AWNING FAQs

How long does an awning last?
Today’s fabrics are generally warranted for five years. With proper maintenance and care, they should last much longer.  The exposure of your awning and care will greatly determine their life.  Our aluminum frames are guaranteed for a lifetime.

What colors are available?
Today’s fabrics come in more than 500 solid and striped colors!  Visit our Fabrics Page or click on the following links to fabric suppliers:

Does the fabric color I choose affect how hot it is under my awning?  Or, for that matter, how dark it will be shaded underneath?
Good question.  Of course, the darker the color chosen, the darker the shade effect underneath will be.  There are exceptions, however. Certain fabrics have a lighter-colored underneath side than the top-side color, which gives a more pleasing shading effect.  As for the temperature, while color choice has some slight impact, the type of fabric chosen and the overall ventilation of the installation will have a greater effect.

Are awnings waterproof?  Can I stay out under my awning in inclement weather?
Generally speaking, awning fabrics are water-repellent, not waterproof.  There are exceptions, though, which may be practical in certain environments.  The fabrics’ water-repellent characteristics allow you to fully enjoy the space shaded by the awning during any weather conditions that aren’t severe.  In other words, if the weather is nice enough for you to be outside, then it is good enough for you to be out underneath your awning

What are the support frames made from?  How durable are they?
Our metal support frames are made from aluminum and will last a lifetime!  Regular maintenance on a frame requires an annual inspection of fasteners, connections and metal condition.  Frames are also available with a painted finish for additional protection and attractiveness.

Are there any weather conditions I should be concerned about for my retractable awning?
Retractable awnings are primarily designed to provide protection from the sun’s rays and not from rain.  However, it can be used in drizzle or misting rains with proper unit pitch.  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.

What does an average-sized retractable awning cost?
Because most retractable awnings are customized for each residence, prices cannot be given without verified measurements and on-site inspection.  Your awning supplier typically can meet with you for a free, in-home consultation to design an awning that’s right for you.

What kind of wind loads can a retractable awning handle?
Retractable awnings primarily are for sun protection and should not be left out in windy conditions.  However, wind is a very unpredictable force, with a tendency to change direction and speed very quickly.  In a wind-tunnel test, which is a very controlled environment, a retractable awning withstood straight-on wind forces at over 35 m.p.h.  In “real-life” applications, the general 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 the uplifting effect on the awning rather than the downward force; therefore, the greater the pitch, the more wind-resistant the unit is.

Will my awning give me water and weather protection?
Generally, today’s awning fabrics are considered water-repellent, not waterproof.  Water-repellent awning and patio canopies will allow you to enjoy your deck or patio during most weather conditions that are safe to be outside.

 

TITAN SCREEN FAQs

Why do I need retractable screens at all?
Because of their versatility, retractable screens have significantly increased in popularity over the past decade. Depending on the screen mesh selected, retractable screens can be used for sun protection, for insect protection, as a rain and wind barrier, and as a way to maintain control of your interior climate. With the ability to retract them into their self-storing housing, retractable screens are only in place when needed, so you still have access to unobstructed views and complete open air circulation when not needed.

Why should I select Titan Screen over other similar products on the market?
Before developing their own screen system, Titan Screen’s parent company, Sunmaster of Naples, installed other retractable screen products, but was never completely satisfied with the quality and longevity of those other screens. David Rinker, chief developer of Titan Screen, examined the shortcomings of the screens currently on the market and engineered a system to improve on those problems, things like screens frequently coming out of the tracks, deflection of the motor tube (which causes the downward arc or “smile” effect), and failure of motors and electronics. The resulting product, Titan Screen, is the best functioning and longest lasting retractable screen system available today.

Can I install Titan Screens myself?
Titan Screen is not a “Do-It-Yourself” product. Our dealers have specialized training in the installation of Titan Screen. With a professional installation, your screens will work trouble free for many years. Contact us for the authorized Titan Screen dealer in your area.

