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Awning Frequently Asked Questions

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For General Questions about our company, the benefits of our awnings and how to choose the right model for you click here.

For questions about measurements, fit to your application and installation click here.

For questions about SunSetter independent dealers click here.

For Questions about our fabric click here.

For Questions about the operation of our awnings click here.

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General Awning Questions

  1. Our retractable awnings and EasyShade solar screens are assembled in the United States of America in our Malden, Massachusetts factory. Each unit is built under the strictest quality control procedures to ensure that you will be absolutely delighted with your awning or solar screen. For more information on SunSetter’s Quality Construction, Check out our SunSetter Quality page.

  2. The SunSetter Series features industry-leading technology and performance and all of the models SunSetter has been selling for over 30 years including our most popular model, the SunSetter Motorized Model. The SunSetter Series features 100% solution-dyed, SunSetter exclusive, water-repellent woven acrylic fabric or 100% waterproof Traditional Laminated fabric and a 5-year limited warranty.

    The SunSetter Platinum Series is our premium line of retractable awnings featuring SunSetter's Performance Acrylic and world-renowned Sunbrella® performance fabrics that offer unparalleled beauty and protection. The Platinum Series has the same engineering excellence as the SunSetter Series and offers the option of state-of-the-art Platinum Plus Semi-Cassette that allows the awning to retract into a housing that protects your awning all year round from dirt, rain, wind, and snow. The premium SunSetter Platinum Series includes a 10-year limited warranty guaranteeing years of satisfaction.

    Model Comparison

  3. All Motorized awnings in the SunSetter and Platinum Series are powered by a Somfy® electric motor that opens and closes the awning with a simple remote control. They come in widths from 8 ft. to 20 ft. and project out from the house up to 10 ft 2 in. The Motorized XL models offer extended projections that extend out from your house either 11 ft. 8 in. (widths 14 ft. to 20 ft.) or 13 ft. 1 in. (widths 15 ft. to 20 ft.)

    The PRO and PRO XL models are like the Motorized and Motorized XL models and include a built-in front drop screen that unrolls in seconds using a simple hand crank and extends down to 5 ft. for added protection and privacy. The drop screen blocks 85% of sun and glare and reduces wind.

    The Platinum Plus and Plus XL models include the same engineering excellence as our other awning models with the added feature of a permanently-installed aluminum semi-cassette housing. The elegant design provides a more contemporary finished look and protects the awning from the elements to reduce wear and tear on your fabric - which means even more years of enjoyment to come.

    The Manual lateral arm awnings are identical to the Motorized models, but it is manually operated with a provided hand crank and requires no electricity. The Manual models are available in widths from 8 ft. to 18 ft.

    The 1000XT Model awning is also manually operated and has adjustable vertical support arms, that need to be manually positioned, giving it added strength and rigidity. It projects out from your house 10 ft. 2 in. and comes in even sizes from 8 ft. to 20 ft. Wide.

    Oasis models are free-standing lateral arm awnings that can be placed anywhere for immediate shade. Available in Motorized and Manual, the Oasis is offers easy open and close capabilities so you can move, adjust, and place these awnings for more cooling shade than any patio umbrella ever could.

    Model Comparison

  4. Open
    • No additional awning protection
    • awning fabric fully exposed to the elements

    Aluminum Hood
    • Optional Housing that can be installed with wall-mounted and roof-mounted awnings
    • Provides increased protection to retracted awnings from the elements
    Semi-Cassette
    • Built-in, durable aluminum covering
    • Protects your retracted awning fabric from dirt, wind, and snow all year round
    • Reduces fabric wear and tear
    • Works with all mounting options

  5. Each model offers distinct advantages. If you want the absolute ease, elegance, and simplicity of remote-control operation and an awning that has no vertical supports, motorized models are the obvious choice. For extra-large areas, our XL and PRO XL models are recommended. The state-of-the-art Platinum Plus models with semi-cassette housings are our top-of-the-line models that provide the latest contemporary design and ultimate satisfaction.

    All motorized models come with a superb quality Somfy® motor and lateral arm technology. And they're still hundreds of dollars less than the competition - without sacrificing any features or quality. Our Manual Lateral models are perfect if you want the look and feel of a motorized model but prefer manual hand-crank operation.

    Our most economically priced awning is our 1000XT manual model. It has adjustable support arms that can be manually set vertically on the deck or patio surface or angled back against the house. These arms give the 1000XT exceptional strength and stability - so it's great for areas where wind or passing showers are typical. It opens and closes in 60 seconds with a simple hand crank.

