Frequently Asked Questions About Motorized Screens & Retractable Awnings in Tampa Bay
Everything you need to know about motorized retractable screens and retractable awnings from Sun Solutions — Tampa Bay's trusted local installer.
Frequently Asked Questions: Motorized Screens & Retractable Awnings in Tampa Bay
Everything you need to know about motorized retractable screens and retractable awnings from Sun Solutions — Tampa Bay's trusted local installer.
Get Your Free EstimateMotorized Retractable Screens
A motorized retractable screen is a custom-fitted screen system that rolls up and down at the touch of a button. It attaches to the perimeter of a patio, lanai, porch, or garage opening and can be deployed to block insects, reduce heat and UV exposure, and add privacy — then retracted completely when not needed. Sun Solutions installs motorized retractable screens throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, and surrounding communities.
Motorized retractable screens help Tampa Bay homeowners get significantly more use out of their outdoor spaces. Key benefits include blocking insects like mosquitoes and no-see-ums, reducing solar heat gain by up to 90%, filtering UV rays, adding privacy from neighbors, and keeping light rain out of covered patios. Because they retract completely when not in use, they don't obstruct views or change the look of your home's exterior.
Motorized retractable screens can be installed in a wide range of spaces, including patios, lanais, porches, pool enclosures, garages, pergolas, and covered outdoor kitchens. Sun Solutions designs each screen system to fit the specific dimensions and structure of your space, so virtually any outdoor opening can be accommodated.
Yes. Motorized retractable screens provide full perimeter insect protection when deployed. The screen fabric creates a barrier that keeps out mosquitoes, no-see-ums, flies, and other pests — so you can enjoy your patio or lanai in the evening without sprays or citronella candles. This is one of the most popular reasons Tampa Bay homeowners invest in retractable screens.
Motorized retractable screens can reduce solar heat gain on your patio by up to 90%, depending on the screen fabric you choose. Denser fabrics block more heat and UV radiation, while more open weaves maintain better airflow and outward views. Sun Solutions helps you choose the right fabric openness factor based on your sun exposure, privacy preferences, and ventilation needs.
For most Florida homeowners, motorized retractable screens are one of the highest-value outdoor upgrades available. Florida's heat, humidity, and insects make open patios nearly unusable for much of the year. A motorized screen system converts that unused space into a comfortable, livable outdoor room. Most Tampa Bay homeowners report using their outdoor space significantly more after installation.
Yes. Garage retractable screens are one of the most popular applications in Tampa Bay. A motorized screen across the full width of a garage opening lets you work with fresh air and natural light while keeping insects and the harsh Florida sun out. The screen retracts fully when you need to use the garage door. Sun Solutions offers custom-fitted garage screens for single, double, and oversized openings.
Yes. Motorized retractable screens handle light rain and wind-driven debris well, keeping your outdoor area more usable during Florida's afternoon shower season. During heavier storms or high winds, it is recommended to retract the screens to protect them. For storm-level protection, Sun Solutions also offers separate hurricane screen systems designed to remain deployed in high-wind conditions.
Sun Solutions offers a wide selection of screen fabrics in various colors and openness factors. Options range from tighter weaves that maximize privacy and insect protection to more open fabrics that prioritize airflow and visibility. Sunbrella fabrics are available for customers who want enhanced fade resistance and weather durability. During your free estimate, the team will help you find the right combination for your space.
With proper care, high-quality motorized retractable screens typically last 10 to 15 years or more. The motor, hardware, and fabric are all rated for long-term outdoor use. Sun Solutions backs every installation with a 10-year warranty on parts and fabric. Regular cleaning and proper retraction during severe weather will maximize the lifespan of your system.
Yes. In Florida's real estate market, usable outdoor living space is a significant selling point. Motorized retractable screens effectively convert a hot, insect-prone patio into a comfortable, livable outdoor room — which is attractive to buyers. Many Tampa Bay homeowners find that motorized screens improve both quality of life and perceived home value.
Motorized Retractable Awnings
A motorized retractable awning is a fabric shade structure that extends outward from the side of a home to cover a patio, deck, or outdoor seating area. It is powered by a motor and deploys or retracts at the touch of a button. When retracted, the awning folds neatly into a housing attached to the wall, keeping your home's exterior looking clean and unobstructed.
