Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Eastside Shade & Awning
GENERAL FAQs
Q: What is your service area?
A: We primarily work on residential and commercial projects that are located on the Eastside and greater Seattle area. However, depending on the project, we work as far away as Montana, Oregon, Eastern WA, San Juan, Whidbey, Vashon & Bainbridge Islands, and more. Please use our Contact Form for more info.
Q: How do I know what I need: exterior solar shades vs. retractable awning vs. retractable pergola?
A: First ask: “What am I trying to accomplish?”
- Is it reducing heat and UV light coming into the home or business?
- Is it adding cover and protection to make an outdoor patio area more usable?
- Is it for shade from the sun or for year-round use?
A1: Second: Determine your project budget. Based on these two factors, we can help you determine which solution best meets your needs.
Q: Can your systems be used in the rain, wind, snow, etc.?
A: It depends.
Our retractable awnings are primarily designed to provide shade. They are not meant to be left open or used in heavy wind, rain, snow, ice, etc. Any damage to the fabric, frame, arms, motor, drop shade, etc., is excluded from all of our manufacturers’ warranty coverages.
Our retractable pergolas can be used almost year-round, although it depends on the model and type of fabric on the pergola. However, we do not recommend leaving them closed during heavy rains and/or snow. Any damage caused to the fabric by pooling water, snow load or ice will void the warranty.
Our exterior motorized shades can be used year-round. However, we do not recommend operating them in wind gusts over 25+mph. It is better to either leave them closed/down or open/up.
Our manual maxi-drop shades should not be left closed/down in wind gusts over 10-15mph.
For more warranty details, please see the FAQs for the specific system.
Q: Do you handle electrical work?
A: Normally we can plug into an existing external outlet to power the motors. If one is not available, we can have our certified electrical company provide all electrical-related services (including hard-wiring). Cost varies depending on the scope of work and location of the install site.
Q: Are permits needed for awnings and retractable pergolas?
A: If it is residential and removable, then typically no. There are cases where residential clients have installed a pergola on their rooftop, and had to have it removed because it was not permitted or approved by their city. If a structure blocks your neighbors’ views, permits may be required.
For MOST commercial projects, permitting is required for retractable awnings, pergolas, and fixed awnings.
We handle permitting in most cases at an additional cost that varies depending on the scope of the project. All permit fees that are assessed by the municipality are passed along directly to the client.
Q: Why do people choose to work with you vs. all the other awning and shade companies?
A: That would be a question to ask our clients over the past 63 (and counting!) years. New clients usually contact us because of our higher-end systems from markilux, SummerSpace, and Corradi. But the majority of our clients come from referrals. We also come highly recommended by leading design firms, architects, builders, contractors, property management and real estate companies, such as Olson Kundig, Dowbuilt, CBRE, Pulte Homes, and many more.
Our clients tell us that they like continuity and accountability. Meaning, they like that we have the same people who do the site visit, also do their install. This eliminates finger-pointing between sales and install teams.
Lastly, we try to communicate clearly and as often as possible throughout the project, and manage expectations from start to finish and during service calls.
Q: What is your sales process?
A: First – we almost always ask for a photo of the install area. This way if we have any questions or concerns regarding mounting, we can discuss those via email prior to a site visit. Second – we ask you to include rough measurements of what you are desiring to install or we can sometimes determine the size needed, from the photos. Please complete our Contact Form to get started.
After we receive your inquiry, we try to provide you with a rough idea of starting cost for the systems that we provide. If this fits within your project budget, then we normally schedule a site visit.
During the site visit we will confirm measurements, discuss the different solution options, discuss the install, and have you select frame & fabric. Afterwards, we will email you a formal estimate.
If you decide to move forward, we require a 50% deposit to start the manufacturing process.
Q: Do you have sales, financing, discounts, etc.?
A: We do not have seasonal sales or financing. If you are a residential client, then please use our Contact Form regarding possible payment discounts if paying via check, ACH, or wire.
