Pacific Rollshutters & Awnings - shade & security products including retractable patio & window coverings, security rolling shutters & security storm doors!

Q. What size of patio awning do I need?
A. 1. First, you need to determine your need for shade. For example: do you need simply a small area for 2 people to sit under for meals? Or do you need a larger area for larger gatherings or for separate sitting and eating areas? Consider how much of the deck will be used.
Remember also that the angle of the sun will determine how much shade is cast by the awning. During different times of day, a too-small projection can put the shade on the wall instead of the deck and too small of a width can put the shade 1/2 way across the deck - instead of where you want it to be. A good test is to go onto your deck during the time(s) of day you would be using it and hold your hand up over your head and see where the shadow from your hand is cast. (It's always advisable to go a bit larger than you think you'll need - the cost is fairly small in relation to the added useable square footage of shade provided.
2. Do you want to shade windows as well as create a shady sitting area? Remember that a patio awning will do more than shade a spot on your deck. It will also shade any windows underneath, thereby keeping your home cooler inside.
3. What direction is your deck facing? If you are facing north, the sun will be behind your awning most of the time and you won't need as large of a projection. If you're facing west or south, consider that the sun will quite often be in front of the awning and any shade cast will be pushed back toward the house. A maximum projection would be advisable.
Q.You have so many models ... which one is right for me?
A. Our awnings differ in not only appearance, but also in how they function. For example:
The Marcesa Plus with it's centre beam, is suitable for all application, but it is especially good for low headroom (low mounting point) as well as south facing decks. We have found it works well with as little room as 7'4" between the floor and the mounting point. Most other awnings need to be mounted AT LEAST 8' high - and 8 1/2 feet is ideal. Because of The Marcesa Plus' 'double slope', the front of the awning is a bit lower which gives you lower angle sun control without sacrificing height in the middle of the awning. It also has 3 springs in each arm at 10' and 11'6" projections, making it exceptionally strong.
The Classic Crossover is ideal for narrow width, large projection applications. Please note however, the Crossover needs to be mounted at least 8 1/2 feet - 9 feet to be able to clear the lower (crossed over) arm.
The Empress and Empress Marcesa are ideal for high exposure situations. Waterfront or roof-mounted applications are two spots where these cassette awnings might be called for.
The Imperial and Imperial Marcesa come with an optional drop valance which comes in handy with low angle sun and glare ... or privacy issues.These exceptionally strong awnings are also the only models available with an amazing 13 foot projection!
The Classic Plus is our most economical model. Choose this model when budget is an issue or when a classic 'European' look is called for. It also has 3 springs in all the 10' and 11'6" projection models for extra strength - same as the Marcesa Plus.

Still don't know which one to choose? No problem. Our staff is very helpful and knowledgeable and can help steer you to the model best suited for your location/shade requirements.
Q. Do I need a motor, or is a manual crank ok?
A. Consider your age and physical condition. What is easy for a healthy 17 year old may not be easy if you're 75 and arthritic.
The smaller the awning the easier it will be to manually crank in and out. A larger awning with 3 arms can become more difficult because each arm has a set of highly tensioned springs that you'll be winding against. A 4-arm awning is not recommended for manual control. Please note however - that we use 3:1 geiger bevel gears in all awnings up to 19 feet wide and 8:1 bevel gears in awnings larger than 19 feet. This makes for the easiest, fastest, smoothest gearing system on the market!
Another consideration is ease of use and convenience. You may not need a motor, but it sure is a nice touch! A motor is certainly the most convenient method of operation - just push a button and out it goes! When something is easier to use you will definitely use it more often!
Q. How much room do I need to mount a patio awning?
A.First, you'll need at least 7'4" of space between the deck/floor and mounting point - and that's only with our 'Marcesa' models of awnings. Any other model requires at least 8' and in the case of a 'Classic Crossover' a minimum of 8'6" is required. As for a mounting point, wall mounting is the usual method and you'll need from 7" - 10" (depending on the awnings style) of free wall space to attach the brackets to. When mounted, the awning will take up about 12" or so of space, so if the space is tight you have to make sure you have no out-swinging doors or windows that will hit the awning. If you don't have the free wall space, the awning can be mounted under and directly on to the soffit (again making sure you have enough room for any out-swinging doors or windows). If there's still not enough room, we can mount your patio awning directly to the roof. We use special brackets made specifically for this purpose. We seal all the holes up tight and guarantee not to damage the integrity of your roof.
Q. Do I need a hood cover?
A. Unless the awning is mounted directly underneath a soffit it is advisable to have some sort of protection for your awning when it is rolled up. Certainly on a roof mounted application it is imperative. If your awning is motorized it must be protected or the warranty will be void should the motor quit due to water damage.
Q. Is it better to get a darker coloured fabric or a lighter colour?
A. It really is personal preference. Keep in mind that while both light and dark will give you the same protection, a darker awning will make it appear darker underneath while a lighter colour will appear lighter. But ... the lighter colour of awning will show dirt more readily, so if you're in a heavily polluted area or are concerned about bird droppings etc,. perhaps a darker colour or stripe will work better for you.
Q. How much maintenance will my awning need?
A. Very little! Our frames are all aluminum so they will not pit or corrode. A little light lubricant on the adjustable pitch housings a couple times a year will be sufficient. For the fabric, simply hose down the top and bottom at least once a month and allow to air dry. Any spots will come out if rinsed off immediately - simply use a soft brush if they're stubborn. DO NOT use detergents or harsh soaps on the fabric - it will destroy the protective coating that keeps the fabric rain and dirt resistant. If you never wash your awning, dirt will accumulate with mold and mildew forming on the dirt. If left untreated, the fabric and stitching will eventually disintegrate. If your awning is in this shape now, it's best to get it professionally cleaned. We can recommend a cleaner in our area.
Q. Will I need to remove my awning in winter?
A.No. The awnings are meant to be left up year-round. If you like, you can remove the valance (the scalloped piece hanging down from the front profile) as it is a separate piece of fabric. Simply remove the end cap and slide the fabric out of it's groove. It is held in place with a length of spline. Roll the valance up and store till spring (folding will crease the fabric).
Q. Can I use my retractable patio awning all year long?
A.Retractable Patio Awnings are not meant to be a constant, all-weather protection. If you are looking for something to cover your patio furniture, keep your dog dry or keep snow off your deck, a retractable patio awning is not the product you need. They cannot withstand strong winds, heavy rains and definately not snow accumulation.
However, if you want to use the awning occasionally in the rain as you bar-b-que or head out for a smoke, then it is perfect.
Q. Can I install the awning myself?
A. Yes. If you prefer you can certainly install any of our awnings by yourself. We will provide all the installation instructions and hardware needed. Keep in mind that if you install the awning we do not guarantee the installation under warranty. Also, installing an awning yourself will save installation costs, but will make it necessary to charge you PST. (Installed awnings are considered an installed home improvement and not subject to PST)
Q. How long will my awning last?
A. Our awnings are the best made on the market today. There is a full 5 year warranty on all parts and fabric. The fabrics are so good they are guaranteed not to begin to fade noticeabley for 5 years. We have found that with a minimun of care (see above) your awning should last easily for 15 - 20 years!

If you do not see an answer to your question, please do not hesitate to call us at 361-4714 in Victoria or 1-800-563-5558 out-of-town ... or email us at info@pacificrollshutters.com.
Thanks for stopping by!