Motorised Vs Manual Patio Awnings – Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right patio awning can transform your outdoor space, providing shade, comfort, and style. However, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to opt for a manual or motorised awning. Both types have their benefits, and the best choice depends on your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
At Rigby’s, we supply and install a full range of manual and motorised patio awnings. We have put together a comprehensive guide below to help you make the right choice.
Why Invest In A Manual Patio Awning?:
1) Budget
One of the biggest advantages of manual awnings is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to motorised versions, manual awnings are much more affordable. Since they don’t need electrical parts or professional wiring installation, you save on both upfront costs and long-term maintenance.
For example, our manual awnings typically start at around £1,200, while electric models usually begin at £2,000 or more.
2) Low Maintenance
Manual awnings require very little maintenance as they are not powered by a motor or electrical system, they have fewer parts that can break down over time. No wiring or remote controls to worry about, just a simple hand crank mechanism which is easy to use and reliable.
3) Energy efficiency;
Manual awnings are inherently more efficient and environmentally friendly than their electric counterparts, primarily because they operate without the need for electricity. This means they consume zero energy during use, reducing both your utility bills and your carbon footprint over time. Electric awnings, while convenient, rely on motors and electrical systems that draw power every time they are extended or retracted, even minimal use can add up.
Why Should You Invest In a Motorised Patio Awning?:
1) Additional Features – Lights and Sensors
One of the standout features of motorised awnings is the integration of intelligent weather sensors. These sensors can detect sun and wind. They retract automatically when faced with adverse weather conditions. This means you don’t have to constantly monitor the weather or rush outside to adjust your awning, it takes care of itself.
At Rigby’s, all of our motorised patio awnings feature built in weather sensors and integrated LED lights, meaning that you can benefit from your awning all year round.
2)Remote Control
A remote control is a great addition to an awning because it adds a high level of convenience, allowing you to operate the awning effortlessly from anywhere within range, whether you’re inside the house or relaxing on the patio. With just the press of a button, you can extend or retract the awning without having to manually crank it or go outside.
3) Ideal for Larger Spaces
Electric awnings are an ideal choice for larger outdoor spaces because they offer effortless operation and greater convenience, especially when dealing with wider or deeper awning systems that would be physically demanding to operate manually. As the size of an awning increases, so does the weight and resistance of the fabric and frame, making manual cranking impractical particularly for everyday use. Motorised awnings solve this issue with smooth, push-button control, allowing you to extend or retract even the largest awnings quickly and evenly.
Our patios awnings can be installed up to 7M ( Width) check out one of our large patio awning installations below!:
There’s no doubt about it, having a patio awning is a great investment. Whether you choose a manual or motorised model will depend on several key factors.
If you have any questions regarding our awnings or would like to receive a free quotation please do not hesitate to contact us Our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
