Question 1

What is the warranty on SunSetter awnings?

Accepted Answer

SunSetter awnings carry a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and arms - SunSetter's strongest structural coverage. SunDura® fabric is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Weatherbreaker® and Woven Acrylic fabrics carry a 5-year limited warranty. The Somfy® motor is covered by a 7-year limited warranty. All warranties exclude damage from weather events, improper use, or lack of maintenance. As your authorized local dealer, we register your awning and handle any warranty claim on your behalf.

Question 2

What is the difference between SunDura® and Weatherbreaker® awning fabric?

Accepted Answer

SunDura® is SunSetter's proprietary solution-dyed acrylic fabric. It is UV-stabilized, water-resistant, and mold-resistant - the most popular choice for Colorado's dry climate. Weatherbreaker® is a 100% waterproof laminated fabric that sheds rain completely, so you can sit outside again within 20 minutes of a Colorado afternoon storm. SunDura® provides better airflow; Weatherbreaker® provides maximum weather protection with a tighter weave.

Question 3

When should I retract my awning during a windstorm?

Accepted Answer

Retract your awning when sustained winds exceed 25 mph - this is the single most important protection step. The optional Somfy® Wind Sensor can automate retraction for you. Never leave the awning extended when you are away from home or overnight. Colorado hailstorms can also damage the fabric, so retract at the first sign of hail. The SunSetter frame is independently tested to 75 mph wind resistance when fully retracted.

Question 4

Is the Somfy motor on SunSetter awnings compatible with smart home systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every motorized SunSetter awning includes a Somfy® RF wireless tubular motor and remote - no wiring required. For smart home integration, the optional Somfy TaHoma® hub or Somfy myLink™ Wi-Fi bridge connects your awning to Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and SmartThings. This allows control from your phone from anywhere and the ability to set schedules or integrate with other smart home routines.

Question 5

How does the Somfy® Wind Sensor work on a SunSetter awning?

Accepted Answer

The Somfy® Wind Sensor monitors wind conditions in real time and automatically retracts your awning the moment it detects sustained gusts - protecting the fabric and frame before damage can occur. You don't have to watch the forecast or rush outside. The sensor is an optional add-on and installs alongside the Somfy® motorized system.

Question 6

Can I add LED lights to my retractable awning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LED light strips mount cleanly to the awning frame and cast warm, even light across your patio after sunset. Instead of calling it a night when the sun goes down, you stay outside - dinner, conversation, or just a quiet Colorado evening. The lighting mounts out of sight during the day and is designed to complement, not distract from, the awning's appearance. Ask us about adding it during your estimate.

Question 7

What is the warranty on Sun Pro awnings?

Accepted Answer

Sun Pro awnings carry a lifetime limited warranty on the aluminum frame and arms. The Sunbrella® fabric is backed by a 10-year fabric warranty against UV fading and weathering. Drive components and accessories are covered under a manufacturer's limited warranty; we provide complete documentation at installation. As an authorized Sun Pro dealer, CS Custom Blinds honors all warranty service locally.

Question 8

What is the difference between Sun Pro's open-roll, semi-cassette, and full-cassette styles?

Accepted Answer

Sun Pro offers three housing styles that differ in how the fabric and arms are protected when retracted. The open-roll style leaves the roller bar and fabric exposed - the most affordable option and easiest to service. The semi-cassette adds a partial protective hood over the top of the roller that shields the fabric from direct sun and light debris while keeping the lateral arms visible. The full-cassette fully encloses the roller bar, fabric, and arms inside an aluminum housing when retracted - the fabric is completely protected from UV exposure and weather, the retracted profile is clean and architectural, and it is the most durable long-term choice for Colorado's intense sun and hail seasons.

Question 9

Do Sun Pro awnings use Sunbrella fabric, and what colors are available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sun Pro awnings are available with Sunbrella® fabric, the industry's leading solution-dyed acrylic awning material. Sunbrella is woven from solution-dyed fibers - color goes all the way through the yarn, not just on the surface - so it resists fading under Colorado's high-altitude UV far longer than printed or coated fabrics. It is also mold-resistant, breathable, and can be cleaned with a mild soap-and-water solution. Sunbrella is offered in a wide palette of solids, stripes, and woven patterns; we bring physical sample books to your free in-home estimate so you can see the colors in your actual outdoor space before choosing.

Question 10

How is the SunSetter Oasis different from a wall-mounted retractable awning?

Accepted Answer

The SunSetter Oasis is a freestanding structure - it stands entirely on its own legs and requires no wall, no mounting bolts, and no drilling into your home. A traditional retractable awning mounts directly to the house wall above the door or window and extends outward from there. The Oasis can be placed anywhere: poolside, on a concrete pad, on a lawn, or on an open patio that has no adjacent wall to attach to. It gives you shade precisely where you want it, independent of your home's structure. Because it is freestanding, it can also be repositioned as your needs change.

Question 11

Is the SunSetter Oasis available in both manual and motorized versions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Oasis comes in two operation styles. The manual Oasis uses a smooth hand crank to extend and retract the canopy - it extends in seconds and is simple enough for one person to operate. The motorized Oasis adds a built-in electric motor so the canopy extends and retracts at the push of a button, with no hand-cranking required. The motorized version is ideal for gathering spots or anywhere you want effortless one-touch control. Both versions use the same freestanding frame design. We carry and install both at CS Custom Blinds; ask about each during your free estimate.

Question 12

What fabric does the SunSetter Oasis use, and how do I care for it?

Accepted Answer

The SunSetter Oasis uses SunSetter Woven Acrylic fabric - a water-resistant, breathable material that keeps you cool while allowing air to flow freely underneath the canopy. It is designed to shed light rain and resist mold in Colorado's variable climate. To care for it, brush off loose debris with a soft bristle brush, then clean with a solution of mild soap and cold water using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry fully before retracting. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach, or pressure washing, which can damage the weave and water-resistant finish. When not in use for extended periods - or any time a Colorado storm is approaching - retract the canopy to protect the fabric and frame.