Measure twice. Buy once. Fit it properly. A retractable awning looks like a doddle. Just a bit of fabric on a frame, innit? Not quite, mate. Get the size wrong and it looks proper naff. Pick rubbish fabric and it's faded within a year. Bodge the mounting and it'll be ripped off the wall by the first gust of wind. Awnings for houses aren't cheap. So do yourself a favour and get the details right before you fork out.

How Do I Choose the Right Size?

Measure the space. Then measure it again. Don't be lazy.

The awning needs to cover the bit you actually use. Not the whole bloody wall. An awning that is four metres across when your patio is only three metres is absurd. If you buy one that is too small, you’ll regret it because you could have gotten a bigger one. Measure now the width of the area you want to shade.

Sizing basics:

• Width should match or slightly beat the area you're shading

• Projection decides how far it reaches out

• Too big looks clumsy and strains the frame

• Too small leaves you roasting

What Fabric Should I Choose?

Either acrylic or solution-dyed. Stay away from cheap polyester.

The fabric is most important of all. The cheap kind fades after one season. It tears. It goes mouldy. Solution-dyed acrylic is the dog's bollocks. The colour goes right through the fibre. It doesn't fade. It handles UV. It dries quickly. Costs more upfront. But it'll outlast the cheap stuff by years.

Fabric options compared:

• Solution-dyed acrylic: Best. Fade-resistant, durable, breathable

• Polyester: Cheaper. Fades faster. Goes mouldy

• PVC: Waterproof but cracks and discolours

• Canvas: Traditional but heavy and a right faff to maintain

Should I Get Manual or Motorised?

Motorised if you can stretch to it. Every time.

Manual awnings use a hand crank. They do the job. But you've got to physically wind them in and out. Motorised ones work off a remote or a switch. That matters more than you'd think. You'll actually use it. You'll retract it when you should. You won't leave it out in a storm because you can't be arsed winding it in.

Manual vs motorised:

• Manual: Cheaper, simpler, no power needed

• Automated: Convenience, easier to operate, can have wind detectors

• Wind detectors: Automatically retract with gusts. Well worth every penny

Where Should I Mount It?

Above the door or window. But check the wall first.

The majority of awnings are usually mounted on walls, either above doors or windows. However, not all walls are able to bear the loads. Brickwork is fine, but render may be problematic. Cladding may require secure fixings. Also, one should avoid concealed services. When in doubt, seek professional advice.

Mounting considerations:

• Wall type. Brick, render, timber, or cladding

• Weight of the awning when extended

• Hidden pipes or cables

• Height. Too high reduces shade

• Wind exposure at that spot

What About Wind?

This is where most awnings come from.

Awnings don't like wind. Extended fabric catches gusts like a sail. Cheap ones rip. Badly mounted ones pull clean out of the wall. Even decent ones get damaged if left out in a storm. If you live somewhere exposed, get a wind sensor. Or just be disciplined about retracting it.

Wind protection:

• Wind sensors auto-retract in gusts

• Always retract when you're not using it

• Don't leave it out overnight in exposed spots

• Select an appropriate frame based on your conditions.

Is It Necessary to Have Planning Permission?

Normally no, but make sure that you do.

It is rare that retractable awnings require planning permission. They're seen as temporary structures. But there are exceptions. Listed buildings. Conservation areas. Some leasehold agreements. Check before you buy. The last thing you want is to fit it and then get told to take it down.

When to check:

• Listed buildings

• Conservation areas

• Leasehold properties

• Flats and shared buildings

• Anywhere with restrictive covenants

How Much Do They Cost?

Varies loads. Depends on size, fabric, and motorisation.

The basic manual awning will cost you between £300 and £600. The motorized one will range between £800 and £2,000. The bigger the size and the more the better the fabric, the more the cost will increase. Installation is an additional cost. It is worth getting several quotes. However, do not select the cheapest.

Price factors:

• Size and projection

• Fabric quality

• Manual vs motorised

• Frame material and strength

• Fitting complexity

Can I Fit It Myself?

Technically yes. Realistically, no.

DIY awning fitting is doable if you're handy. But it's fiddly. You need to get the mounting height right. The brackets need to be level. The wall needs to take the weight. One mistake and the awning sags, sticks, or pulls out. Professional fitting isn't that dear. And it comes with a warranty.

Why pros are worth it:

• Correct mounting height and positioning

• Proper fixings for your wall type

• Levelled brackets for smooth operation

• Warranty on the fitting

• No risk of damaging your wall

How Do I Look After It?

Not much. But a little goes a long way.

Retract it when not in use. Wash the fabric once or twice per year. Brush away the dirt. Look for signs of rust or loose joints on the frame. Motors may need servicing from time to time. That's all there is to it really. Take care of it and it should last many years.

Maintenance basics:

• Retract when not in use

• Clean fabric annually

• Brush off leaves and debris

• Check fittings and brackets

• Service motors every few years

What About Shutters Stop Services?

They're the same lot who fit shutters. And they know outdoor installations.

Shutters stop services are not restricted to shutters alone. They include awnings, blinds, and exterior shades as well. One-stop solution to all of your needs, therefore. Consistent service standards and quality as well. If you are having shutters installed, inquire about awnings in the process. More economical too.

Should I Get a Cassette or Open Roll?

Cassette. If you can stretch to it.

A cassette is a protective housing the awning rolls into. Keeps the fabric clean when retracted. Protects against weather and UV. An open roll leaves the fabric exposed. Cassettes cost more. But they extend the life of the awning significantly.

Cassette vs open roll:

• Cassette: Protected fabric, longer life, neater look

• Open roll: Cheaper, fabric exposed, shorter lifespan

• Full cassette: Covers the arms too. Best protection

Picking an awning isn't complicated. But it's easy to cock up. Measure properly. Choose quality fabric. Mount it right. And think about motorisation. Do that and you'll have shade for years. Skip it and you'll be replacing it in two.

Thinking about awnings for houses? Give Shutters Stop a bell. We'll help you pick the right size, fabric, and mounting. Professional fitting. Proper advice. No pressure. Visit https://shuttersstop.co.uk/ for a free quote.