We Learned Everything About SunSetter Retractable Awnings So You Don't Have To

When you want to add shade to your backyard patio, exploring the different retractable awning types is a good place to start. This type of retractable awning allows you to decide whether you need to block the sun or allow it to provide warmth, depending on the weather of the day. If you are considering installing a retractable awning, one of the most well-known brands is SunSetter. The company has been in business for over 30 years and claims to have 1 million satisfied customers. Just because it's a well-known brand, though, doesn't make it the ideal brand for your needs. SunSetter issued a recall on some of its products in the past few years because of several injuries and one fatal accident.

SunSetter tends to offer lower prices for its retractable awnings than some other well-known brands, which makes it worth considering for people with a lower budget for this type of project. It's known as a budget-priced awning because it uses less expensive parts than some other brands to construct the awning framework and fabric. Should you worry about these potential drawbacks? We'll break down everything you need to know about SunSetter awnings.

Perhaps the biggest area of concern related to SunSetter awnings is the fact that the company had to participate in a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall for the vinyl covers on some of its motorized awning products. When the homeowner secures the cover with bungee tie-downs and then inadvertently activates the power for the awning, the cover could suddenly let go with excessive force, striking people standing nearby and possibly causing injuries and falls.

As a further issue, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against SunSetter because it failed to acknowledge the danger of the defect and didn't report it to the CPSC until 2017, even though the company had been selling the awnings since 1999 and knew about the danger beginning in 2012. From the time SunSetter received its first report of an injury from the vinyl cover defect until it issued the recall, it had 14 reports of the defect, resulting in several injuries and a death.

SunSetter did provide a fix for the recalled product, shipping breakaway clips to users for free. These clips replace the bungees, allowing the awning to release with far less force when someone inadvertently activates the power, which reduces the danger. SunSetter provided detailed instructions along with the breakaway safety clips to ensure a safe and easy fix of the issue for homeowners, once again making it one of the safest and best ways to shade your patio.

When you want to compare prices for SunSetter awnings to other companies' offerings, visit the SunSetter website. You can find prices here, but you have to provide an email address and some contact information to see them. Motorized awnings range from about $3,700 to $5,400 for a 14-foot version. Non-motorized versions range from about $2,650 to $4,700 for a 14-foot product. You will pay up to an additional $400 for installation of a non-motorized model and up to $1,000 for a motorized model's installation. If you don't have an electrical outlet near the area of the motorized awning installation, you can expect to pay another up to $300 for an electrician to install the outlet.

The cost for retractable awnings from other companies most commonly fits between $2,000 and $3,500, but a range of $1,200 to $10,000 is possible if you are considering unusual sizes or designs. Larger coverings with higher-quality materials and motorized designs will cost even more. You could pay $20,000 or more for some large motorized awnings that consist of the highest quality materials. From your SunSetter awning, you can expect to receive 5 to 15 years of lifespan, as long as you follow the manufacturer's instructions for care. Depending on the product, SunSetter awnings carry either a 5- or 10-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Such longevity makes this retractable canopy a great way to enhance your outdoor space in a worry-free manner.