Retractable Awnings vs Permanent Canopies: Which Works Better for Kent Gardens?

Now it's time for a detailed overview. 

What Is a Retractable Awning?

In simple terms, a retractable awning in Kent is a wall-mounted shading structure that extends and retracts. A retractable awning is best suited for: 

● Gardens 

● Patio

● Terrace 

● Seating area

These awnings are made of weatherproof materials (generally fabrics) that rest on a foldable steel arm. These are often handy for people who want to be able to extend/close the awning at their leisure. Once retracted, the awning is out of sight, and the unit sits in a slim cassette or open frame wherever it has been installed.

 

How Does a Retractable Awning Work?

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how a motorised retractable canopy works: 

 Step 1: A hidden handle opens and closes the canopy at the press of a button. 

 Step 2: If the canopy comes equipped with a weather and wind sensor, then it can automatically open and retract depending on the weather. 

 Step 3: If your canopy is a manual crank-handle one, then you will need to extend or retract the awning by yourself. 

 Step 4: For homeowners in Kent looking for more sturdy and weatherproof options, you can use heavier-grade fabrics and tighter pitch settings. 

 

What Is a Permanent Canopy? 

Contrary to a folding arm awning, a permanent canopy does not retract or spread open. Instead of opening and closing, it stays fixed (also known as fixed awnings). It is a permanent and fixed structure designed to provide protection from sun, rain, sleet, hail, and snow all year long. A fixed awning is made of a solid frame, a fabric canopy or a solid roof (often made of glass or polycarbonate).

How Does a Permanent Canopy Work?

Unlike a retractable awning, there isn’t any elaborate technique behind how a fixed awning works. It stays permanently fixed on the top of your garden or patio. A fixed canopy is like an extension of your home- it is not a piece of equipment. A fixed awning is most commonly used:

● Over patios

● For dining areas

● Over large windows 

 

Pros of a Retractable Awning 

The advantages of choosing a retractable canopy include: 

1. Adjustable Shade and Comfort

A retractable awning gives you full control over the amount of sunlight or shade you want in your garden. For instance, in summer, you can fully extend your awning to cover the entire area beneath it. On other days, you can retract the awning according to your comfort to get as much sunlight as possible.

2. Overall Protection in Every Weather 

They are known to offer complete, all-round protection in every weather. A retractable canopy is enough to protect you through the summer and winter alike.

3. Helps Consume Less Energy 

If the canopy covers any windows or doors in the summer, this will lead to a cooler feel inside the house, as the house is bathing in shade rather than direct sunlight. This in turn helps to reduce the total amount of energy consumption as well as bill expenditure. 

4. Enhances Aesthetic Appeal 

Many homeowners in Kent and surrounding areas usually prefer retractable awnings because they add a certain level of aesthetic appeal. It helps improve the visuals of their garden and adds an element of style or class. 

5. Durable in Mostly All Seasons 

Be it rain or sun, a retractable canopy can protect your plants in almost all seasons. Since they are made of weatherproof fabrics, they are durable and have a long life span. 

 

6. Flexible 

This type of awning is more flexible than a solid or a fixed canopy as they can be extended and detracted at your leisure. 

Cons of a Retractable Awning 

Just as there are certain advantages, there are a couple of disadvantages, like the following:

1. More Expensive 

A retractable folding canopy is often costlier than a permanent canopy. If you want a motorised or automatic canopy, it's going to cost you even more. 

2. Requires Frequent Maintenance 

It's not a one-time fix. A retractable canopy requires frequent maintenance. This means that dust and debris must be cleaned more frequently than with a permanent canopy so it does not affect the awning’s ability to retract. 

3. Complex Installation Process 

Since a motorised sensor must be installed, it makes the installation process a touch more complicated. 

4. Size Limitations

Depending on the size of your garden, retractable awnings may not provide complete coverage. This means you may need to use additional shading. 

Pros of a Permanent Canopny 

The advantages of relying on a fixed canopy are: 

1. Maximum Durability and Wind Protection 

Permanent canopies offer the best and solid durability in all seasons. They also protect your garden from strong winds. 

2. No Maintenance Charges 

Once installed, you can often clean them yourself. You don't need to schedule or pay for maintenance.
 