We require a deposit to start the manufacturing process for all of our systems. Turnaround time to install depends on what system you are configuring. Lead times below are after the deposit is received. Times can be longer for special orders, custom RAL paint, etc.
- Exterior Solar Shades: 2-4 weeks.
- Retractable Awnings: 3-8 weeks.
- All markilux systems: 10-12 weeks (if using UPS Air from Germany).
- Custom Covers: 4-6 weeks.
SOLAR SHADES
Q: Do you have options other than motorized shades?
A: Yes, since we have options for custom shades, we can provide solutions that other companies cannot. We offer manual options as well as custom designed shades for complex openings such as on patio structures.
The right option depends on your project budget and aesthetic requirements. Please use our Contact Form to start your project!
Q: Do you have shades for patio structures?
A: Yes, depending on the design of your outside area, we can typically install either motorized or manual shades.
Q: What is the difference between exterior shades vs. interior window treatments?
A: If your goal is to provide sun/weather protection, as well as preserve the interior contents of your home or patio structure, then exterior shades are well worth the investment. Exterior shades are designed to keep the heat and UV out, BEFORE it radiates through your windows. On the other hand, interior blinds are for privacy and some shade. Exterior shades are proven to reduce heat by 5-15 degrees inside your home or business.
Q: What is the process & turnaround time after we decide to move forward?
A: After a site visit, we will email you a formal estimate. If you decide to move forward, we require a 50% deposit in order to get your shades into manufacturing. From time of deposit received to install, it is usually about 2-4 weeks depending on the time of year.
Q: What are your frame & fabric options?
A: We have square and round housings for exterior motorized shades. We primarily use Twitchell’s shade fabric and the selection can be found here: https://www.twitchellcorp.com/store/c23/exteriorshading There are upcharges for “special order” fabrics.
Q: What is the warranty for your exterior motorized shades?
A: 15 year fabric, 10/5 year frame/powder coat, 7/5 year motor (Alpha/Somfy), 1 year of our labor.
For more details: https://www.templarscreens.com/warranty-information/
Q: Do you service exterior shades?
A: Yes, we service all of the shades (and awnings) that we install. Services range from motor replacements, replacing shade fabric, reprogramming, removal & re-install services, and other troubleshooting services. There are exceptions if you have other manufacturer shades installed. Service is a case-by-case determination so please use our Contact Form to get in touch regarding services.
RETRACTABLE AWNINGS
Q: Do you have options other than motorized awnings?
A: Yes, but the cost difference between motorized vs. manual operation is minimal, compared to adding a
motor at a later time. Most often, due to the size of the awning, it is not feasible nor recommended to have a
manually operated awning. Most of our new motorized awnings include an emergency manual override, and
we provide manual crank handles in case the motor has issues. Please use our Contact Form to get an idea
of the cost for your desired awning configuration.
Q: What if we do not have enough room under our eaves or on our siding for an awning?
A: We have roof-mounted awnings specially designed for this situation. Our systems have the option for
either normal height or extension roof-brackets. Either option should provide enough height for your awning.
We will make sure it is comfortable enough to stand underneath, while maintaining the recommended 15
degree pitch/slope for water dispersion.
Q: Could our awning extend horizontally flat (i.e., no slope)?
A: Yes, but we will note on your invoice that the awning has no slope (for warranty purposes). When the
awning is flat, it can only be used in dry weather. It cannot be left open in the rain, as water will pool on the
fabric and void the warranty.
Also note that all of our manufacturers recommend a 15 degree pitch/slope for their awnings. This slope
usually reduces the covered area of an awning by 3-6”. So if your projection is 10’, then the actual covered
area would be closer to 9’ 9”.
Q: Do I need a drop shade with my awning?
A: It depends. Typically for homes and businesses that face the sunrise or sunset (or are on the water),
having the additional drop shade is necessary. Drop shades are usually motorized and the motor is
rechargeable. With normal use, the drop shade motor only needs to be charged every 6-12 months.
