Frequently Asked Questions

Things to Know Before Purchasing a Retractable Awning

What fabric do you use for your awnings?

SummerSpace Awnings use Tempotest®, Sunbrella® & Sattler® fabrics that are engineered to be strong, durable and resistant to stains, mold, weather, and fading from the sun. The finish that makes them water resistant improves the already high performance of the acrylic fiber. Thanks to the treatment with Teflon ® Extreme, the results are stain resistance, easy cleanability, and require minimal maintenance. The fabric choice comes with a ten-year limited warranty.

The Sunsetter Platinum Series awnings are made of Performance Acrylic and Sunbrella® Fabric. Both are water repellent and resist mildew, mold and fading. This fabric choice comes with a ten-year limited warranty.

The SunSetter Series awnings are made of Woven Acrylic or Laminated fabric. The Woven Acrylic fabric is water repellent and resistant to mildew, mold and fading. The Laminated fabric is waterproof and resistant to mildew, mold and fading. All awnings in this product line come with a five-year limited warranty.

How high do you need to mount a retractable awning on the wall?

At least 7.5 feet.

Do retractable awnings block the rain?

Retractable awnings are intended to be used as shading devices and are designed for sun protection only. Because of their large surface area, they are also susceptible to wind and weather events. It is incumbent on the operators to pay attention to the weather and retract the awning in poor weather or if the wind picks up. Any damage caused by user neglect, i.e. the awning left out in high winds, rain, or inclement weather will not be covered under warranty.

How are retractable awnings in the wind?

Our awnings do extremely well in windy situations. However, we do recommend that if it is too windy for you to be outside enjoying your awning, you should retract it. For our motorized retractable awnings, we have an optional wind sensor that will retract the awning automatically in high winds. Motion/wind sensors do not, in any way, guarantee against damage from winds in excess of 30 mph.

If you do not have enough mounting space on the wall, can you mount a retractable awning on the roof or soffit?

Absolutely! As an authorized dealer/installer, the factories will sell us roof mount brackets that enable us to install the awning on the roof where vertical space is limited. Only an authorized dealer can do this work.

How can I add a retractable awning to my home if I have a low roofline or a ranch home?

Our roof mount option gives you the ability to shade your deck with clearance for the retractable awning.

Will installing a retractable awning on my roof damage my roof? 

No. As an authorized dealer for Sunsetter and SummerSpace, we are trained in and follow the manufacturer guidelines for installation. We have installed many, many retractable awnings on roofs with no problems.  It’s a very similar process to installing solar panels.

Where will the awning be located? What will give the most additional living space?

Southernly and Westernly facing patios and decks are the most common locations. Our awning professional can help you maximize the added living space from your new retractable awning.

How will the awning be mounted to my home?

When we visit your home, we will be able to determine the best way to mount your awning. The most common mounts for awning installations are wall mounts, roof mounts, and under-overhang mounts. To make sure you are 100% satisfied, we will review and confirm your choices to make sure your awning meets and exceeds your expectations.

How far will the awning project from the mounting wall?

Each awning is custom made. The extensions from a home can be 10′, 11′, 13′ deep. The maximum pitch can be adjusted up to 45 degrees in most cases.

How quickly can I get my new awning installed?

The normal lead time is a few weeks. Give us a call for an on-site estimate at your home.

Do I have to take down my awning and store it over the winter?

No. Just close your awning and leave it on your house all year long.

What warranties apply to the purchase of my awning?

The awning parts and materials themselves are covered by robust manufacturer warranties. Massachusetts Awnings also provides a 2-year warranty for the installation of the awning. Note that damage caused by accident, negligence, water pooling, misuse, abuse, alteration and failure to follow instructions, improper operations, windstorm, rainstorm, fire, flood, earthquakes, and other acts of God or failure to provide a reasonable degree of maintenance or any other condition in which Massachusetts Awning has no control is not covered under your installation warranty. After the initial 2 years, labor charges connected with the installation of replacement parts are no longer covered by our installation warranty.

Sunsetter Awning Warranties

For the ultimate peace of mind, Sunsetter offers optional All-Weather Limited Warranties (AWW) for their Awnings. These warranties provide additional protection to your investment, even against damage due to severe weather and storms. Click the links below to learn more.

SummerSpace Awning Warranties

Can I install the awning myself?

If you have basic carpentry skills and knowledge of home construction, you can install the awning yourself. However, there are many other important considerations before starting a do-it-yourself installation. An average awning weighs between 150-330 lbs. That is a serious weight to be lifting 9′ to 11′ in the air. Finding a solid area in a wall is not easy. Some installations go as planned and others are very difficult, even for us. We encourage you to speak with our awning professional and let him help guide you through the decision-making process.

How much does an awning cost?

It all depends on what best fits your needs, budget, and desired appearance. You are investing in shade and weather protection while expanding your living area. Factors include how big a space you want to cover, fabric and mounting options, traditional style or enclosed cassette, and if you would like a motorized awning for your convenience.

Can we see the awnings in person?

Yes! We would be happy to meet you at our warehouse in Holden Massachusetts where we have several models of retractable awnings installed but can only do this after we have met with you at your home and provided you with an estimate. These appointments are only available with advanced scheduling and are only done on Saturdays. Our warehouse is closed to the public at all other times.

Do you have references from your past clients?

We will proudly share them with you and encourage you to speak with our customers.

How do we get started?

We want to help you get more information about your new awning so you can make the best decisions. To request a free quote or set an appointment, contact us today at 508-736-4874 or fill out a request for us to contact you through the form on our website.