    If you are looking for the ultimate in versatility, consider the freestanding Oasis models that can be moved easily to anywhere you need shade. No matter which model you select, you can't make a bad choice. You'll always be getting a superbly built, easy-to-operate, great-looking awning at an exceptional price.

    Model Comparison

  6. SunSetter awnings are such good values because as the largest American manufacturer of retractable home awnings, we buy raw materials at the best prices possible and assemble our awnings in the most efficient way, using electricity generated by the sun, so we can pass the savings along to you.

    When it comes to quality, you're not giving up anything. Your SunSetter awning is assembled under the highest quality control standards right here in the United States in our 78,000 sq. ft. factory using only the finest quality materials. Our struts and supports are made from high quality aluminum for superior strength without excess weight and our rolling mechanisms have been tested for over 20,000 cycles without failure - the equivalent of over 20 year's use.

    Our motorized awnings use Somfy® motors which have been acknowledged as the industry leader in awning and screen motors for over 50 years.

    The SunSetter Series and Platinum Series motorized and manual awnings, as well as the freestanding SunSetter Oasis, use state-of-the-art lateral arm technology found only in the best "lateral arm" awnings.

    When considering fabric, our popular water-repellent Performance Acrylic, Woven Acrylic, and the Sunbrella® performance fabrics give you 98% of UVA and UVB protection. It is solution-dyed, which means the color goes all the way through the fabric, so its rich color stays beautiful for years. Our 14-oz. Traditional Laminated Fabric has 5 layers. It's coated on both sides and has no seams or stitches to wear or leak over time. Guaranteed not to fade or crack for 5 years, our fabrics are mildew resistant.

    Your SunSetter Series awnings come with a 5-Year Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. The Platinum Series awnings come with a 10-year Limited Warranty. These quality awnings are made for years and years of hassle-free operation. For more information on SunSetter's Quality Construction, Check out our SunSetter Quality page.

  7. A durable SunSetter retractable awning will withstand heavy winds while extended as proved in tests by an independent laboratory. However, we do recommend retracting your awning when heavy winds start to pick up.

    Because SunSetter awnings retract, they're great for breezy locales where a permanent awning would be somewhat impractical and prone to damage. Our optional Wireless Wind Sensor and Wireless Rain Sensor for the Motorized models give you additional peace of mind by closing your awning automatically on very windy or rainy days.

  8. We offer an elegant Aluminum Hood for all models except the Platinum Plus Semi-Cassette (this model comes with a built-in hood), 1000XT, and Oasis Freestanding awnings. The Aluminum Hood provides the perfect finished look and protects your awning from the elements year round. We also offer an Awning Cover for all models for winter storage and protection. Our awnings and fabrics have been designed to withstand year-round weather and never have to be removed from the house. We also now offer new, alternative cord lengths for motorized models.

    Our Dimming LED Lights are customer favorites because they let you extend your entertaining right into the evening by providing the perfect soft or bright illumination using the same remote control the operates your awning.

    The Wireless Wind Sensor and Wireless Rain Sensor are the most popular accessories for motorized models. They close your awning automatically on windy or rainy days. Now you can also open and close your awning from anywhere using the Somfy® TaHoma®. Just plug this device into an electrical outlet, download the app and with a simple tap on your device, control your awning remotely.

    All SunSetter Series accessories are warranted for 5 years. All Platinum Series accessories are warranted for 10 years.

  9. Yes. In addition to keeping your deck or patio up to 20 degrees cooler, your awning can keep the inside of your house cooler, save on air conditioning costs and help prevent your carpets from fading. A SunSetter awning helps cut energy use, and lowers your carbon footprint.

  10. All motorized awnings come with a quiet, rugged, Somfy® electric motor (the world's best awning motor) with remote control and a manual override (in case of power outage), included.

  11. Yes. When you order SunSetter Direct you can take advantage of the Deferred 5-Payment Plan when you use your credit card. Just pay 20% down and get immediate delivery. We will then bill your credit card automatically in four additional monthly installments. The best part, we do not add any interest with the Deferred 5-Payment Plan. You can also ask your independent SunSetter Authorized Dealer about payment plans they may have available for you. To learn more, click here.

  12. We've been in the awning business for over 30 years, and we've sold more patio and deck awnings than anyone else in America, with over 1,000,000 satisfied SunSetter owners. When you call us you'll reach friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to answer your questions and provide prompt, courteous customer service.