3. All Year-Round Protection

As mentioned before, such canopies provide protection from sun, rain, sleet, hail, and snow all year long. 

4. Lower Installation Cost

Since the process of installation is simpler and not as complicated as retractable canopies, the charge for installation can often be lower. 

5. Helps Save Energy 

Similar to a retractable awning, choosing a permanent canopy means you save big on electricity bills. 

Cons of a Permanent Canopy 

The cons of a permanent canopy are: 

1. They Are Not Flexible 

A permanent canopy is neither expandable nor retractable. This means that it's not flexible at all. 

2. Blocks Out Natural Light Completely 

Unlike a retractable awning (which you can expand and contract at will), a permanent canopy means that the sunlight will be blocked completely. 

3. Faster Degradation

Permanent canopies are prone to damage faster. This is because permanent canopies lack housing or cassettes. So the surface stays exposed to the elements at all times, making them prone to degradation and damage. 

4. Planning Permission and Other Hurdles

Since a fixed canopy is a permanent design or addition, you need to get permission from: 

● Local building codes

● Homeowners Association (HOA) 

● Other permissions (if any) 

5. Permanent Commitment 

As the name suggests, it's a permanent addition to your garden. You can’t remove it whenever you want. 

How to Choose Between Retractable Awnings vs Permanent Canopies: A Brief Comparison

Once you have considered all the above factors, it’ll give you a better idea of what is the best fit for your garden. However, if you still feel you need a little extra guidance, here are two lists to help you make the final decision: 

When to Choose a Retractable Awning 

Choosing a retractable awning makes sense if: 

● You want your awning to be flexible 

● You’re after a sleek design 

● You prioritise longevity and durability 

● You want additional features such as integrated lighting, heaters, and sensors 

When Choosing a Permanent Canopy Makes More Sense 

Select a permanent canopy if you’re after: 

● Getting complete protection in all weather conditions

● A permanent addition for your garden 

● A wide range of shapes, fabrics and branded designs

Looking for the Best Awnings Kent Has to Offer?

Whether you’re permanent canopies that Kent homeowners and businesses can rely on or simply want to compare retractable awnings in Kent, we’re happy to talk it through. Our local team will help you find the best awnings Kent properties can have, from a compact balcony awning to a large commercial canopy. We offer a free site survey and a no-obligation quote, and our own installers do the fitting. Contact us today.

Before You Go 

The right awning turns an exposed outdoor space into one you can use for much more of the year. Whether you choose a flexible retractable awning or a permanent canopy, a well-fitted awning protects your space from sun and showers and adds real value to your property.

 

 

FAQs 

1. What types of awnings in Kent do you supply and fit?

A: We supply and fit retractable, motorised, full cassette, butterfly and pergoline awnings, plus Dutch canopies and pergolas, including the Bobcat, Puma and Tiger ranges. We’ll help you choose the right one during a free site survey. 

2. Are retractable awnings in Kent suitable for windy coastal weather?

A: Yes, as long as you pick the right system and use it sensibly. Full cassette models fold their fabric and arms into a sealed aluminium case, which protects them when closed. You should still retract any awning in strong gusts. If you want extra stability for a large area, a pergoline awning or retractable pergola is built for tougher conditions.

3. What’s the difference between manual and motorised awnings?

A: Manual awnings use a detachable hand crank, so they cost less and need no wiring. Motorised awnings extend and retract at the push of a button using a remote or wall switch. Many can also connect to smart-home systems or be fitted with wind and sun sensors, so they retract automatically.

4. How do I look after my awning so it lasts?

A: Never roll up an awning while it’s wet, because trapped moisture can lead to mould and fabric damage. Brush off dirt and debris regularly, and keep the hardware clean. We also offer servicing and repairs, including fabric replacement, motor servicing and mechanism adjustments.

5. Do you offer a free survey and a guarantee?

A: Yes. Every job starts with a free site survey and a no-obligation quote. Our own installers fit your awning, and our awnings come with a manufacturer’s guarantee of up to five years. We cover Whitstable, Herne Bay, Tankerton, Canterbury, Faversham and the surrounding areas.