Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to reveal the answer.
How do I store the awning for winter?
Retract the awning or canopy for winter. If your awning has a hanging valance, remove it by sliding it out from the front bar. Put it in a well-ventilated dry area where it won’t be bothered by squirrels or mice. Don’t store it in a plastic bag, as this will trap moisture and could produce mildew.
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Can I install the awning myself?
For the best use and operation, we recommend professional installation through a professionally trained authorized Aristocrat Dealer.
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What options are available?
Our awnings come with a variety of options and the best way to find out about them is to contact your local dealer.
- Motor options include remote control operation, switch operation, motorized with manual capability for areas with frequent power outages, and automatic sun and wind sensors.
- Telescoping legs for extra stabilization
- Vario–Valance for additional screening
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How effective are the awnings at providing shade?
Awnings block 97% of the harmful UV rays. They significantly improve the comfort of your patio or deck.
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Do you offer any financing for your products?
We offer a variety of financing options for our entire line of Aristocrat products through dealers who participate in our financing program. Even if they choose not to participate in our program, many dealers offer other financing options. Contact your local dealer to see what type of financing they can offer you.
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What is the effect of awnings on my utility bills?
Awnings will lower your cooling costs. In addition, the benefit of retractable awnings is that you can allow the winter sun into your home for extra warmth.
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Can the awnings be used in the rain?
Awnings are primarily a sun shade, not a rain cover. As such, the fabric is designed to “breathe” so you don’t swelter under your awning. Our Teflon® coating helps repel moisture, but it is not waterproof. Keeping the awning extended during a heavy rain will cause water to collect in the fabric and could cause the awning to collapse.
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What is the minimum height requirement for mounting an awning?
The mounting height is a function of the projection. A minimum of 80 inches is needed from the front bar of a fully extended awning to the ground. The mounting height must be higher – how much higher depends on how far out the awning projects. See our technical page for mounting height requirements. Awnings can be mounted on your roof to add height.
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How big can you make the patio awnings?
Our patio awnings extend up to 16’5”. A professionally installed Slim Fit Awning can be as narrow as 5’1”, and the Estate awning can be as wide as 41 ft.
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What if I get tired of the color?
The fabric can be replaced. A professional installer can replace the fabric at your location, or the awning can be shipped back to the factory and recovered.
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How does the automatic sun and wind detector work?
State of the art electronic sensors extend your awning automatically when the sun comes out and retract it at night. The wind sensor retracts your awning automatically when the wind gusts above 20 mph. The wind sensor overrides the sun detector for damage protection.
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I was told to keep my awning plugged in, even during the winter. Why?
When you unplug your awning for an extended period of time, you will lose the programmed settings for automatic stop and the awning will have to be re-programmed.
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Can we adjust the pitch of the awning?
The pitch of the awning can be adjusted by the installer to meet your shade requirements. The Vario Valance is a great addition to protect you from the glare of low sun and provides privacy as well.
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What kind of material do you use for the fabric?
Aristocrat Awnings come in your choice of beautiful, solution dyed acrylic fabrics. Unlike old fashioned canvas awnings, acrylic dyed fabrics will not mildew or rot. There are more than 100 choices in solids, stripes, and tweeds, and all fabrics are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. Fabrics in the Craft-Bilt fabric collection carry a 12-year warranty and are Teflon® coated to help repel dirt and water without diminishing air permeability.
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What is solution dyed acrylic?
Acrylic is a synthetic or manufactured fiber that is both soft and lightweight. It resists rot, discoloration, and mildew, dries easily and retains its shape and texture. A solution dyed acrylic yarn is a yarn where the color has been added into the polymer before it is extruded into a yarn form. Because the color is part of the polymer, the fade resistance of a solution dyed yarn is superior to the fade resistance of package dyed yarn and piece dyed fabric. The solution dyed acrylic fabrics used in Aristocrat Awnings have been especially chosen for their ability to resist fading and retain fabric strength.
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What causes “dimples” in the awning?
Dimpling is a natural occurrence with products that use a roller tube. The hems and seams are tighter than the single layer panels. This sometimes causes dimpling next to the seams, hems, or the center of the fabric panel. This dimpling is natural to acrylic fibers and does not affect the quality or durability.
