Would you purchase a retractable awning for $400?
We’ve all heard sayings like:
“You get what you pay for.”
Or “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”
Or “Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.”
So much of what we see these days is big box stores stocking up on cheap products from offshore.*
How long do you expect the awning fabric to last?
What standards is the fabric made to? If you want a fabric that lasts, the best fabrics are solution-dyed acrylic fabrics made in the USA and Europe.
Northport fabric by Craft-Bilt is made in Europe, and it has been tested for colour fastness, tensile strength and water penetration resistance.
Northport awning fabric is coated with genuine Dupont® Teflon®. The hems and seams use Gore™ Tenera thread, which will not deteriorate.
How many of these have you and your neighbours bought?
Have a look at this awning graveyard:
The companies that make these awnings and canopies are a dime a dozen. How long do they stay in business? When a cheaper supplier comes along, you know that big retailer will find it. Why are we not surprised when these awnings fail? “I guess I got my $400 worth out of that awning; now, to the trash and buy another”.
What is the awning warranty?
What kind of warranty do you get with that boxed awning? Maybe a one-year warranty? Some are as low as 90 days; is there a good chance you will need to use it? Wouldn’t you rather have:
- A warranty from a local company you can trust?
- A warranty from a company that has been in business for over 30 years?
- A warranty for a product you can get service and parts for?
- An industry-leading warranty: lifetime on frame profiles and 12 years on fabric? Details
What size should my retractable awning be?
A sure sign of a cheap off-shore product is standard sizes and colours. That is because those awnings come in a container from far away. You should purchase a custom awning that will provide proper coverage for you and your guests.
That standard-size awning might come up short, literally. Don’t forget that the sun is on an angle, so the box awning with the short projection will not provide the necessary shade. Explore your deck and sitting area to determine the best projection to protect your family and guests.
In conclusion, investing in a retractable awning for $400 may seem appealing at first, but it’s crucial to consider the long-term value and quality. Cheap, mass-produced awnings from big box stores often fail to meet high standards, leading to frequent replacements and disappointment.
Superior awnings, like Craft-Bilt, are made in Europe and the USA and undergo rigorous testing for durability. For lasting performance, they use high-quality materials such as Dupont® Teflon® coating and Gore™ Tenera thread. You ensure a worthwhile investment, superior coverage, and peace of mind with an industry-leading warranty from a trusted, long-established company. Choose quality over short-term savings.
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