A beautiful deck is even better when you can enjoy it throughout the day. For this Phoenixville, Pennsylvania homeowner, the elevated deck offered a peaceful setting surrounded by trees, with a classic stone and red-sided home as its backdrop. Adding shade was the next step in making the space more comfortable and inviting.
M.C. Weeks, an authorized Aristocrat dealer, completed this retractable awning installation in Phoenixville to provide shade when needed while preserving the option to enjoy the open sky. Take a look behind the scenes at this installation and see how the right product and professional installation can help homeowners get more out of their outdoor spaces.
How Is a Retractable Awning Installed?
Every home and deck presents a different set of considerations. From choosing the right mounting location to making sure the awning operates smoothly, proper installation helps ensure a great fit and reliable performance. Here’s a look at how the M.C. Weeks team brought this project together.
Step 1: Preparing the Installation Site
Before installation begins, the team evaluates the mounting surface and measures the space to determine the appropriate awning width, projection, and mounting height. On this home, the combination of red siding and a stone lower exterior required careful attention to the mounting location. The installers needed to identify the proper structural support while making sure the awning would provide the desired coverage over the deck. Taking the time to plan these details helps create a secure installation and ensures the finished awning complements the home.
Step 2: Installing the Mounting Board
With the mounting location established, the installers mark the placement of the mounting board and brackets and secure them to the home’s structure. The awning is positioned above the windows, with clearance for the light fixtures and trim below. Placing the awning above the windows will also block direct sun from hitting the glass and heating up the interior of the home, in addition to adding shade to the outdoor space.
Step 3: Lifting the Awning Into Place
With the mounting hardware in place, it’s time to lift the awning into position.
Aristocrat retractable awnings arrive assembled, making it easier for the installation team to focus on proper placement and adjustment. Because the unit is long and requires careful handling, the M.C. Weeks crew works together to lift it onto the mounting brackets and secure it evenly across the wall. Experience and teamwork are important at this stage. Careful handling helps protect the fabric and frame while ensuring the awning is properly seated before final adjustments begin.
Step 4: Securing the Awning and Adjusting the Pitch
Once the awning is mounted, the installers check that it is level and securely fastened. They then adjust the pitch, or the angle of the awning when extended. The pitch affects both shade coverage and clearance over the deck. Setting it correctly allows the awning to provide comfortable coverage over the outdoor living area. These final adjustments help the awning look right on the home and perform as intended.
Step 5: Testing the Awning
Before wrapping up, the team extends and retracts the awning to make sure everything operates smoothly. They check the movement of the arms, the alignment of the fabric, and how the front bar closes when the awning is retracted. For motorized awnings, like this one, this process also includes checking the motor operation and programming the controls as needed. The installation team can then walk the homeowner through operating the awning and explain important care guidelines, including when to retract it during high winds, rain, and severe weather.
With installation complete, the homeowner can enjoy a convenient way to add shade to the deck whenever it’s needed.
Why Choose an Authorized Aristocrat Awning Dealer?
Working with an authorized Aristocrat dealer like M.C. Weeks connects homeowners with professionals familiar with Aristocrat products and the details that contribute to a successful installation.
Here are a few benefits of working with an experienced dealer:
- Product knowledge and experience. Authorized dealers understand Aristocrat Awnings and their installation requirements, helping ensure the product is installed and adjusted correctly.
- Proper mounting and support. Every home is different. An experienced installer can evaluate the mounting surface and determine the appropriate hardware and attachment points for a secure installation.
- Help choosing the right awning. From width and projection to fabric color and pattern, a dealer can help you select an awning that suits your home, outdoor space, and shading needs.
- Local service and support. Having a relationship with a local dealer gives you a knowledgeable contact for questions, maintenance, and future service needs.
- A professional finished look. Careful planning, installation, and adjustment help ensure your awning complements your home and operates as expected.
Professional installation helps protect your investment and gives you greater confidence in your awning’s performance. Your authorized dealer can also explain the applicable product warranty and any installation requirements.
A Finished Awning That Complements the Home
The finished installation brings new life to this Phoenixville deck, creating a more comfortable place to relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape. The homeowner selected a striped fabric featuring burgundy, rust, and golden yellow. These warm colors complement the home’s red siding and natural stone, helping the awning feel like a natural extension of the existing architecture.
The result is a welcoming outdoor space with shade when it’s wanted and open sky when it’s not. Beneath the awning, the fabric creates a warm, inviting atmosphere while helping reduce direct sun exposure on the deck. And when the homeowner wants to enjoy the sunshine or needs to retract the awning because of the weather, the system conveniently folds away into its protective hood.
It’s a great example of how a retractable awning can combine practical shade, everyday convenience, and a finished look that enhances the home.
Make More of Your Outdoor Space With an Aristocrat Awning
A retractable awning makes it easier to enjoy your deck or patio on your own terms. With shade available when you need it and the flexibility to retract the awning when you don’t, you can make more use of the outdoor space you already have.
Interested in adding a retractable awning to your home? Connect with an authorized Aristocrat dealer to explore your options and find the right solution for your space.
