Retractable Self-storing Patio Awnings
Make Your Outdoor Living Easy To Enjoy

SunShelter is designed to enhance the look of your home. Easy maintenance-free design and operation makes outdoor living more enjoyable. State of the art materials and superior craftmanship ensure your solar protection for years to come.

Beautify Your Home       Control Heat

Experience The Elegance

of America's leading brand of awning. You've made the investment in a deck or patio with the intention of enjoying the outdoors; now, with the touch of a button, you can. At Durasol's state-of-the-art production facility, skilled technicians build pride into every awning they create to provide you with a superior product that adds lasting value and beauty to your home.

Comfort & Control

Our retractable SunShelter Awning offers you the control you need to combine the comfort of an indoor lifestyle with the beauty of outdoor living. The SunShelter can offer you as little or as much sun as you want, allowing you to stop the unit at any desired position. And that's great news, since EPA findings suggest that excessive UV exposure can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.

The SunShelter can be mounted on virtually any flat surface or under a soffit. When limited mounting height is available, the SunShelter can be roof mounted using Durasol's specially designed brackets.

Created to be a natural extension to outdoor living, the SunShelter is maintenance-free and self-storing when not in use. To retract, simply touch the switch and walk away - the SunShelter will stop automatically.

*Also available in hand-operated (non motorized) models

Frequently Asked Questions

-- Questions most often asked about the Durasol SunShelter Retractable Fabric Awning

Q. If there are no poles, what supports the unit?

A. The SunShelter 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.

Q. What happens to the SunShelter in the winter?

A. The SunShelter by design, is self-storing when retracted. Many SunShelter 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 SunShelters all year long!

Q. What kind of wind loads can the SunShelter 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 SunShelter 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. Durasol now offers an affordable addition to all their motorized awnings, a Durasol, marine-grade wind sensor. The wind sensor, in conjunction with a Durasol SmartBox™, tells your awning to retract when wind speeds increase, reducing the potential for damage.

Q. Why would I want my SunShelter motorized?

A. Nothing could be more convenient than simply flipping a switch and watching your SunShelter roll out effortlessly. Once fully extended or retracted the unit will stop automatically. You may also stop the SunShelter 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 Durasol's new line of electronic accessories, your local dealer can create the system that fits your unique needs. And if loss of power while your awning extended is a concern - don't worry, we've got you covered. Durasol 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.

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. Durasol's warranty covers all the products they produce for a period of five years. Life expectancy, when cleaning and care instructions are followed, should be 8 to 12 years or longer on retractable awnings.

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 SunShelter is roof mounted or fascia mounted and when not located directly under a soffit or overhang.

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. Durasol 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 properly sealed to prevent leaking.

Q. Are there any other weather conditions I should be concerned about?

A. The SunShelter 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 avoid water from "pooling" on the fabric and causing damage or irreversible fabric stretching.

Q. How will my SunShelter 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 mounting surface.