Are expensive awnings worth it?

[eachmorningiwakeup]

I just got an eye-popping quote for an awning for our very hot side return extension and very small garden. (We bought the house, didn't build it --- it's amazing 85% of the year, a nightmare heat box in the summer.)

The brand is Markilux so it's high-end and has a 20-year warranty and we are never moving (so not wondering if I could recoup the value). It's motorized so it comes up in the wind; we are not careful enough to remember to do this.

Any thoughts? Was your awning life-changing?

We have one, but it’s not high end. It does make a difference in the summer and in winter, it’s folded up. DH ordered and fitted it.

I have one on the front of the house, which is operated by unwinding a thin rope, or winding it back up again around a hook, so pretty low tech. 😁 It does make a huge difference as we're south-facing.
The wind and rain will destroy it if it gets left out. Between the two of us we always remember, but on the odd occasion the weather has changed out of nowhere the neighbours have always closed it for us. Likewise, we'll close the neighbours awning if they're not home.
I can also recommend rolling metal shutters for blocking the heat out. Our house stays cool despite 30+ temperatures.

My DH's business is to sell and fit (Markilux) awnings. He really does believe they're well worth the money and when we've eventually moved to our forever home, he wants one up straight away! He moved over to Markilux from another brand and believes the quality is much better.

This is really helpful all -- many thanks! So glad to hear your husband thinks they're good quality. @Chanel05 I think we'll go for it.

@eachmorningiwakeup Hi, how do you go with getting a motorised awning?

Summer is nearly here and already I have to keep the curtains closed as the sun shines straight into the room and is sooo bright!

@Chanel05 whereabouts is your DH's business, we're down in Wiltshire?