topic Re: Sunsetter Awnings in Home

Sunsetter Awnings

HisElk — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 17:46:23 GMT

We just recently moved and are going to build a deck out back, but wanted to look at a retractable awning to put over it.

We've been seeing a lot of advertisements for the Sunsetter brand. Just wondering if any of you have any experience with this or any other brand and how you like it?

TIA.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

151949 — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 18:32:06 GMT

We spend the summer in a camper and they have retractable awnings . they work very well, give you a place to enter and exit when it is raining without getting wet and keep the sun controlled when it is hot & sunny. I would never want an uncovered deck or patio. When we lived up north we had a canvas awning over our southern facing deck - now here in Fl. we have a lanai that has a roof over it - delightful.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

LonestarBabs — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 18:55:51 GMT

I have a Sunsetter retractable awning over my patio and love it! I've had the manual model for several years and have had no problems with it whatsoever. I chose the manual model because at the time of purchase the automatic model was too expensive, but next time around I will get the motor with remote. When wind and thunderstorms pop up it's a bit of a hassle to rush out there and crank crank crank the thing closed in a hurry!

I love to create a nice, shady, comfortable patio and here in TX that's the only way to sit outdoors in summer! I have found the quality of the awning material as well as the mechanicals to be excellent. My awning has held up well for about 8 years now - I chose the solid sage green color. It stays open unless winds approach 20 mph then I crank it closed.

I hope you purchase one but get it installed by a reputable dealer. Something this significant, attached to your house, requires knowledge and skill. It's not for the casual do-it-yourselfer.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Kachina624 — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 20:52:00 GMT

Just be very careful if you live in an area prone to high wind gusts. They will take those awnings and wrap them around whatever they're attached to.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

HisElk — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:42:26 GMT

Thanks for the replies. We went online to read reviews and unfortunately, the majority weren't good and would not repurchase.

We are going to shop around with other companies before making our decision, but either way, the deck will be covered in some way.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

151949 — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 21:56:12 GMT

On 3/9/2014 kachina624 said: Just be very careful if you live in an area prone to high wind gusts. They will take those awnings and wrap them around whatever they're attached to.

that is why it is retractible - so you close it when you aren't using it.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Lilysmom — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 22:40:43 GMT

HISELK, I don't have a sunsetter but I do have a retractable awning that has a wind sensor which automatically retracts the awning when the wind reaches a certain level. It is also operated by remote control. I have three large windows in my living room that get the afternoon sun. Shades just didn't do the job and I didn't want to destroy my lake views. The awning is 22' by 12'. It has been in use for more than five years and I am in a windy location. I am not going to be much help to you as I am in Canada. I will tell you though to go to a reputable company. It was expensive but to me it was worth every penny. I could have gone with a less expensive model but this company (100 years old) told me much of their work is repairing less expensive models. As Lonestar notes above, proper installation is key. It was important to me that the company I chose was around for a long time and had a good reputation and could service what they sold. The awning significantly reduced temperatures in the house. Good luck with your choice. LM

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Allegheny — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 23:29:20 GMT

Lilysmom, what an excellent post! Proper installation is key. We have a remote operated retractable installed via roof mount. We comment all the time, it is one of the best home investments we have made. Before our deck was unusable during the summer.

Several companies we contacted refused to install a roof mount, but a roof mount was our only option. We did find a company we were happy with and asked many questions about the installation, i.e., making sure it was secured to rafters. We selected from their higher end models. While I have seen some complaints on line about Sunesta, who we used, we have experienced no issues.

I am curious, even though you are in Canada, does the company have a US affiliate?

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Deadeye Daisy — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 00:48:23 GMT

We have Sunsetters with the Wireless Wind Sensors, as it does get windy here. Love them. Have had no problems in the past three years.

Ordered through Costco on one of their sales. Wen't through Costco since they're guaranteed. Period. Don't have to rely on a manufacturers warranty at all.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Lilysmom — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:29:33 GMT

ALLEGHENY, hi there. I live in Nova Scotia on the east coast of Canada. The company that installed my awning is called Maritime Canvass. They make sails for sailboats. As far as I know, they are a one of a kind company with a long history in our Maritime Provinces. I was interested in Deadeye Daisy's reply. I checked out Costco when I investigated installation but they did not have installers in my area. I would have considered them but it was not a possibility for me. It is such a treat to be able to shield the living room from hot sun and still enjoy the lake views. The auto retract works well. I could never do a manual crank as our property is quite large and I spent a lot of time outside gardening. By the time I made it to close the awning, I am sure it would be long gone!!! Apologies for no paragraphs. Ipad and QVC don't mix well!

. LM

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

tree6199 — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:38:54 GMT

We hav eone and love it. It's several years old now still works great. It has rhe automatic open/close. Hubby has a cover for it so it's protected in the winter. Another plus is that it keeps beating sun from coming into your house.....maybe saves a tad on airconditionong bills?

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

brandiwine — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:45:38 GMT

We've had our Sunsetter for 10 yrs and live in Colorado where we are a mile closer to the sun. We love it! We will replace the fabric this season, but the motor and arms are still great. It makes such a difference in temperature. We had a large group over last summer and it started to rain. Even though the sun had gone down, we kept the awning out so everyone stayed dry!

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Tootie15 — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 15:59:36 GMT

On 3/9/2014 Lonestar Babs said:
I have a Sunsetter retractable awning over my patio and love it! I've had the manual model for several years and have had no problems with it whatsoever. I chose the manual model because at the time of purchase the automatic model was too expensive, but next time around I will get the motor with remote. When wind and thunderstorms pop up it's a bit of a hassle to rush out there and crank crank crank the thing closed in a hurry!

I love to create a nice, shady, comfortable patio and here in TX that's the only way to sit outdoors in summer! I have found the quality of the awning material as well as the mechanicals to be excellent. My awning has held up well for about 8 years now - I chose the solid sage green color. It stays open unless winds approach 20 mph then I crank it closed.

I hope you purchase one but get it installed by a reputable dealer. Something this significant, attached to your house, requires knowledge and skill. It's not for the casual do-it-yourselfer.

We have had our Sunsetter awning for almost 20 years! My DH and FIL were able to put it up. The material had held up really, really great. The only problem that we have had, is with the strap that you open and close the awning with. We are on our 4th strap. It seems it keeps "drying out" from the sun ... it rips away from the loop that you put the hook in to pull it opened and closed. I called Customer Service, they weren't very helpful ... only to say that you "should" keep the strap out of the sun!!?? When the awning is closed up against the house, the strap hangs down a little bit, so you can grab the loop the next time you want to open it....so how can you keep it out of the sun?? We were able to buy extra straps so we are good to go!! In fact, when we get ready to open it this spring, we have to put a new one on it....

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Good4u — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:05:41 GMT

Don't waste your $$ on a sunsetter...terrible reviews. Do your research like I did and get a better quality one, I tried, but my condo assn power trippers denied me mine. Good luck with yours!

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

HisElk — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:23:52 GMT

Just catching up on reading more replies and want to thank everyone for their information provided here.

We have checked the reviews and they aren't good. Perhaps those of you who purchased a few years ago have had good luck, but the reviews from 2010 through present are suggesting they would not re-purchase.

We will be searching for other options. Thanks again for taking the time to post.

Re: Sunsetter Awnings

Allegheny — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 17:14:03 GMT

Lilysmom, thanks for updating. Sounds like you have a beautiful property. HisElk, I am sure you will be successful in finding an option. When we were looking I found a lot of different options, but none that we could configure to look right with our house design and elevated deck.