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Awning Measurements and Installation

  1. Use the steps on our Awning How To Measure page or EasyShade How To Measure page to correctly measure for your SunSetter awning or EasyShade.

  2. It doesn't take any special background or skills to install our awnings properly. Just follow the easy steps in the handy Installation Booklet that comes with your awning. You can have your SunSetter awning up and functioning in a short morning's work, using a few simple tools.

    If you need help, call our Toll-Free Installation Hotline: 1-800-876-2340. We have experts on hand who have helped homeowners on all skill levels put up their own awnings.

    If you decide you want your SunSetter installed professionally, you have two options...

    • You can buy direct from SunSetter and have a local company assist with installation. Just call us at the number above and we can recommend a local SunSetter Dealer or an independent pre-screened awning installation company to work with in your area. These are independent companies and will bill you directly for their services.
    • If you'd like to have a professional assist you with the entire purchasing process and installation, we recommend contacting your local authorized SunSetter Dealer. You can find the contact information for your closest dealer in this package. Find a Dealer

  3. SunSetter awnings require a minimum mounting height of 7 ft. 6 inches. Your local SunSetter dealer can suggest other ways to install your awning, with special brackets (like roof brackets) only available from them if you don't have the minimum height. The 1000XT Model can be installed as low as 7 ft. under overhangs and gutters.

  4. Yes. Many people have installed SunSetter awnings on their garages, mobile homes, poolside fences, and other stationary walls.

  5. Yes. You can roll the awning out completely past your deck edge or railing, or you can adjust the pre-factory settings so that your awning only opens to the desired extension. You can also stop the awning anywhere during the opening or closing process using the remote control.

  6. Yes. It's easy. Our Motorized and Manual models can be installed directly onto any siding. For the 1000XT Model, you just mount a 1" x 4" board (the same length as your awning width) on the siding first, then mount the awning to the board.

  7. Yes. We have special brackets for mounting the lateral-arm awnings to a soffit or overhang. When ordering be sure to tell us you need the soffit mount brackets instead of the standard wall mount brackets.

  8. No. Just plug your awning in and it's ready to go. Your motorized awning comes with a 18 foot cord with a regular electrical plug at the end. The Motorized Oasis has a 24 foot cord. As with all outdoor appliances, a ground fault interrupter outlet is highly recommended.

    Depending on where your outlet is located, you can order your awning with the motor on the right or on the left as you face the house. You may need an electrician is to install an outlet if you don't already have one within reach of the awning cord. Of course, you can use a heavy duty grounded extension cord with your awning, too.

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Independent Dealers

  1. Yes. Many local dealers around the country are selling SunSetter awnings. They are independent businesses who buy the awnings from SunSetter for resale to the consumers. These dealers are not affiliated with SunSetter Products but have a SunSetter awning on display and can answer any question you might have.

    Our independent dealers will show you the benefits of our awnings and how they operate. They will also let you touch and feel the construction of our fabrics. All SunSetter dealers set their own pricing and might not match SunSetter Factory Direct prices. To find a SunSetter independent dealer near you, click here.

  2. Most dealers will install the awnings they sell for an additional charge. To find a SunSetter independent dealer near you, click here.

  3. Yes. No matter where you purchase your awning, the SunSetter Series' 5-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty and the Platinum Series' 10-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty will cover your awning against any manufacturing defects. SunSetter Products is not responsible and does not provide a warranty for installation services provided by the dealer.

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Awning Fabrics

  1. There are four fabric series available. The SunSetter Platinum Series features our Performance Acrylic or world-renowned Sunbrella® performance fabrics. The SunSetter Series features our SunSetter Exclusive Woven Acrylic Fabric or our Traditional Laminated Fabric.

    SunSetter's Performance Acrylic fabrics are top-of-the-line in strength and durability. Featuring 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarns that product brilliant color at the fiber level, this fabric allows for longer-lasting enjoyment of your SunSetter awning. SunSetter's Performance Acrylic fabrics come in a variety of colors, weaves, and textures that perfectly match and enhance your home's exterior. And that's not all—our Performance Acrylic fabrics provide 98% protection from harmful UV rays, are resistant to water, mold, and mildew, and are reinforced by our industry leading 10-year warranty to ensure you stay comfortable longer.

    Sunbrella® performance fabrics — You'll find the perfect color awning to complement your home's décor from our elegant selection of Sunbrella® performance fabrics. Engineered to last and guaranteed against the elements, they're water repellent, mold, mildew and fade resistant, and high in UPF protection from UV rays. Sunbrella® offers a stylish look with the ultimate in color retention and cleanability. Sunbrella fabrics feature a 10-Year limited warranty.

