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Frequently Asked Questions Questions most often asked about the F.O. Berg Retractable Fabric Awning  |
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| Q. If there are no poles, what supports the unit? | |
| A. The retractable awning has been designed to be self supported. This lateral arm style awning relies on secure mounting in conjunction with spring loaded arms. The arm tension is created with internal springs and large radius elbows will keep the fabric tight by applying outward force. | |
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| Q. What happens to the retractable awnings in the winter? | |
| A. The retractable awning by design, is self-storing when retracted. Many retractable awning owners remove the loose hanging valance for winter storage, while others do nothing more than keep the unit retracted and bring in the crank handle. Some homeowners continue to use their retractable awnings all year long! | |
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| Q. What kind of wind loads can the retractable awning handle? | |
| A. Retractable awnings are primarily for sun protection and should not be left out in windy conditions. However, wind is an unpredictable force, which can quickly change direction and intensity. In a controlled environment wind tunnel test, the retractable awning withstood direct wind forces of over 50 mph. In "real life" applications the rule of thumb is: if you are comfortable sitting outdoors dining or reading the paper, then it is probably safe to operate your awning. The concern with wind is an up lifting effect on the awning rather than a downward force; therefore the greater the pitch, the more wind resistant the unit is. F.O. Berg now offers an affordable addition to all their motorized awnings: a F.O. Berg, marine-grade wind sensor. The wind sensor, in conjunction with a F.O. Berg SmartBox™, tells your awning to retract when wind speeds increase, this reducing the potential for damage. | |
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| Q. Why would I want my retractable awning motorized? | |
| A. Nothing could be more convenient than simply flipping a switch and watching your Retractable awning roll out effortlessly. Once fully extended or retracted the unit will stop automatically. You may also stop the Retractable awning in any position by simply pressing the button again. Research has shown that a motorized awning is used four times as much as a manual unit. If you don't believe us, consider how many times you would change the T.V. channel if you didn't have a remote control. With F.O. Berg's new line of electronic accessories, we can create the system that fits your unique needs. If loss of power while your awning; extended is a concern - don't worry, we've got you covered. F.O. Berg offers a line of tubular motors that have manual override, which allows you to hand crank the awning in the event of a power loss. | |
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| Q. How long will the fabric last? | |
| A. Today's light weight, acrylic woven fabrics are designed to provide the homeowner with years of protection from rot, mildew and excessive fading. F.O. Berg's warranty covers all the products they produce for a period of five years. . When cleaning and care instructions are followed, life expectancyshould be 8 to 12 years or longer on retractable awnings. | |
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| Q. When would I need a protective hood? | |
| A. The optional protective hood (available at an additional cost) has been designed to provide adequate unit protection when structural protection is not available. Hoods are often purchased when the Retractable awning is roof mounted or fascia mounted and when not located directly under a soffit or overhang. | |
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| Q. What if I have a limited amount of space under my soffit or overhang of my home? (Example: single level ranch, second story bi-level) | |
| A. F.O. Berg has developed a roof mounting system when limited mounting exists, which is defined as less than 8' from deck surface to mounting location. This mounting system allows for water, wind, and snow to pass under the unit safely. The brackets are anchored into the roof rafter and are properly sealed to prevent leaking. | |
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| Q. Are there any other weather conditions I should be concerned about? | |
| A. The Retractable awning is primarily designed to protect you from the damaging and harsh rays of the sun. This product is not designed for rain protection. However, it can be used in drizzle or misting rains with proper unit pitch, when strong winds are not present. In heavy or driving rains, the unit must be retracted to keep water from "pooling" on the fabric and causing damage or irreversible fabric stretching. | |
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| Q. How will my Retractable awning mount to my home? | |
| A. Locate the structural framework of the home and pre-drill installation bracket holes through any siding to tie-in directly to either wall studs or headers. On roof mount applications, the installers tie into the rafters. They pre-drill to avoid cracking, and add silicone caulk to the hardware and brackets for leak prevention. All mounting applications utilize 3/8" lag bolts in varying lengths, depending on the mounting surface. | |
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