consultants can help you with your specific
project needs.
Learn more about Sunesta's superior
quality.
- Why buy a retractable awning?
- Retractable awnings can significantly improve energy costs.
About 40 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up
in a room comes through the windows. Awnings are effective
at controlling this heat because they block sunlight before it enters
the space, unlike blinds or curtains. Retractable awnings
also control glare and offer UV protection.
- Retractable awnings can significantly improve energy costs.
About 40 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up
in a room comes through the windows. Awnings are effective
at controlling this heat because they block sunlight before it enters
the space, unlike blinds or curtains. Retractable awnings
also control glare and offer UV protection.
- How big are they or what sizes do they come in?
- We custom make your awning to the inch for your application. We do this so that they look perfect on your home.
- We custom make your awning to the inch for your application. We do this so that they look perfect on your home.
- Will the fabric be a single piece or will it have seams?
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There will be seams in the fabric on awnings over 4ft wide. The fabric is cut with a device that uses sound waves (sonic cutting) to perfectly cut and seal the edges. The fabric seams are determined by a computer, this allows for evenly spaced seams every time.
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There will be seams in the fabric on awnings over 4ft wide. The fabric is cut with a device that uses sound waves (sonic cutting) to perfectly cut and seal the edges. The fabric seams are determined by a computer, this allows for evenly spaced seams every time.
- We would like the awning to project out over 10 feet. Is this available?
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Our standard projection is 10 feet, but we do have a very high end model that will project up to 13 feet. Smaller projections are also available.
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Our standard projection is 10 feet, but we do have a very high end model that will project up to 13 feet. Smaller projections are also available.
- Are vertical supports required?
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NO vertical supports are required.
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NO vertical supports are required.
- What are lateral arm retractable awnings?
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Lateral-arm retractable awnings use spring loaded arms that pull the awning fabric taut as it rolls from a central drive tube.
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Lateral-arm retractable awnings use spring loaded arms that pull the awning fabric taut as it rolls from a central drive tube.
- What are drop arm retractable awnings?
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A drop arm awning has arms which can be set to extend horizontally
(side-arm) or straight down (drop-arm) for optimal privacy and
coverage. The design also allows the awning to be retracted fully.
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A drop arm awning has arms which can be set to extend horizontally
(side-arm) or straight down (drop-arm) for optimal privacy and
coverage. The design also allows the awning to be retracted fully.
- What happens when it rains?
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Retractable awnings primarily are designed to provide protection
from the sun's rays and not from rain. However, it can
be used in light rains with proper unit pitch.
The fabric is waterproof so your outdoor areas and property will remain dry and useable. In heavy or driving rains, the unit must be retracted to keep water from "pooling" on the fabric and causing damage or irreversible fabric stretching.
An optional Sun Sensor and Wind Sensor is also available.
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Retractable awnings primarily are designed to provide protection
from the sun's rays and not from rain. However, it can
be used in light rains with proper unit pitch.
- What happens when it is windy?
-
An optional Wind Sensor is available that will automatically retract
your awning. Our Sun Sensor also includes a Wind Sensor.
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An optional Wind Sensor is available that will automatically retract
your awning. Our Sun Sensor also includes a Wind Sensor.
- Can I partially open a retractable awning, or do they need to be
opened to their full extension?
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Our retractable awnings can be stopped at any position up to the
full projection.
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Our retractable awnings can be stopped at any position up to the
full projection.
- Is this a "Green" product?
- The US Dept. of Energy states that properly installed awnings can reduce heat gain up to 65% on southern windows and 77% on eastern & western windows. This could be equivalent to a 20° difference in temperatures. The use of awnings during the summer months could have an effect on peak demand reduction which could save the utility companies and the consumer from an increase in the need to build a new generating capacity. In the colder months, due to the retractability of the awning you are able to take advantage of the warming rays of the sun.
- The US Dept. of Energy states that properly installed awnings can reduce heat gain up to 65% on southern windows and 77% on eastern & western windows. This could be equivalent to a 20° difference in temperatures. The use of awnings during the summer months could have an effect on peak demand reduction which could save the utility companies and the consumer from an increase in the need to build a new generating capacity. In the colder months, due to the retractability of the awning you are able to take advantage of the warming rays of the sun.
- Has the product passed independent certification testing?
- Yes, both the Frame and Motor are TÜV Certified.
- Yes, both the Frame and Motor are TÜV Certified.
- What is covered under warranty? For how long?
- See
- See
- What materials and finishes are available?
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All assembly hardware, frame and arms are made with extruded aircraft aluminum with a powder coat finish available in 3 colors (white, brown, and beige) with a powder coated galvanized steel torque/install bar.
The cables are galvanized PVC coated steel cables.
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All assembly hardware, frame and arms are made with extruded aircraft aluminum with a powder coat finish available in 3 colors (white, brown, and beige) with a powder coated galvanized steel torque/install bar.
- Are all components made to be rust-free?
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Yes, nothing will rust.
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Yes, nothing will rust.
- What type of fabric is used?
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Solution dyed acrylic fabric, the highest quality outdoor fabric and thread available. It will not fade, mold or mildew. It is waterproofed and UV treated to block out 98% of the UV rays.
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Solution dyed acrylic fabric, the highest quality outdoor fabric and thread available. It will not fade, mold or mildew. It is waterproofed and UV treated to block out 98% of the UV rays.
- What color options are available for the fabric?
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We have over 190 fabric color choices available; this includes patterns and solid colors.
View or download in PDF format.
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We have over 190 fabric color choices available; this includes patterns and solid colors.
- What valance options are available?
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We have 5 different Valance styles available.
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We have 5 different Valance styles available.
- What color options are available for the frame?
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Beige, White, and Brown; all with an electrostatic powder coat finish, much stronger than paint.
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Beige, White, and Brown; all with an electrostatic powder coat finish, much stronger than paint.
- Do your awnings have adjustable pitch?
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The pitch can be adjusted from 0 — 45 degrees.
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The pitch can be adjusted from 0 — 45 degrees.
- Is a motor included or an option? At what additional price?
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We base price awnings with a standard hand crank. The motor cost depends on the size of the awning.
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We base price awnings with a standard hand crank. The motor cost depends on the size of the awning.
- What type of motor is used?
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Only the best, we use Somfy motors.
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Only the best, we use Somfy motors.
- What types of switches are included/available?
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A wall mount switch is included in the base motorized price, but we have several wireless remotes, and interior wireless switches as well.
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A wall mount switch is included in the base motorized price, but we have several wireless remotes, and interior wireless switches as well.
- Are hoods included or an option?
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Hoods are an option. Price varies depending on the size of awning. We also offer a protective cassette, this covers the awning from all sides, it completely encases the fabric roller tube for full protection.
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Hoods are an option. Price varies depending on the size of awning. We also offer a protective cassette, this covers the awning from all sides, it completely encases the fabric roller tube for full protection.
- What material are the hoods made of?
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Powder coated extruded aircraft aluminum.
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Powder coated extruded aircraft aluminum.
- Can I open or retract the awning remotely?
- A regular remote control is included with any wireless unit. We also have an optional waterproof remote. A manual override is available and recommended for every motorized awning.
We also offer Sun and Wind sensors to automate retraction.
- A regular remote control is included with any wireless unit. We also have an optional waterproof remote. A manual override is available and recommended for every motorized awning.
- Can you send me more information?
-
Fill out the form below and click send or call us @ 678-735-1523
to schedule a design consultation and estimate or request more information.
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Fill out the form below and click send or call us @ 678-735-1523
to schedule a design consultation and estimate or request more information.