    SunSetter Exclusive Woven Acrylic Fabric — All the vertical stripes and solid colors shown here are created especially for SunSetter using a 100% solution dyed, water-repellent acrylic fabric. Its woven using a strand by strand weaving process that creates rich, warm, vertical stripes and solid colors that cannot be created with our laminated process. In fact, our acrylic fabric has the same superb quality found on many custom-made awnings — but without the custom-made price. It features a 5-Year limited warranty.

    Traditional Laminated Fabric — A heavy-duty, 100% waterproof, 5-layer fabric that features 2 thick color pigmentation layers, an inner scrim layer for strength, and two layers of clear coating top and bottom. The protective coating lets the fabric stand up to UV rays and wear and tear. This popular fabric is fade-resistant and holds its color well. It's also flame and mildew resistant, and easy to clean. Like our acrylic fabric, it will protect your family from 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays and passing showers. It has a 5-Year limited warranty.

  2. Our Performance Acrylic Fabric, Sunbrella Performance Fabric, and Woven Acrylic Fabric are water repellent and will protect you from light rain and passing showers, as long as the water does not pool on the fabric. While these fabrics will protect you from light rain and drizzle, you must retract them when the water starts to pool.

    Our Traditional Laminated Fabric is 100% waterproof, and will protect you from rain and passing showers, as long as water does not pool on the fabric. To let rain water run right off your 1000XT Model, just lower one side of the awning slightly. You can also purchase our optional Rainaway Arches which create a gentle arch in the fabric so light rain rolls off the awning, even if you leave the awning open most of the time. You still need to lower one support arm to create enough pitch for the water to run off. If a heavy storm is expected, we suggest you retract your awning fully.

  3. The Performance Acrylic Fabric, Sunbrella Performance Fabric, and Woven Acrylic Fabric are made of 100% solution dyed fibers which are then twisted into threads and then weaved into our luxurious and rich color patterns. This fabric is then treated for water repellency. This process is more extensive and expensive - thus the reason for the higher cost.

  4. The process of weaving the acrylic fabric from 100% solution dyed fibers allows for more rich and bright color combinations compared to a laminated process which is based on printing technology. Our acrylic vertical stripe patterns are made exclusively for SunSetter and cannot be found anywhere else.

  5. Due to their extra supports and the ability to tilt the XT awning toward one side to let rain water runoff, these awnings are used by our customers as a semi-permanent protective structure both from sun and rain. By providing these model awnings with our 100% waterproof laminated fabric, we give our customers the best rain protection available. Our lateral arm models are used mainly for sun and light rain protection, which fit the features of our acrylic water repellent fabric.

  6. Waterproof fabrics like our laminated fabrics are constructed in such way that water cannot penetrate through the fabric. In the case of woven fabrics like our acrylic fabrics, we treat the fabric to seal between the weaves. Since over time this treatment could reduce its ability to shield water, it is not considered as a waterproof fabric, only as a water repellent.

  7. Yes. Most dirt will come off just by brushing the fabric while dry and then further washing it with lukewarm water and mild soap. For stubborn dirt, follow our care and maintenance instructions included with your awning.

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Awning Operation

  1. Yes, the SunSetter 1000XT model has adjustable arms which allow you to adjust the front height easily to suit your preferences or the weather. Adjust up or down to block the sun, wind, or rain as you wish. You can even adjust the two arms independently, so that one side is higher than the other for better rain runoff. The front height on all other models can also be adjusted, but it requires a few mechanical steps.

  2. No. Just close your awning and leave it on your house all year long. The SunSetter Oasis freestanding model can also be left retracted outside -- no need to store it. Our fabrics have been designed to withstand the elements year round. But if you're looking for the ultimate protection, our optional awning cover will do the job!

  3. Just place either or both awning support arms in the vertical position, so the bottom of the support arm is secured to the deck or patio floor with the deck plate included with your awning, rather than angled back. For complete unobstructed access, you can purchase our Motorized or Manual awnings, which do not have any vertical support arms.

  4. No problem. Since your safety is very important to us, all of our Somfy motors come with a manual override. To retract your awning, just turn the manual gear using the wand that comes with your awning.

  5. Our manual models all operate with an included hand crank. To open, you simply unroll the fabric using the hand crank wand we provide. On the XT models, you then set the support arms at the desired height. To close, just roll the fabric back toward the house (on the 1000XT model, you need to lower the arms before rolling the fabric back toward the house).