Why Choose a Retractable Awning

Awnings are a great mix of comfort, protection, and energy efficiency without the need for major home alterations.

New Zealand’s sunshine while beautiful can be very harsh and having the ability to add shade to an area is a huge benefit. Investing in an awning system that will instantly add shade for the outdoor area is a sensible idea, and something like a retractable awning is the perfect addition to your BBQ or outdoor living area. You get the benefit of choice; when you want sun, and when you want shade (also protection from those rain-showers that New Zealand weather likes to surprise us with).

But how do you choose an awning? How do you install it? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of everything you might want to know about setting up a brand-new retractable awning.

What are the top benefits of an Awning?

1. Add Usable Outdoor Space: Make sheltered areas like patios, decks, and entryways more comfortable in both sun and light rain
2. Reduce Heat & Glare: Awnings can block direct sunlight from hitting windows, which helps keep indoor spaces cooler and reduce eye strain
3. Weather Protection: Shield doors and windows from harsh weather and helps extend the life of joinery and finishes
4. Improve Energy Efficiency: Shading windows lowers the need for air conditioning and saves on power bills
5. Protect Furniture & Flooring: Reduction in fading and UV damage for curtains, carpets, and furniture
6. Enhance Curb Appeal: Available in many styles and colours, awnings can elevate the look of your home’s exterior.

What type of awning do I need?

HomePlus® carries a range of folding arm awnings. You can choose from simple roller designs to sleek cassette awnings, where the entire awning retracts nicely into a low-profile box. Our awnings can also be automated if you don’t feel like using a manual opening system.

Do I need consent to install a retractable awning?

In general, retractable fabric awnings have the benefit of not requiring building. However, there are some cases where they might require building consent, so it’s best to consult with our experts and confirm with your local council before installing.

How does an awning attach to the home?

Depending on the model you choose, there are multiple ways to fit the awning into your home. Face mount (fascia) or fit to the soffit to keep it nice and tucked under cover when it’s stored away. Get the classic roller look or enjoy a fully enclosed cassette that protects your awning when not in use and looks clean and tidy against your home. 

How durable is our awning fabric?

Fabric: HomePlus awnings use a 100% Acrylic woven fibre canvas, that is designed for use outdoors in the harshest weather NZ has to offer. Formulated to withstand wind, rain, and pollution these awning fabrics are also colour durable, so they keep looking good for years. Add peace of mind that our fabrics will also protect you from the sun with a sun smart protection rating of U.V – U.P.F. 50+ / S.P.F. 100. Both the fabric and working parts of our awnings come with a 5-year product warranty, see our warranty details for more info.

What colours can I get?

Available in a wide range of both bold and subtle patterns and colours, these modern fabrics suit Kiwi homes, whatever the style. Sourced in New Zealand from the best suppliers our awning fabric comes in a wide range of colours, from patterned to single colours to enable a choice that will be a perfect match for the home. The awning arms and parts are made of premium lightweight aluminium and powder coated in New Zealand also.

TIP

Most will only consider adding something like an awning when the sun is already beating down and when everyone else has the same idea! This increased demand in summer for a custom made HomePlus awning system can mean that you run the risk of not having shade in your outdoor area or as much of the summer as you would like. A good tip would be to get in early before the start of the summer sunshine or even in the autumn period.    

Check out our range of awnings HERE