Fast Installation Steps for Retractable Awnings

One of the biggest advantages of a retractable awning is how easy it is to install, making them an ideal project for weekend do-it-yourself-ers. All it takes is a little preparation, some extra tools, and a few easy steps.

Preparation

To find a location to install the retractable awning, simply measure the area where the retractable awning will be installed and select the closest fit. For budget retractable awnings, available sizes are usually standardized from 11' to 18' widths in 1' increments and projections of 8' or 10'. (High-end retractable awnings have custom sizes down to one inch and can be both smaller and substantially larger than budget retractable awnings.)

When selecting the location, make sure that it can adequately support the retractable awning:

·        Pick a space that is the stated width, plus 6" for the frame and that is clear for as far as the retractable awning extends, allowing it to extend fully without hitting any obstruction.

·        Make sure the location can handle the full weight of the retractable awning, which can be several hundred pounds or more.

·        If possible, give at least 12" clearance above any doors and windows and high enough to allow the retractable awning to slope 3" down for every 1' it projects. For a 12' projection retractable awning, the slope is 36". For example, for the front end to be 7' high, the mounting location has to be 10' high.

A retractable awning is most commonly mounted on a wall, but it can also be installed on an eave, fascia, beam or roof, depending on the location. As you scout out the location, identify where the proper mounting point will be so that you can order the retractable awning with the appropriate mounting hardware (if provided).

Bring Bonus Materials

Most retractable awning manufacturers include all of the essential hardware, that is required by the retractable awning in its kit, including brackets, nuts, bolts, and screws. There are some extra tools that can make the install process easier and more successful:

·        Stud finders. A retractable awning should always be installed on a stud or joist (for wall mount) or roof truss (for roof mount) or into concrete, brick, concrete block or metal beam because those structural areas can support the weight of the retractable awning. A stud finder can locate or verify where the studs are much more quickly than trying to do it manually.

·        Chalk lines and levels. Retractable awnings must be installed level, and there is no good way to judge it by eye.

·        Pressure-treated wood boards for mounting retractable awnings. Many exterior materials – brick, adobe, shingles, most siding – will not allow a retractable awning to be installed flush against the building. Pressure-treated boards can then be installed first at the proper location, and the retractable awning mounted against the board.

·        Another person. Large retractable awnings can be several hundred pounds or more. It is not strictly necessary to have another person, or two, to help out, but having additional people makes installing the retractable awning much faster and much more likely to be properly level and positioned.

The How-to Procedure

The most common retractable awning is a traditional lateral arm, which has a long torsion or square bar at the back and extends out from the base. The most common installation location is to an exterior wall. If your mounting location is somewhere else, like a roof, or if you are installing a special retractable awning style, then these instructions may not match the manufacturer’s instructions.

1.    Find the studs.

2.    Mark a level chalk line the full width of the retractable awning.

3.    Install a pressure-treated board, if necessary, level with the chalk line.

4.    Mark another chalk line, the full width of the retractable awning.

5.    Attach the mounting brackets. The first four brackets are usually placed inside and outside of the retractable awning arms; the rest are even spaced across the middle. Check the specific instructions for your retractable awning for precise measurements.

6.    Slide the retractable awning into the mounting brackets.

7.    Tighten the retaining bolts securely. Having the bolts too loose is one of the main problems that can occur at installation.

Where to Go for Help

As with any project, keep the manufacturer’s instructions handy, and their support number even closer. Good retailers have plans, installation, and maintenance instructions on their websites and have accessible customer support personnel. It’s all right to call for help if that’s what it takes to complete your project.