Q: What is the warranty coverage and exclusions for your awnings?
A: It depends on the manufacturer. For SummerSpace, warranty details can be found here:
https://www.summerspace.com/resources/warranty/
For markilux, details can be found here: https://www.markilux.com/en-us/service/awning-repair
Q: Do you replace awning fabric and what fabric do you use?
A: Yes, we do and we use either Tempotest made in Italy or Sunbrella made in the USA/China. Please use
our Contact Form to start the process.
Q: Do you clean awning fabric?
A: No, we do not. However, some professional window companies will clean awnings. Just be sure NOT to
use a power washer or harsh chemicals. Instructions for cleaning and maintaining your awning fabric can be
found here:
https://www.tempotestusa.com/Performance/Resources/Tempotest-Marine-Awning-Care-Cleaning.pdf
https://www.sunbrella.com/blog/tips-for-cleaning-your-sunbrella-fabric-awning
Q: Do you service retractable awnings?
A: Yes, we service all of the awnings that we install. Services range from motor replacements, replacing
awning fabric, pitch adjustments, reprogramming, removal & re-install services, and other troubleshooting services. Service for awnings other than SummerSpace/NuImage, markilux, and Corradi, are on a case-by-
case basis. Please use our Contact Form to get in touch with us.
COMMERCIAL & FIXED AWNINGS
Q: What types of fixed awnings do you carry?
A: We only install fixed frame awnings that have welded aluminum frames. The frames can be powder-
coated to an exact color match for an additional cost. We then stretch your choice of fabric / vinyl on the frame and you can also opt for graphics.
We do not fabricate tie-rod, glass, or steel awnings.
Q: What is the turnaround time for a new fixed awning?
A: It depends on many factors. Please use our Contact Form to start your project.
Q: What fabric options do you have for commercial awnings?
A: We usually recommend vinyl material for commercial awnings. We also use Tempotest or Sunbrella
awning fabric, depending on the project. All commercial awnings should have flame-retardant certified
coating or fabric / vinyl.
Q: Do you replace fixed awning fabric and graphics?
A: Yes, in most cases we can remove / dispose and make / replace the fabric for your fixed frame awnings. In
addition, we can install new graphics on the new awning so your business has a fresh new look!
Q: Do you repair fixed awnings that are damaged by vehicles, etc.?
A: Typically fixed awnings are NOT repairable, once they are hit by a truck, object, etc. This kind of damage is
common, especially for awnings near loading docks. Once the frame has been compromised, it is most
likely no longer stable or safe to keep on the building. Due to the required engineering and permits for your
municipality, we typically never repair and ONLY replace damaged fixed awnings.
CUSTOM WORK
Q: What kind of custom covers do you make?
A: Examples of covers can be found on our Gallery page. We specialize in covers for outdoor furniture, grills,
kitchens, tables, and related.
Q: Do you make and/or repair boat covers?
A: No, we do not. We recommend contacting King Marine Canvas in Seattle.
Q: Will you repair my covers?
A: We only repair covers that we have fabricated. Most covers are not repairable due to age, damage, etc.,
and would need to be re-fabricated.
Q: What is the process for getting a custom cover made?
A: Please use our Contact Form to get in touch with us. Then we will provide you with a rough idea of cost for
the cover. If that fits within your project budget, then we schedule a site visit to template the covers.
Afterwards, we will email you a formal estimate and then a 50% deposit is required to move forward with
your project.
The two primary outdoor cover materials we use are HarborTime Edge (vinyl) or WeatherMAX 80 (fabric):
https://www.trivantage.com/itemfiles/pdfs/samples/HarborTime_Edge_Sample_Card.pdf
Q: Do you replace chair sling material?
A: It depends. We can replace most Brown Jordan, Tropitone, and Kingsley-Bate sling fabrics. We do this
work during our off-season, generally from November – February. Please use our Contact Form to get in
touch with us.