Q. How much wind is safe for my awning?
ANSWER. Every awning can withstand average breezes without any problems. Please
refer to our engineered MAXIMUM WIND LOAD RATINGS for the Sunflexx
awning located in the technical section of this website.
Q. What maintenance is required?
ANSWER. The beauty of these awnings is the fact they are virtually
maintenance free. In inland areas simply wash the frame and fabric once per year with mild
soap and water. In salt water areas we suggest washing once a month.
Q. What is a "urethane" compression shoulder joint?
ANSWER. The shoulder joint is the hinged point where the extension arm
attaches to the mounting frame & is the point of most stress. Our PATENTED
URETHANE SHOULDER JOINT acts as a shock absorber protecting the awning from damage due
to wind and rain that would destroy an ordinary awning made with common die cast aluminum.
Q. Can these be used in the rain?
ANSWER. If the awning is installed with the minimum recommended angle of
pitch, it is safe to use in light to moderate rain. If the awning is equipped with our
optional WIND & RAIN PACKAGE the awning can be used in an
even greater range of weather conditions. Awnings should never be left
unattended, as heavy rain could cause water to pool on the fabric and possibly damage the
frame and the fabric.
Q. How long after I order the awning will it be installed?
ANSWER. Depending on your dealer's schedule, you should expect
installation 2 to 4 weeks from date of order.
Q. Can I install it myself?
ANSWER. If you have basic carpentry skills and some knowledge of home
construction, you can install these yourself. However, because there are adjustment issues
and other factors to look for, we strongly recommend you let an experienced dealer install
the unit and stand behind their work.
Q. Can I buy directly from Eastern?
ANSWER. No. We only sell through a network of authorized dealers.
Q. Will the awning stress my wall?
ANSWER. When extended, the awning does exert a significant force at the
point at which it is mounted to the wall, but our certified wind load testing was
conducted on ordinary 2"x4" stud construction walls without any adverse effects.
Even under excessive force, the mount will generally release before any structural problem
could occur.
Q. Can I still have an awning if I have a very low clearance
above my door?
ANSWER. If you have low head room or a restricted mounting area where you
would like the awning, we have specially designed roof brackets allowing the entire unit
to be safely mounted on the roof. Your dealer can best advise you on the most suitable
location.
ANSWER. It is a system of drop down legs and locking pins designed to
stabilize the awning during windy or rainy conditions.
Q. Can I leave my awning unattended by buying the Wind & Rain
package?
ANSWER. No. Because retractable awnings have no direct fabric support we
do not recommend ever leaving them unattended. The Wind & Rain package is designed to
expand the usability of the standard Sunflexx, but not to be left unattended.
Q. Can we add the Wind & Rain package to a Sunflexx
afterwards?
ANSWER. Yes, but the arms must be returned to the factory for
modification thus significantly increasing labor costs.
Q. How do I find a dealer in my area?
ANSWER. Call us at 800-445-4142 and we will refer an authorized dealer in
your area.
Q. Why would I want a motor for my awning?
ANSWER. A MOTOR makes operation both easier
and more convenient. It sure is nicer to simply push a button to roll your awning in or
out, plus you can add an automatic Wind and Sun sensor or a remote control.
Q. Can I add a motor to my awning later?
ANSWER. Your authorized dealer can always add a motor later at a slightly
higher cost due to the extra labor involved.
Q. Do I need an electrician if I want a motor?
ANSWER. You would want to have an electrician wire the motor if you have
an interior switch. You can order the awning with an exterior weatherproof switch box that
simply plugs into an existing exterior outlet.
Q. How long will the fabric last?
ANSWER. You can expect the most common acrylic fabrics will last 8 to 12
years depending on use and exposure.
Q. How do I clean the fabric if it gets soiled or stained?
ANSWER. You can clean lightly soiled fabric with a solution of soap
flakes or Woolite and water. Severely soiled or stained fabric can be
professionally cleaned to look like new.
Q. How much does a Sunflexx or SunScape cost?
ANSWER. Each awning is made to size with a variety of options. Your
dealer can give you an idea of cost over the telephone if you know about what size area
you want to cover.
Q. Will the installation permanently deface my siding?
ANSWER. There will be some holes from the bolts used to secure the
mounting brackets, but there should not be any substantial modification needed on a common
type home wall.
Q. What sizes are available?
ANSWER. Each Sunflexx awning is custom made to exact widths up to 80'
with five standard projections of 6', 8', 10', 12', and 14'.
Q. What is the maximum angle of pitch?
ANSWER. The Sunflexx and SunScape awnings can be adjusted to a MAXIMUM PITCH of 45 degrees.
Q. How is the projection measured?
ANSWER. The projection is measured as the distance from the mounting
surface to the edge of the front rail with the awning extended straight. As the
angle of pitch increases, the effective ground coverage decreases. Click here to see the ground coverage chart.