In Tampa's climate, retractable awnings provide shade and UV protection during peak sun hours, reduce heat on patios and adjacent indoor spaces, protect outdoor furniture from fading, and let you enjoy your outdoor area without being in direct sunlight. When retracted, they give you full sun access whenever you want it. Sun Solutions awnings block up to 99% of harmful UV rays and include optional LED lighting and automatic wind sensors.
Sun Solutions retractable awnings offer a projection of 8 to 12 feet — meaning they extend 8 to 12 feet out from the wall. This range covers most standard patio and deck sizes and provides meaningful afternoon shade. Width options are fully customized to your space. During your free estimate, the Sun Solutions team will help determine the ideal projection and width for your layout.
Yes. Sun Solutions retractable awnings include a built-in automatic wind sensor. When wind speed reaches an unsafe level, the sensor triggers the motor to automatically retract the awning, preventing damage. This is especially important in Tampa Bay, where afternoon thunderstorms can bring sudden wind gusts. You can also retract manually at any time using the remote or wall switch.
Yes. Sun Solutions retractable awnings are available with integrated LED lighting built into the awning frame. This lets you continue using your patio or outdoor space after dark without needing additional exterior lighting fixtures. It is a popular add-on for homeowners in Tampa Bay who entertain outdoors regularly in the evenings.
Sun Solutions offers a wide selection of awning fabrics, including Sunbrella — one of the most respected outdoor fabric brands in the industry. Sunbrella fabrics are solution-dyed for exceptional fade resistance, are water-resistant, and are rated for long-term UV exposure. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns to complement your home's exterior.
Retractable awnings can handle light rain and are designed to shed water when extended. They are not recommended for use in heavy rain or severe weather. During storms or high winds, the automatic wind sensor will retract the awning to prevent damage. If you need full weather protection on a covered area, a motorized retractable screen system may be a better fit for your space.
Retractable awnings block direct sunlight — the primary cause of fading and UV damage to outdoor furniture, cushions, and flooring. By shading your patio during peak sun hours, an awning can significantly extend the lifespan of your outdoor furnishings and prevent discoloration of adjacent doors, windows, and siding.
A fixed awning is permanently extended and provides constant shade regardless of weather or conditions. A retractable awning can be extended or pulled back as needed, giving you the flexibility to have full sun or full shade on demand. Retractable awnings are also protected from weather damage when retracted, which typically gives them a longer lifespan than fixed awnings in Florida's climate.
A retractable awning extends outward and overhead to provide shade from above — similar to a partial roof extension. It does not enclose the sides of a space. A motorized retractable screen drops down vertically along the perimeter of an opening, creating a screened enclosure that keeps insects out and blocks wind and light rain from the sides. Many Tampa Bay homeowners install both: awnings for overhead shade and screens for perimeter protection.
Features & Technology
Sun Solutions uses Somfy motor systems — a leading global brand in motorized shading known for reliability, quiet operation, and smart home compatibility. Somfy motors are designed for long-term performance in outdoor environments and are compatible with major smart home platforms including Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit.
Yes. Sun Solutions uses Somfy motor systems, which are compatible with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. This allows you to control your motorized screens and awnings with voice commands or through a smartphone app, and to set automated schedules so your screens deploy at specific times of day.
Sunbrella is a premium outdoor fabric known for its exceptional UV resistance, fade resistance, and durability in harsh weather conditions. It is solution-dyed, meaning the color is built into the fiber rather than applied to the surface — which makes it highly resistant to fading from Florida's intense sun. Sun Solutions offers Sunbrella fabric options on awnings and select screen products because of its long-term performance and wide color selection.
Sun Solutions systems can be operated via a wall-mounted button, a handheld remote control, or a smartphone app. With a Somfy smart home hub, you can also set automated schedules and control everything remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. Every system includes at least a remote control for manual operation.
Most Somfy motor systems include a manual override option. In the event of a power outage, screens and awnings can typically be operated manually with a hand crank or by disconnecting the motor. Sun Solutions will walk you through the manual override procedure for your specific system during installation.
Before a hurricane or tropical storm, all motorized retractable screens and awnings should be fully retracted and secured. Leaving screens or awnings deployed in high winds can cause significant damage to the system. For storm protection that remains deployed during high-wind events, Sun Solutions also installs purpose-built hurricane screens engineered to meet Florida's storm protection standards.
