Solair retractable awnings cover everything. Even your questions.

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An umbrella shades a small area and must be operated manually. It is also highly susceptible to wind damage. An awning, on the other hand, is more durable and can be designed and constructed to meet the unique configuration of your home. It can also be equipped with features such as remote control operation and automatic wind sensors. Most importantly, an awning can cover a larger area, giving you additional usable outdoor living space for entertaining, playing with the kids or relaxing.

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Retractable awnings make more sense for homeowners who are looking to extend their living area, yet maintain flexibility. Thanks to its spring-loaded arms, an awning can be extended or retracted to the length you want, so you are in complete control to enjoy the sun or shade whenever you want. Permanent structures give you no flexibility or freedom.

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There are many. Energy savings. UV protection. But many people choose a Solair awning simply because they want to increase their usable living space. A Solair awning creates the perfect outdoor area for entertaining guests or simply relaxing with the family. Plus, a Solair awning minimizes indoor heating, so there is no need to draw your blinds or close your drapes.

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The shade from your Solair awning can reduce heat gain in your home by as much as 77 percent and lower your indoor temperature by as much as 15 degrees. By lowering the temperature, you lower your air conditioning usage and your energy bills.

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Of course! We stand by our products with one of the most generous warranties in the industry. The Solair PS2000 comes with a 5-year limited frame warranty, while the Solair PS5000 offers a 10-year limited warranty. Sunbrella fabrics have a 10-year limited warranty against any fading, staining or mildew.

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Solair awnings are amazingly affordable. The PS2000 retails for as little as $2,000, while the PS5000 – a model that includes features like remote control and automatic wind sensors – starts at $3000. Compare that to the cost of a permanent roof or enclosed patio, and you can see what a value a Solair awning is.

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We currently offer two different models.

The PS2000 is a value shade solution available in three of our most popular widths. Available in latte and white frame colors, the PS2000 features hundreds of Sunbrella^® fabric cover choices in an array of colors and patterns, allowing for coordination with a wide variety of casual outdoor furnishings. Motor, hood and wind sensors are available as well.

Our premium product, the PS5000 is a custom shade solution with sizes up to 26 feet wide and 7 projections, as well as motor, hood and wind sensor options. With a wide selection of frame colors and hundreds of Sunbrella^® fabrics, the PS5000 pairs beautifully with any style of home and casual outdoor furnishings..

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Solair awnings use Sunbrella^® fabrics – the industry leader in durability and beauty. These high-grade materials have the color embedded in every fiber, ensuring that they won't significantly fade over time.

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Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution dying is the manufacturing process of adding color to fibers while they are in a liquid state. This process locks in color, and allows for easy cleaning.

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While color choice has some slight impact, the fabric itself has the most impact on heating. Because the Sunbrella awning fabric is woven, air is allowed to circulate through the fabric instead of building up under the awning, which also keeps the temperature down.

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Sunbrella fabrics resist fading, stains and withstand outdoor elements to remain beautiful year after year. And they are backed with a 10-year limited warranty.

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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. UV also can cause sunburn, and other damage that makes the skin look prematurely old and wrinkled.

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UV rays can cause the most damage between the hours of 10am and 4pm. It is during this time that you need the most protection from the sun – the kind of protection you can get from Solair awnings.

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The Sunbrella fabrics on our awnings have been proven to provide up to 98 percent protection from the sun's harmful effects. After passing rigorous testing, Sunbrella fabrics earned the "Seal of Recommendation" by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Rest assured, that when you have a Solair awning, you and your family are getting the ultimate in UV protection.

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Light winds of less than 5 mph (8 kph) should not harm your awning. To prevent wind damage, it's best to retract the awning before wind speeds reach the point of causing the awning to sway side to side or up and down. You may want to consider a Solair model with an optional automatic wind sensor that automatically retracts the awning when stronger winds are detected.

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It's best to retract the awning when not in use, no mater what the weather forecast.

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It's really a question of ease of use. We recommend motors because research shows that retractable awnings with motors are used up to four times more than hand-cranked retractable awnings.

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Simplicity and convenience. With the push of a button on your remote, you can extend your awning to any length you like. When fully extended or retracted, your Solair awning will stop automatically.

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Solair awnings are equipped with a manual override crank that will allow you to retract your awning by hand in case of power failure or malfunction.

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You can have a finished custom-look awning installed in as little as one week when you choose a standard size Solair PS2000 retractable awning customized with one of our 22 select Quick Ship Sunbrella patterns. If you'd prefer a PS2000 with a custom Sunbrella fabric or a PS5000 retractable awning with a custom Sunbrella fabric, delivery takes 2 to 3 weeks from receipt of order.

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Because retractable awnings are colorful, attractive, energy-saving design features, most homeowners' associations permit the addition of an awning. Some may require prior approval so that the awning styles and colors are consistent throughout the development.

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For applications under the eaves of your home, your installer will mount brackets that tie indirectly either to wall studs or header plates. For roof-mounted applications, installers will mount brackets that tie indirectly into the rafters.

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Solair retractable awnings are designed to be self-supporting and eliminate the need for poles and framework.

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The pitch is the angle of fall made by the front bar of an awning. The pitch determines how much water may puddle on the awning when the awning is fully extended. Increasing the pitch of an awning even a few inches will have a dramatic reduction on the awning's ability to collect rainwater.

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Solair awnings are designed so you can stop the awning at any point with the hand crank or the remote control. Remember, with a Solair awning, you control the weather!

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Solair protective hoods are designed to protect the unit from the elements when structural protection is not available. A hood is often recommended when the retractable awning is being roof or fascia-mounted and when not located directly under a soffit or overhang.

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Regularly clean your Sunbrella awning fabric before dirt, roof particles, and other substances accumulate and become embedded in the fabric. The fabric can be cleaned with light soap and water, using a soft brush and a hose