How large can my Titan Screen be?
The maximum width of Titan Screens is 21 feet and the maximum height is 18 feet. If you choose clear vinyl screens, however, the maximum width is 14 feet* and the maximum height is 18 feet. *Note: The clear portion of the screen is limited to 100” wide with the balance being solid vinyl borders.

Will there be visible seams in my screen?
The vertical seams on the side are completely hidden in the tracks. Depending on the height, there may be a visible horizontal seam in your screen. Seams are normally placed as high as possible, unless otherwise specified. Most screen material allows for a height of ten feet before a seam is visible, while other materials have seams at six or eight feet. Titan Screen offers an exclusive insect screen product, Super Screen 17/20, with no visible seam until 10 feet 6 inches, the highest in the industry. Check with your authorized Titan Screen dealer as to whether there will be a visible seam on your screen selection.

Why is clear vinyl limited to 14 feet wide?
Clear vinyl shrinks and expands with changing temperatures. After extensive testing, we have determined 14 feet to be the maximum allowable width so the shrinkage does not impede the function of your Titan Screen.

Is there anything else I should know about clear vinyl screens?
Over time, clear vinyl will yellow and crack. To help prevent this, it is imperative you clean and condition the vinyl regularly – every two weeks, at most – with a vinyl cleaner like Plexus (available at most Home Depot and Lowes). Cleaning with Plexus also keeps static from building up on the vinyl roll, allowing your screens to continue to function properly. Our clear vinyl screens are not supported by a warranty.

Can my Titan Screens be operated with a motor?
Titan Screens can be motor operated, manually operated, or both. We exclusively use Somfy motors and electronics, the world’s leading manufacturer for tubular motors.

What kind of controls can I use to operate my Titan Screens?
Somfy has a full line of compatible controllers for Titan Screen motors, such as hand held and wall mounted remotes, hard-wired switches, and more. You can operate your screens one-at-a-time, as a group, or anything in between. With unlimited variations, your fully customize options allow you total control with a simple push of a button.

Can I integrate Titan Screens with my home automation system?
Yes, Titan Screen can be integrated with most home automation systems, like Crestron and Control4. Somfy also offers home automation components that work exclusively with their motors. And with the recent addition of obstacle detection, you can confidently lower your screens automatically on a timer without the worry of something being in its path.

Obstacle detection, what’s that?
Titan Screen has added mechanical obstacle detection to all our motorized assemblies. What this means is if an obstacle, like a chair or a tree branch that has blown into its path, is encountered while the screen is being lowered, the motor will simply stop revolving. This prevents the motor from burning out and the screen from being damaged in the tracks.

Can Titan Screen be built into the soffit and the tracks embedded in the columns?
Titan Screen was designed to work well as both a built-in or after-market surface mount. A built-in Titan Screen has to be installed during the construction phase of your home or business, before stucco or other siding material is applied.

I live in a hurricane area and want to install roll down shutters as well as screens?
Titan Screen’s design allows for integration with many roll down shutter systems. With compact rolling shutter systems like Nautilus Shutters, you need as little as 12 ½ inches of headroom to be able to stack shutters and Titan Screens for a 12-foot-high opening. It’s possible to stack built-in units, as well.

what are my choices for housing colors?
Titan Screen housing comes in four standard colors – white, beige, ivory and bronze. Dozens of custom colors can be special ordered to ensure a perfect complement to your home or business’s exterior façade.

What about colors of the screens?
Insect screen is available in black or white only. Solar screens are available in numerous color options, and depend on which solar-rated screen you select.

What is the warranty for Titan Screen?

  • All in-stock screen material is supported by a 10-Year pro-rated warranty.
  • Clear vinyl is not supported by a warranty.
  • Somfy motors and electronics are supported by a 5-Year replacement warranty.
  • Powder coating is supported by a 1-Year warranty.
  • All other labor and materials are supported by a 1-year warranty.