Can a Sunsetter Awning Be Installed on the Roof?
Sunsetter awnings are convenient additions for all types of households. Awnings are mounted to a home or other building -- and can keep the building cool, shade a patio and reduce energy costs. Sunsetter awnings are often installed on the wall or to the underside of an overhang, but they can be installed on the roof with the use of special roof-mounting brackets. This method is especially useful if you have a small or single-story house -- or if there are obstructions on the wall where you want to mount the awning.
Roof Bracket
The Sunsetter company offers roof-mounting brackets for separate purchase. This equipment adjusts to the pitch of your roof and can be mounted on the roof edge with bolts. Adhere to Sunsetter's instructions when installing the bracket. Your awning may come with a rafter adapter bracket, which allows for mounting directly onto angled rafters. When mounted on your roof, the awning can shade an entire area of the house, without obstructing windows or other components.
Mounting Requirements
Typically, Sunsetter awnings are mounted to the wall or soffit. For these installations, there must be 7 feet, 6 inches of unobstructed space extending from the ground to the bottom of the roof or overhang. If you don't have this much space, you may want to go for a roof mount. The clearance is required because the awning steeps low as it extends from your house, often dropping 29 inches from the top of the mount. If there are windows, lights, downspouts or doors in the way, or your home is simply too short, a rooftop mount will be best for you. The awnings can mount to virtually any material, including wood, brick, aluminum and vinyl. They also require 8 inches of vertical space, where the awning rolls up for storage.
How It Works
The unique attribute of many retractable awnings is that they roll up for storage, eliminating mounting arms that could obstruct your view. A motor rolls the awning inside a tube. It can be controlled manually, but some models have sensors that wind up the material when certain conditions are detected. The awnings protect a home from sunlight and UV rays, thanks to their waterproof vinyl material.
Benefits
A retractable awning provides numerous benefits -- including lowering your cooling costs. Sunsetter awnings are made to be corrosion-resistant, so they will last a long time and are mounted permanently. A variety of models make it easy to create the kind of installation you desire. Some models can extend as far out from the house as 10 feet, providing a wider area of shading. You can choose from a variety of lengths from 8 to 20 feet, making it possible to install Sunsetter awnings along the entire length of your home, or just in a particular area.
References
Writer Bio
Carly Fiske has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes for websites including greenanswers.com, openoffer.com and thirdage.com. Fiske holds a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology from the University of Redlands.
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