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How do I keep my awning fabric clean?
If you want to keep the fabric looking fresh, the fabric should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt, bird droppings or residue from your roof are permitted to accumulate and become embedded in the fabric. For more about caring for your awning fabric, please go to Fabric Care.
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Why don’t the elbows of my retractable awning straighten out when the awning is open?
The lateral arms will be flexed, but locked, at the elbow when fully extended. This is a normal part of the frame design. They will never fully straighten out. Trying to do so will damage the awning.
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Should I oil the moving parts?
The aluminum components have a durable finish and the joints are self–lubricating. Aristocrat Awnings are designed so that maintenance is not normally required. However, it is a good idea to hose off the framework and wipe it with a soft cloth at the start of the outdoor season. Lubricate the moving parts yearly with a dry silicone spray to maintain optimal, quiet operation. If unusual creaking occurs when operating, try lubrication before calling your dealer. The most prevalent place where an awning needs lubrication is at the end of the roller tube, on the side opposite the motor or gear. A bit of spray lubricant on the axle bushing at this point eliminates almost all squeaking noises. Be sure to keep the spray away from the fabric.
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Can I leave the awning out in the rain?
A light rain is okay – but water should not be allowed to collect in an extended awning. This could stretch the fabric or leave a stain…and could add so much weight that the awning could fall.
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How can I keep birds from nesting in the awning?
Choose an awning with a hood and tray – or a Manor® style awning with a completely closed cassette feature.
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How can I remove a stain on my awning?
Clean stains immediately with soap and water using a soft brush or cloth. For more information, please go to Fabric Care.
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Can I order matching awnings for my windows?
Absolutely! Please visit our Window Awning page for more information.
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What should I do if the motor isn’t working?
Shade products come with a variety of motors, and you should refer first to the operating instructions that came with your awning, canopy, or shade. For troubleshooting information, you can also visit the website for the motor manufacturer here. Be sure to avoid thermal overload in the motor, which will result from repetitive use. The motor will disable itself for a 15–20 minute cooling period rather than allow itself to be damaged by excessive heat. This is a safety feature. Children should not be allowed to play with the remote control or the awning operating switch.
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How do I re–program my SOMFY remote control?
Please visit SOMFY's website for instructions.
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Is Aristocrat's Deck really waterproof?
Yes. Aristocrat’s decking boards have a unique design that join together under a pressure-locked seal. Water is not likely to get past this seal, but in the rare chance that it does, a continuous gutter in each board will carry the water away. In climates where it freezes often, ice could clog the gutter while there is meltwater on top of the deck. This could cause some water to drip under the deck until the ice is cleared from the channel. Due to this, it is not recommended to use Aristocrat’s aluminum deck as the only roof for a living area. However, as long as the deck has proper flashing between the deck boards and house and it is installed according to our guidelines, there should not be any water issues.
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Is the aluminum deck easy to install?
Yes. Our decking system is easy for homeowners familiar with power tools and DIY projects to install themselves. Easy to follow installation guidelines are provided, and if you’re not handy, you can hire a contractor or handyman to install it for you. You will have to cut the boards to length with carbide tip blades for non-ferrous metal, drill clearance holes for joists, and then screw the boards to the joists with the provided stainless steel screws.
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Doesn't the aluminum deck get hot?
Although all decks retain heat in direct sunlight, aluminum stays cooler than other decking materials. It is also important to remember that the deck color you choose affects its heat retention. Lighter finishes will always be cooler than darker finishes. We used a thermal gun to test the temperature of different decking material on a hot summer day, and aluminum was clearly the coolest. You can view a video of our test here.
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Is the deck really maintenance-free?
Aristocrat’s Aluminum Decks are designed to look new for decades. Since the boards will not twist or warp, you will not have to repair or replace them. With a baked on durable powder-coated finish, there is no need to repaint or restain, and there won’t be any nails or screws popping with the hidden fasteners. You’ll truly be able to enjoy your deck for years without the maintenance required of other decking materials.
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