Installation & Process
The process starts with a free, no-pressure in-home estimate. A Sun Solutions team member visits your property, takes measurements, discusses your goals and preferences, and walks you through fabric, color, and feature options. Once you approve the design and place your order, your system is custom-fabricated and scheduled for installation. After installation, the team walks you through operation and care of your new system.
Most Sun Solutions installations are completed in a single day. Single screen or awning installations typically take two to four hours. Larger projects with multiple screens across a full lanai or patio may take a full day. The team will give you a specific timeline estimate when scheduling your installation.
Yes. Every motorized screen and retractable awning installed by Sun Solutions is custom-fabricated to the exact measurements of your space. There are no off-the-shelf products. Each system is built to fit your specific opening dimensions, mounting surface, and aesthetic preferences — ensuring a clean, professional finish that looks like it was made for your home, because it was.
Permit requirements vary by municipality in the Tampa Bay area. Sun Solutions is experienced with local permitting across the communities it serves — including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, Riverview, Lutz, and surrounding cities. The team can advise you on any permit requirements that apply to your specific installation during the estimate process.
Sun Solutions offers free, no-obligation estimates for all residential and commercial projects in the Tampa Bay area. You can schedule an estimate by calling (727) 351-8115, emailing info@sunsolutionsfl.com, or submitting a request through the contact form at sunsolutionsfl.com.
Warranty, Maintenance & Repairs
Yes. Sun Solutions backs every motorized screen and retractable awning with a 10-year warranty on parts and fabric. This is one of the strongest warranties in the outdoor shading industry and reflects the quality of the materials and installation. If you experience any issues with your system during the warranty period, Sun Solutions will address them.
Motorized retractable screens require minimal maintenance. For routine cleaning, use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and water to wipe down the fabric. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry fully before retracting to prevent mildew. Periodically inspect the housing, tracks, and motor connections for debris. Sun Solutions also offers routine maintenance plans that include scheduled cleanings and system checks.
Clean your awning periodically with a soft brush and mild soap solution, then rinse well and allow it to dry fully before retracting to prevent mold or mildew. Always retract the awning before heavy rain, high winds, or storms. Inspect the fabric, arms, and motor housing seasonally for any signs of wear. Sun Solutions offers professional maintenance services if you prefer to have an expert take care of it.
Yes. Sun Solutions offers repair, rescreening, and full replacement services for motorized screens and awnings — including systems not originally installed by Sun Solutions. Services include motor repair or replacement, fabric replacement, housing and hardware repair, and full rescreens. Contact Sun Solutions to describe the issue and schedule a service visit.
Service Area & Commercial Projects
Sun Solutions serves the greater Tampa Bay region, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Riverview, Bradenton, Sarasota, New Port Richey, and surrounding communities. If you are unsure whether your location falls within the service area, contact Sun Solutions directly at (727) 351-8115.
Yes. Sun Solutions provides commercial retractable awning and motorized screen installations for restaurants, retail spaces, office buildings, hotels, and other commercial properties throughout Tampa Bay. Commercial systems are custom-designed for larger openings and higher-traffic use. Contact Sun Solutions to discuss your commercial project.
Sun Solutions is a Tampa Bay-based company that specializes exclusively in motorized screens, retractable awnings, and related shading solutions. Every system is custom-fabricated for your space, powered by Somfy motors, and backed by a 10-year warranty. Sun Solutions is not a national franchise — it is a local team that knows Florida's climate, local building requirements, and what Tampa Bay homeowners actually need to get more out of their outdoor spaces.
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Schedule Your Free EstimateWhy Choose Retractable Screens and Awnings?
Florida’s sunshine is beautiful, but it comes with heat, humidity, and sudden storms. Retractable screens and awnings let you take control of your comfort. With the touch of a button, you can create shade, protect your family from UV rays, enjoy a breeze without bugs, and still keep your view.
Homeowners often tell us their new system feels like adding a brand-new room. Restaurants and businesses love how retractable options expand seating and keep customers comfortable. Best of all, our products are built tough for Florida weather—durable, stylish, and backed by our expert installation.
Choose Sun Solutions for Your Awning Needs
When it comes to awnings, you want a high-quality, long-lasting product that you can rely on for years to come. Luckily, Sun Solutions has exactly what you need. Our team of professionals can help you decide which of our products best suits your needs. Reach out to us today to learn more, or to schedule an appointment today!